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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
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Fishing
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