A frequent mistake first-time Florida anglers make centers on tackle selection.

When scanning the saltwater scene throughout beach and backcountry areas, we'll see some folks using rods and reels that are far more adaptable to offshore grouper digging than for inshore trout fishing.

This situation is encouraged by enthusiastic fishing writers and Chamber of Commerce-types who hint that everything in Sunshine State waters is a "tackle-buster."

While it's true that a person concentrating on catching a two-pound trout for dinner may encounter a bull red, a 20-pound snook, a giant jack, an enormous drum, or a wall-hanger tarpon, he's probably handicapping himself by preparing for a chance meeting with a species other than his original quarry.

It's just not practical to hunt squirrels with a 30/06, nor to chase relatively small fish with telephone poles. Keep in mind, any fish can see 20- to 40-pound line far more readily than 6-, 8-, or 10-pound test.

In most inshore or backcountry open-water environments on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, anglers can not only beat the occasional trophy on light tackle, he can enjoy it more.

A suggestion: Never go after anything in inshore or backcountry waters with tackle heavier than you would employ for smallmouth bass in an Illinois pond or walleyes in a Michigan lake, unless fishing from a bridge or pier, or drifting a bait back to bridge or pier pilings where it's vital to quickly move a fish away from obstructions and heavy cover. Another exception might be when bottom fishing for grouper on rock piles in deep channels.

Naturally, those targeting such big fish as tarpon, bull reds, or snook might consider a jump to 17- to 20-pound test and increasing the rod's heft a bit.

Another consideration, especially during cooler months when waters tend to clearness, is leader material.

Though many experts may argue, I feel that leaders in most instances are self defeating. If you're using light line to fool fish in clear water, is it logical to attach a foot or two of wire or heavy shocker material that will stand out like a bag lady in Palm Beach?

Many fish pursued during cooler months, such as trout, whiting, silver trout, and jacks, have small teeth or none at all, and chances are--when hooked--their choppers won't even reach your line.

Except for such things as Spanish mackerel, kingfish, sharks, or blues, I'll tie a hook or lure directly to the line and forget about leaders. I feel that I'll hook more fish without leader material and that I'll get cut off no more than anyone else. Naturally, the line just above the lure or hook should be checked frequently for abrasions.

Guys like Captain Scott Moore in Boca Grande often express concern when I go for big stuff like tarpon, snook, amberjack, or grouper minus a leader.

Certainly there are times when I'm cut off. However, this may be due to carelessness in not checking for line frays than in teeth that slice through the monofilament. Another advantage in tying directly to the line--I think--is that a lure or bait acts more natural.

For better or worse, it's my theory that you get more strikes and catch as many (if not more) fish without leaders for most types of fresh and saltwater species, especially when waters are unusually clear.

What do you think?