Fishing in the salty oceans, bays, and estuaries along the coast opens up an exciting world of sport fishing. The strong fighting fish, beautiful scenery, and laidback lifestyle associated with saltwater fishing attract anglers from all over the country. However, coastal fishing does come with its own unique set of challenges that differ from freshwater fishing. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best tips and techniques for saltwater fishing for finding and catching more saltwater gamefish.
Getting Started
Before wetting your first line, it’s important to understand some of the key differences between fresh and saltwater fishing that impact your approach and gear. The open ocean and large bays act as giant highways for bait and predatory fish to travel quickly and cover more territory. You’ll need to cover more area when searching for fish.
Additionally, the forces of strong tides and currents mean you often need heavier weights to keep your baited hooks and lures down near the bottom. And the saltwater environment is very corrosive, so your gear needs to be rinsed after each trip to prevent corrosion and wear. Stainless steel leaders, swivels, and hooks hold up better than plain steel.
You’ll also want to match the size of your fishing rod, reel, line, and terminal tackle to the size of the species you’re targeting. For example, inshore fish like speckled trout, redfish, and flounder don’t require as robust gear as offshore trophy fish like tuna, sailfish, or marlin.
No matter what you’re fishing for, having a reliable depth finder/fish finder, GPS device, and accurate charts are key pieces of gear for finding fishy spots like underwater structures, drop-offs, wrecks, ledges and sloughs off the beach.
Top Saltwater Baits and Lures
Live and dead natural baits are very effective for most saltwater species. Shrimp, squid, and cut bait fish will all readily attract bottom fish like snapper, grouper, croaker and more. For larger pelagic fish like mahi-mahi, trolling skirted ballyhoo rigs is a proven technique.
If you prefer casting artificial lures, here are some of the most popular and productive options for tempting saltwater predators:
– Surface lures like poppers, stick baits and spooks are great for species that hunt by ambush near the surface, such as speckled trout, snook, and striped bass. Work them with an erratic “walk the dog” cadence.
– Jigs will catch just about anything, especially with the added attraction of a live shrimp or gulp worm trailer. Bounce jigs along sandy bottoms or structures for flounder, redfish, and sheepshead.
– Soft plastic swimbaits on a jig head mimic wounded baitfish when retrieved with a stop-and-go motion. Try paddle tails, shads, and jerk worms to trigger strikes.
– Metallic spoons and diving crankbaits imitate fast-moving forage. The flash and action provoke reaction bites from mackerel, bluefish, barracuda, and more.
Where to Find Saltwater Fish
On any given day, tidal stage, weather, season, and water temperature all influence fish location and activity levels. As such, locating fish in the ocean can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. Experienced coastal anglers rely on their knowledge of fish habits and habitats to pinpoint the highest probability areas. Here are some of the best places to focus your search:
– Inlets/Passes – Funnel baitfish and predators alike as they ride tidal currents. Target eddies, rips, bars, and drops.
– Docks/Piers – Offer shade and structure. Check pilings and seawalls for lurking fish.
– Grass Flats – Provide ambush cover and prey for trout, reds, and tarpon. Drift or troll along edges.
– Mangroves – Extensive root systems shelter juveniles and baitfish that gamefish feed on.
– Wrecks & Reefs – Act as oases of structure that congregate all kinds of marine life.
Of course, birds dive-bombing bait schools or pot-licking dolphins can clue you into feeding frenzies worth investigating.
1. What kind of rod and reel do I need for inshore saltwater fishing?
For most inshore species like redfish, speckled trout, and flounder, a 7-foot medium power spinning rod paired with a 3000-4000 size reel loaded with 15-20 lb braided line works well. Go a bit heavier for snook or sharks.
2. What is the best bait to use when bottom fishing?
Live or freshly dead shrimp and cut bait like mullet, menhaden or squid are all excellent baits for common bottom dwellers like snapper, grouper, sheepshead, and black drum. Tip jigs with them too.
3. How do I prevent my gear from corroding in salt water?
Thoroughly rinse rods, reels, tackle, and gear with fresh water after each saltwater trip. Store gear in a cool, dry place. Choose stainless steel hooks, leaders, and hardware over plain steel. Waxing reels help protect too.
4. What is the best way to catch mackerel?
Trolling is hands-down the most effective technique for targeting speedy mackerel. Drag spoons, plugs, and rigged ballyhoo behind the boat over structures, reefs, ledges, or anywhere that holds baitfish that macks feed on. Cover water until you locate the schools.
5. When is the best time to fish saltwater flats?
Target flats an hour or two before and after the tide changes from low to high or high to low. Changing water levels position predators to ambush bait getting pushed in and out of the flat. Prime feeding times!
