I want to catch fish. Can you help?

My brother Ron, who landed
these Texas carp

I am on a mission. A mission that makes perfect sense for anyone living in a state surrounded on three sides by water.

My mission? Catch fish.

Ever since Dad patiently taught my brother and I the mechanics of using a rod and reel, how to use bait and the proper way to clean  a fish, I've been -- pun, intended -- "hooked" on fishing. About the same time, my grandfather and uncle introduced me to lake fishing, Georgia-style. And later, my father-in-law , who had a lake house, invited me to join him on his boat, and that ramped fishing up to the next level.

Fun times, and I caught my share of bass, crappie and bream. Although my brother Ron always seemed to catch more. He just had that special fishing mojo.

But somehow, in the middle of family and career, relocations and changing times, the old fishing pole got relegated to the back of the closet. It's mostly been there ever since, a sad-looking lure still attached and gathering dust.

But as I watch the endless parade of boats coming and going on the IntraCoastal, the line of rods and reels along the beach and off the overhanging bridges -- not to mention the fact I live 50 feet from the IntraCoastal itself -- I decided the time has come to re-tool, re-hook and re-jig.

First things first, I need to get educated about Florida fish and Florida waters. Since, I don't have access to a boat, I'll be trying my luck off the banks. So I ask .... what kind of fish are lurking in the IntraCoastal? What kind of bait to use? Top water, or go deep?

​If you know, shoot me an email, please. In the meantime, here's John Candy's idea of how to fish from the movie, "Armed and Dangerous":

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