Salt Water Fishing for Beginners

Salt water fishing offers plenty of variety.

Fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the country, with salt water fishing attracting many enthusiasts along the 10,000 miles of U.S. coastline. Salt water fishing offers a diversity of game fish and a number of methods to catch them. Some states require a salt water fishing license, so check with your state's license bureau or conservation department.

Gear

Basic salt water rod and spinning reel.

A beginner should first choose a saltwater fishing rod, which can be made of fiberglass or graphite. A fiberglass rod would be best suited since it's cheaper and tougher than a graphite rod. The action and length is determined by the type of fishing you're going to be doing.

There are two types of salt water fishing reels, spinning and bait-casting, with spinning being the most popular. The type and size of the reel should be matched to the rod. Other essential items are pliers, fishing knife, lead weights, monofilament line and leaders, hooks and a tackle box to hold everything. A beginner should also learn some basic fishing knots.

Pier Fishing

Pier fishing doesn't require much energy.

Pier fishing is the easiest and most accessible type of salt water fishing for beginners. Pier fishing appeals to many anglers because you don't need to cast and the tackle is fairly simple. A medium to stiff-action rod in the six to eight foot range will handle most fish when combined with a reel that holds 12 to 30 pound test line. Check with the local anglers or bait shop for the best bait to use.

Party Boat Fishing

If you don't mind standing elbow to elbow with other fishermen, party boat salt water fishing has it advantages since boats can cover a lot of water and experienced captains know where to find the fish. Party boats charge a fee per passenger for regularly scheduled trips. A party boat holds a set number of passengers and charges the same fixed fee for all anglers. The number of anglers on an outing depends on the size of the boat. Medium to heavy-action rods no more than six or seven feet will work best with a reel holding 20 to 50 pound test line. Many boats will supply the bait if you're not using artificial lures.

Private Charter Boat Fishing

Charter boats are expensive.

Private charter boats are available for hire, but at very high prices. For instance, in the Florida Keys some boats charge three anglers almost $1,200 for an eight hour day. Charter boats usually go after big game fish such as sailfish and marlin in warmer waters. The advantage to this type of fishing is that a charter boat will supply everything you need. Just bring your credit card.

Bottom Fishing

Bottom fishing from a boat.

Bottom fishing is done by dropping a bait straight down to the bottom of the water from a boat. Similar to pier fishing, no casting is necessary and a six or seven foot medium-action rod works very well. A spinning reel with 30 to 60 pound test line makes this an outfit that can haul big fish off the bottom.

Surf Fishing

Surf fishing requires some skill.

Of all types of salt water fishing, surf fishing probably requires the most skill and is the least recommended for beginners. Being able to cast a surf rig accurately and far requires some practice. Surf rods are usually made of graphite, can be anywhere from nine to 14 feet in length and are made for both spinning and casting reels, the choice depending on the angler. Surf rods are designed for very long casts that can get a bait out beyond the breakers on the beach.

Maintaining Equipment

Rods and reels need to be washed down after each use.

Though salt water rods and reels are built to resist the corrosive effects of salt water, it's always advisable to wash them down with fresh water after each outing. Even line guides on a rod should be rinsed as they can be subject to corrosion. After periodic use, reels should be taken apart and reel oil applied to all moving metal parts. Surf reels, in particular, should be washed down to flush out any sand that may have gotten into the reel.

References

• Takemefishing.org: Saltwater fishing

Resources

• Activeangler.com: Learn How To Tie Strong Fishing Knots