Hey danny, I'm Chuck in Ocala, so we're pretty close. I'm new to this website. I'm not sure how they figure the times for fishing. I find it to be a little off myself, the other day I looked and it was a poor day, I caught more fish than I had in months! I know it has a LOT to do with not only the moon phase, but the barometer too. Fish tend to 'turn-off' on a falling barometer. Fallinf usually indicates a front moving into the area. As far as the rig to use, that is depending on what you are trying to catch. If youre fishing for anything, (saltwater), you can use a simple rig of a weighted bobber, leader and a live shrimp.
freshwater, now thats another story. Bass... artificial worm/buzzbait/spinner bait/live bait.
Specks (crappie), small hook, small weight, amall bobber and a small minnow. Obviously there are a lot of variations, just depends.

Hi Danny

Check out this article. It needs a little revamp but it should give you a good idea of how the fishing times are calculated: http://www.fishingreminder.com/best-fishing-times-explained.html

The major times are generally the best times. They normally work great for me.
But you'll also have to look at the weather, wind, sun and tides.

You'll have to experiment a little to find out what works best for your location and on certain days and conditions. E.g. if it is too windy during a major time its better to fish at a minor period.

I have one location that I always fish at major times and another location that seems to fish better during the minors. Sometimes if the weather isn't too good during the solunar periods I go fishing at sunrise or sunset instead.

But in the long term I have had the best fishing during the major times. B)

Welcome Danny! This group and site has a lot of good topics at left side front page to link , take advantage of this knowledge .These members are great folks to offer help ,and friendly too enjoy. We are all Beginners every day, what works one day might not the next, so be ready to change Bait, line ,rigs, i have learned that it is best to take an extra reel and pole,and tackle ,I know you are studying up on this, good one.(if you can't afford a new Pole etc., there are good used ones available, I am semi-retired so we watch our budget, we moved from the Big city to rural area-Bull Shoals/White River, in No.Arkansas,Good fresh water Fishing here.)
Buy your Tackle etc in Off season, yes i know Florida, you can fish full time, but the catalogs-online companies ,like Cabela,or Bass pro shops, offer discounts this time of year and during the winter Holidays,order there catalogs to get some ideas, and don't over buy .

Go to the library and check out some Books on the Type of fishing you do, (like Gene Kugach on Fresh water Fishing,Look on Amazon's Reviews carefully to get some ideas, , these books will show you many tips and you will find that you wish to stock on your own Book shelves,ofcourse the library is a free way to get educated .Learning will save time as well.This advice i share ,so you will excel with ease your fishing skills.Be Patient ,it comes together .Learn knots online free YouTube ,Books and Cards, all are tools to help you Fish quickly when needed, Practice knots with twine type or parashoot rope .
You will enjoy the Fishing in Florida, We hear you have fantastic catches in Fresh or Salt water. Remember , it is not you catch the largest or big numbers, it is all about getting outdoors , smelling ,Seeing and experiencing the wonder . Have Fun,Enjoy Fishing ,
AJ

PS make sure and make some local Fishing Buddies, they will give you their 2 cents worth,also the local Bait shops ,find one you trust and get along with,ask a lot of questions, be prepared to jot down some notes.