If this helps: Hubby goes down to Sarasota area from Alberta at least 3 times a year for his fishing fix of 4 to 8 weeks depending since 2009. He gets an annual salt fishing license as cost for a few days not much more for annual he's remarked to me. He loves Venice Pier (told by countless folks don't even need a license on the pier but you would on the beach!!) for Shark fishing at night (600lb bull landed one year and lots of Sandbars back Nov/Dec '14), and mackerel, jacks, pompano, flounder, drum, odd sheepshead, ladyfish, redfish etc during the day as is available all over generally. He also loves the Jetties Nokomis, and sometimes goes out to Longboat area, there are lots of shore fishing areas within 45 mins of Sarasota in all directions right up to Anna Maria Island.
For his bass (and gar) fix he goes about 2 to 2.5hrs to Lake Okeechobee. He only gets a freshwater license for that about every other year as he generally loves the salt water variety more he "hopes" to catch,, and we get our Bass fix usually at Lake Havasu AZ in March.
Think he pays around $47 a year for each license, and we've found for the small difference in price over a week versus a year we tend to go that route mostly wherever we go. Wish we could get a NA wide annual license (oh well, no harm wishing). Generally have found we've got our best bang for our buck with Fla licenses over most other states we've visited.
FWIW, that's what has worked for us (oops, him - I'm just the caddy!)
It Takes No More Effort To Aim High Than To Aim Low - Reach For The Stars
