You could say that salt water fishing is the equivalent of leveling up on your fishing game since most beginner anglers start out with freshwater fishing.
As anglers improve their skills, most will want to give salt water fishing a shot at least once, and many end up thoroughly enjoying the challenge it presents.
Basic Fishing Gear Needed for Saltwater Fishing
There is a significant difference between saltwater and freshwater fishing, primarily due to the type of water you would be fishing in.
Saltwater beginners are good to go with medium-weight reels and rods. Spinning reels are recommended because they are easier to handle, especially for novices.
If you’re going to go after big game and are ready to step up your fishing techniques, then you’re going to look for high-grade saltwater rods and reels.
When you go looking for the right fishing line, you’re going to want to spend a little more for the sake of quality because salt water takes a toll on the line.
In other words, spend the money needed for the right line because when your bargain line snaps while trying to reel in the fish that could become the “I caught a fish that was THIS big” story, you’re going to wish you hadn’t gone for the cheaper option.
Types of Fishing Line
There are two main types of fishing line – the monofilament and the braided line. Old-school anglers used monofilament as the golden standard, but there have been advances bringing forth the braided line.
Braided lines are thinner than traditional monofilament lines, but are just as strong or stronger. The braiding makes them more resistant to the wear and tear that happens as a result of constant exposure to saltwater and sunlight.
Monofilament lines are still good lines to use, but you’ll have to replace them more often since they tend to deteriorate more quickly.
You can find different lines at sporting goods stores like Academy, Bass Pro, Cabela’s, among others. You can also find them online at Amazon, too.
Caring For Your Gear
Salt can cause issues when fishing in salt water. Most people understand that salt causes corrosion and rust, but this is even more likely to happen to your fishing gear.
There are some steps you can take to care for your equipment so that this kind of thing doesn’t happen.
- Use fresh water, like out of your garden hose, to wash your reel and rod after every use.
- Spray your reel with WD-40 after cleaning. It creates a thin shield to protect your reel.
The Types of Fish Caught in the Ocean
The fish you catch depends on what part of the world you’re in. As an example, think about how long the California coastline extends.
Once you get to a certain point, you’re going to be in different water. Northern California has saltwater fishing opportunities for rock fish, lingcod, halibut, and striped bass.
You’ll also find sockeye salmon in the Pacific unless they are migrating to return to fresh water for spawning. Other fish, like the redfish and speckled or spotted trout, can be found along certain coastlines.
Here’s an interesting fact for you – there are two types of speckled trout. One lives in freshwater, and the other lives in coastal saltwater. More accurately, the speckled trout that lives in freshwater is the brook trout, while the one living in coastal waters is better known as the spotted trout.
Best Lures and Bait for Saltwater Fishing
Just like with freshwater fish, the type of fish you catch is going to rely on the bait that you use. As a general rule of thumb, the saltwater fish are going to go after the bait that looks most like the species it usually eats.
With that in mind, some fish prefer bait like clams and mussels, while others will go after strip baits. Other saltwater species have a steady diet of squid and sea worms, so learning and applying that information will make your fishing experience much better.
When it comes to saltwater fishing lures, if you use them correctly, then you’ll be more likely to be successful. It’s not just a matter of putting a lure on the end of the line. You need to know which lures that are effective in salt water.
A few lures that are worth mentioning include poppers, plugs, spoons, as well as slugs or grubs. Some of the more recent lures have also been treated with fish pheromones that attract what you’re trying to catch.
No products found.
Time to Go Salt Water Fishing
So long as you are prepared to tackle saltwater fishing, you will have a fantastic time. Make sure you have the right gear, the right bait or lures, and plenty of sunscreen, so you don’t burn while waiting for the fish of a lifetime to pull on your line.
Last update on 2022-12-15 at 04:39 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
