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Beginning Inshore Saltwater Fishing
Saltwater fishing
varies a great deal from freshwater fishing. For starters
you must have significantly stronger and heavier tackle
and equipment than that used by most freshwater fishermen.
There are several categories of saltwater
fishing discussed in this article.
First, there is the light-medium category
which would include fishing for species such as Spotted
Sea Trout and smaller Snook and Redfish. These fish
and others in this category are typically caught in
bays and other similar estuaries. Also in this category
would be inshore fish such as the Pompano. If you are
fishing for these species to eat them, be aware that
in the summer months trout and redfish will usually
contain worms.
A spinning reel in the class of a Penn
710 or 712, or 4500ss spooled with a good quality 10
pound test monofilament line is a good choice here along
with light to medium action rod. Penn makes good quality
reels that will hold up to the harsh saltwater fishing
environment.
For terminal tackle you will first want
to tie a shock leader of about 18 inches using 20 pound
test line or fluorocarbon. Fluorocarbon is a little
more expensive but is less visible to the fish. Attach
the leader tying line to line or use a saltwater rated
barrel swivel. For the hook you will want to go with
a 6/0, preferably an Eagle Claw.
Another category of saltwater fishing
is the medium to heavy category for species such as
Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and smaller Jacks. These
fish are generally found in the nearshore regions of
the Gulf of Mexico and on the Lower East Coast. Smaller
"schoolie" King Mackerel under the legal size
limit of 24" could be in this class as well.
Be sure to consult a saltwater species
book for telling the difference between the juvenile
Kingfish and large Spanish. They look very similar.
The easiest way to tell the difference is that the Spanish
Mackerel will have a "black flag", referring
to the anterior portion of its dorsal fin where the
King Mackerel, with the exception of very young fish,
does not. Another more reliable way to tell is by looking
at the lateral line that runs down the body. In a Spanish
Mackerel this line drops gradually behind the pectoral
fin whereas in the King Mackerel the line drops off
sharply.
Equip yourself with a Penn 704 or similar
size to be on the safe side spooled with 12-15 lb test
coupled with a thin wire leader of 20lb test or so.
Check your local fishing regulations for the appropriate
hook, in Florida a small treble like a 2/0 is used.
Enjoy your fishing trip. With the inshore
net bans these species have come back abundantly and
you are all but guaranteed to find some. Just remember,
Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, and King Mackerel are migratory
so you will have to check the seasonal availability
for these fish.
Good luck and tight lines!
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