Fishing is not just a hobby, but a relaxing and rewarding one at that. Both experienced and amateur anglers understandthat the feeling of grabbing the fishing pole and heading to the fishing location is sort of exciting and unwinding at the same time. There are many types of fishing according to the location and method, but for a vast opportunity to catch a lot of fish, fishing in saltwater may be the best. A great location plus the best fishing reels will always result to a successful fishing trip because of an abundant catch.
Fishing in saltwater is basically fishing in the ocean. It can be done on a pier, on a boat, or on shore, which is also called surf fishing. You can either use a live bait or an artificial bait, depending on the fish that you are trying to catch. Most of the time, anglers aim to catch tuna, marlin, cod, halibut, Kingfish, mackerel, sea trout, snapper, striped bass, and other great saltwater fish.
But, in order to have a great catch, you need to have the appropriate equipment. The foundation for a successful saltwater fishing are good saltwater reels and rods. Nowadays, there are advanced tools that you can buy, but you also need to consider the following when purchasing.
- Longer rods cast farther, while shorter rods can provide more power, especially when catching a fighting fish. So, it is important that you consider the length and the power that you need, as well as the action that you want to have. Action for rods can be considered fast for a rod that is stiff, while it can be considered slow if the rod bends all the way to the handle. Power refers to the weight that the rod can carry, from light to super heavy.
- The make of the fishing rod is also another consideration. Most rods are made of graphite or fiberglass. If you want a stiffer and more sensitive rod, go for a graphite rod. But, if you want a tougher and more powerful rod, then you should go for a fiberglass rod.
- Saltwater fishing reels can either be classified as low speed or high speed. Low speed reels offer more power for catching a big fighting fish, with a ratio less than 4:1. On the other hand, high speed reels can retrieve baits rapidly with a ratio greater than 6:1. There are also reels which allow you to switch from high speed to low speed with just one push of a button.
- Line capacity is another factor to consider when picking out a saltwater reel. Line capacity is usually marked on the body of the reel in feet or yards per pound test of line.
Once you are equipped with the best saltwater rod and reel, it is time to do the actual fishing. Below are basic saltwater fishing tips for beginners, to help make your angling adventure a great one.
- Practice alongside experienced anglers. Everyone needs a little help sometimes and saltwater fishing is one activity wherein you need all the guidance that you can get. Go on a fishing trip with experienced anglers so that you can practice your skills alongside them. You can go on a fishing party or head boats where the staff can help you throughout the experience. You can also go fishing in public fishing piers where you can pick up the basic skills and best practices of the regulars.
- Know how to use and handle your equipment properly. Having the best equipment is just the first step. In order to be good at fishing, you also have to familiarize yourself with the processes of casting, knot tying, and baiting. You need to get the hang of these important steps so that when you go on a fishing trip, you are already familiar with your equipment.
- Consider the wind and weather conditions, as well as the phases of the moon and the sun. This can make all the difference when you go saltwater fishing because the wind and weather conditions have a huge effect on the migration patterns of fish, while the phases of the moon and sun also affect where fish can be found. Different types of fish may also be abundant during different times of day. That is why, picking the proper location and the time for fishing matters.
- Research the area to find the perfect spot for fishing. The internet is a great tool to get tons of resources about natural and man-made structure in the area where you intend to go fishing. Do some research about the type of structure that fish like to live in and find a way to locate those structures. Also, take time to know the most promising areas to fish by looking over navigation charts. Know the different species of fish that are abundant in the area so that you can determine the best tackles to use.
- Aside from doing a little research, talking to the locals is another great way to find out what is going on in the area where you intend to go fishing. They are most likely familiar with the best baits and tackles to use, depending on the time of the year.
- Know how to spot fish. Most of the time, the best places to go for saltwater fishing have indicators. Beachfront locations with holes, pocket, and reefs, as well as channels leading to deeper water are usually great spots to look at. Fish feeding in hot spots and gulls and birds circling on an area can also be an indicator of where you can catch more fish.
- Patience is key to successful fishing. Do not move quickly from spot to spot just because you have not caught any fish within minutes. Try at least a couple of different baits and probe on points that look promising. You will eventually have that first catch, just do not give up.
Saltwater fishing can be fun, exciting, and most of all, a rewarding experience. You just need to keep in mind that even the most experienced and the best anglers were also beginners once, so take time to practice your fishing skills and honing your craft. If you intend to make saltwater fishing a long term hobby, you also need to invest in the best equipment. Just make sure that you also learn how to protect them as the best equipment do not come cheap.
