Saltwater Fishing Basics

Saltwater fishing is fishing in water that has high quantities of salt, such as oceans, gulfs and seas. Saltwater flows inland in coastal areas, so saltwater fishing is possible near the mouth of rivers and streams in coastal areas. Saltwater doesn't come from precipitation nor does it come from melting ice and snow. There are hundreds of saltwater fish species, including sea catfish, cod, mackerel, barracuda, tarpon, eels, swordfish, dolphinfish, snapper, mullet, flatfish, turtle, tuna, sharks, garth, bass, flounder and pollack.

Saltwater Fishing Equipment

Saltwater Fishing Rods
A fly fishing basic rod for saltwater fishing should be 8½ to 9 feet (2.4 to 2.7 meters) in length. These cost between $100 and $500. Any rod under $100 will not be adequate. If you are a beginner it will be wise to choose a rod in the $100 range. Once you hone your skills, you can buy a more expensive rod if you wish. Another option for beginners is to borrow a rod from someone you know.

Saltwater Fishing Reels
It is a good idea to buy a reel that is resistant to saltwater corrosion. These reels are made from such materials as fiber/resin, stainless steel, titanium and plated steel with components of bronze or brass. This type of reel will run between $100 and $500. To learn which type of reel is best for your area, ask an experienced saltwater angler who has used his reel for more than two years, as this is the point in time when corrosion problems begin to appear.

Saltwater Fishing Line
If you plan on fishing in flat and shallow estuary situations, a floating fly line will work. These are the best lines for beginners. If you plan to fish your fly beneath the water surface, you will be better off with a clear, intermediate fly line. If you'd like a greater advantage, try one of the newer clear, sink tip lines when you're wading. These lines do not tangle around your feet like other fly lines.

Saltwater Fishing Leaders
Keep it simple. There are a few basic rules related to leaders. Use longer leaders for shy fish. For toothy fish and those with sharp fins use tough, thick leaders. When using a floating line and a fly that is weighted, use a long leader in deep water. If you're using a sinking line in deep water, use a short leader.

Saltwater Fishing Flies
Saltwater fly selection can be simple. You have a variety of choices. You can buy flies at bait and tackle shops, on the Internet, or learn to tie your own. If you're a beginner, purchase Crazy Charlies, Surf Candies and Clouser. Keep them light and small until you hone your casting skills. A good way to choose flies is to buy those that are endorsed or tied by experts in the locale where you are fishing.

Saltwater Fishing Casting
Casting shouldn't be a problem for saltwater fishing if you have experience in fly casting for trout. If not, keep it light. If you have the ability to cast weighted nymphs, then casting weighted Clousers won't present a problem. Remember not to 'overline'. Overlining is when you use a line that is over the recommended weight for your rod. Look near the rod butt for the recommended line weight for your rod. If you have no experience in fly casting you should consider fly casting lessons that are taught by an expert.

Hooking and Landing
When a fish strikes, set the hook with the line hand. Do not lift your rod high into the air. Do not fight your catch with continuous pull. Alter your pull, from the left, from below, from the right. Try to upset the fish's swimming pattern by rolling it. This will make for a much easier landing.

Keep your rod tip low and do not 'high stick' when landing a fish. If you high stick, you are likely to break the tip of your rod. That can be a costly mistake. Always add a pincher (pliers) and gloves to your fishing gear to ensure a safe landing of fish that have abrasive skin or large, sharp teeth. A good way to protect yourself, other anglers and the fish, as well as minimize damage to flies is to pinch the barbs down on all of your hooks.

Saltwater Fishing Bait
There is a large variety of live and artificial bait for saltwater fishing. Natural and live baits work well for a wide range of saltwater fish. Almost all saltwater species will take shrimp, so it is a good over-all bait to use. Baitfish of all kinds is also good bait, as all saltwater fish eat smaller fish species. Always use bait that is part of your targeted fish's diet. Other live baits include crayfish, crabs, oysters, lugworms, sand-eels, crustaceans of all types, razor fish, herring and a wide range of natural baits that include pieces of larger fish species.

Keep it simple. Never overweight. Use just enough for the job. Match the size of your hook to the size of your bait, equipment and the fish you are targeting. Putting small bait on a large hook looks unnatural and fish will not take it. The lighter the line, the lighter the hook. Follow this rule of thumb to match bait and tackle.

If you need help choosing saltwater fishing equipment, bait or need help learning to cast, ask an experienced saltwater angler or guide to help. Another option is to ask for tips at the saltwater bait and tackle shop where you purchase your bait. The staff is always glad to help out when they can.