Most young anglers learn to fish in a freshwater lake, river, creek, or pond. Small rural farm ponds may be great to learn and practice important angling tactics like improving casting distance and properly presenting your lure or bait. On the other hand, the sea retains a unique appeal for many ardent fishers. Those who try saltwater fishing frequently become addicted to pursuing the great range of species found there.
Beginner’s Guide to Saltwater Fishing
Fishing is America’s most popular leisure sport, with more active participants than golf, tennis, and sailing combined. Saltwater fishing alone attracts almost 25 million people across the United States in a single year. The number of locations and fish species accessible to saltwater fishers might seem nearly unlimited, whether trolling offshore for huge tuna, drifting across a calm bay for flounder, or fishing the water of the intertidal flats for redfish and trout.
Saltwater and Fishing Gear
The first thing new saltwater anglers need to know is the main difference between freshwater and saltwater fishing: the water. Salt hastens the corrosion process, and the ensuing rust may severely harm anything metallic it comes into touch with, including your reel and connected gear, as well as your fishing rod’s line guides.
The good news is that corrosion may be easily prevented by simply rinsing your rod and reel with fresh water from your garden hose after each saltwater fishing trip. After that, spray your reel with a silicon-based lubricant like WD-40 to help extend the life of your equipment. Although saltwater tackle is often more durable than freshwater tackle, you still need to do your share to keep it in good working condition.
Basic Tactics
Although high-quality conventional saltwater reels and rods offer the essential backbone for large game anglers fishing offshore, individuals new to saltwater fishing should start with a good medium-weight spinning combination. Unless you’re an expert at casting a conventional reel, a spinning spin will allow you to release further while avoiding the annoying backlashes and birds’ nests that come with traditional gear. A good spinning combination with a 10 to 25 test line rating will cover you in various situations, from surf and pier fishing to drifting in bays and coastal estuaries.
When fishing in freshwater, basic light to medium tackle may be enough to cover you in most scenarios. Whether you’re deep-sea fishing, drifting in a tiny boat a half-mile off the beach, surfing onshore, or fishing from a bridge or pier, you’ll need to tailor your gear and approach to the situation.
