Inshore saltwater fishing is one of the most rewarding hobbies – time spent along golden beaches reaping in the day’s catch. To Begin inshore saltwater fishing, you merely require a fishing rod, reel, line, leader, circle hooks and corks. With this simple rig, the angler will easily reel-in species like Spotted Seatrout, Pompano, Flounder and Redfish.
The most versatile inshore saltwater fishing rod is a medium power rod. A medium power rod should measure between 6.5 and 7 feet. It’s essential for inshore saltwater fishing neophytes to purchase the correct length rod; beginners are still practicing the ever-important saltwater casting technique. Moreover, a longer rod allows for long, accurate casts. The angler must also practice placing lures and baits into the strike zone without spooking skittish shallow water fish.
A medium power rod’s virtue is in balance. A medium power rod should possess a balance of strength and sensitivity – a rod that possesses the spine to reel-in a hard fightin’ Redfish, but also allows you to feel lighter bites.
When purchasing saltwater fishing gear, regardless of experience level, corrosion resistance is paramount. Salt-rich waters and air eats metal, however, corrosion resistance is particularly important when purchasing a reel. A 2500 to 3500 series reel makes for the best choice. Moreover, line capacity is chief among concerns, when purchasing a reel. Reels should hold 150 to 200 yards of 10-15 pound braided line. Additional line capacity assists in reeling-in hard fightin’ fish with room to let it run.
Most often, inshore saltwater fishing sets for beginners include 15-pound braided fishing line and two feet of 25-pound fluorocarbon leader material. This heavier leader line assists in reaping fish from oyster bars and rock beds, especially toothy fish like Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish.
Hooks are a must-have for the angler. The most common inshore hook sizes are 2/0 and 3/0 hooks. Moreover, live bait, such as shrimp, attract a variety of large inshore dwelling fish. Finally, a popping cork or float may boost the number of bites, Seatrout & Redfish almost always bite for a shrimp on a popping cork setup.
A small investment and simple rig make for great fishin’. It’s said that inshore saltwater fishing is where the action is to be found. Moreover, many agree that in spite of the myriad of high-tech fishing equipment available, a simple rig is most effective.
