I live in Ohio, but I'm planning on making my annual trip down to the Fort Lauderdale, FL region in late May. I never fished outside of Ohio/Pennsylvania before, and I hope this May will be different. I'm hoping to grab a Florida State Fishing License and give some canals in that region a try for Peacock, Largemouth and if I get lucky maybe some Snook.

Anybody from South Florida know if canal fishing in May in this region is any good? Would it be like fishing a pond or river up here in Summer where I could throw a buzz bait or plastic worm and catch myself some bass? What type of preparation would I need? Would I be better off getting a guide for a day?

I'm well aware that even decent bass in Summertime Ohio are quite different than South Florida bass. That's what makes the adventure so exciting!

Thanks  8-)

March-May are "PrimeTime" down here. Just like fishing anywhere else. Crankbaits, Jerkbaits, Spinnerbaits, Topwater and Soft Plastics. Unless your bringing a boat or renting a boat/guide you'll be confined to walking the bank which has its limitations (houses and fences..etc.) I'am sure you'll get plenty of pointers to put you on some better canals.

Depending on when the rainy season starts, that is the time when the water levels in the glades is the lowest. The fish all recede into the canals and are sitting ducks. You should be able to catch both large numbers as well as well some good sizes. I'd recommend a guide for the peacock and I will PM you the name of one who specializes in that species and take you to some pretty underfished areas.

As far as baits, (probably not an issue that time of year, but....) senkos either wacky or t-rigged, shakyheads and 7-10 inch worms,  with weight and hollow body frogs are all good choices. Not a need for a lot of elaborate tackle.

Now, if we get a tropical storm and the water levels are way up, then it's tough.

BassMike88...I can vouch for the peacock guide Salmicropterus pm'd you. He put me in touch with the same guy earlier this month and even with water temps in the low 60's he was able to put me on good numbers of peacocks with the biggest being a few ounces short of five pounds. Thanks again Dave for helping make my Fla trip a good one...CoBass.

March-May are "PrimeTime" down here. Just like fishing anywhere else. Crankbaits, Jerkbaits, Spinnerbaits, Topwater and Soft Plastics. Unless your bringing a boat or renting a boat/guide you'll be confined to walking the bank which has its limitations (houses and fences..etc.) I'am sure you'll get plenty of pointers to put you on some better canals.

Bassmike, just hire Capt Shane for down here he'll put you on them  ;D, especially if he takes you to the Glades!  Shane you are too humble man!

Agree, Captain Shane is truly a class act.  He has always given me advice or pointers either via pm or my posts.  Thank you Capt!

May is about the time the snook start really turning on, we hope for lots of rain then.  With rain comes the opening of the gates at the spillway, snook, tarpon and jack crevelle heaven, better bring some heavier tackle they get big at the spillways, bucktails, flukes on jig heads.  Spoons on the beach, hard or soft jerk baits in the ICW.

My time will be limited, but I'll be there May 16-20th.

May is about the time the snook start really turning on, we hope for lots of rain then. With rain comes the opening of the gates at the spillway, snook, tarpon and jack crevelle heaven, better bring some heavier tackle they get big at the spillways, bucktails, flukes on jig heads. Spoons on the beach, hard or soft jerk baits in the ICW.

The Pompano Beach drift boat action for king fish and snapper should be good in the Atlantic ocean as well.

The four hour trip includes bait and fishing pole.

May should be an excellent month for fishing in south Florida, fresh or salt. Enjoy your vacation.