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Salt Water Fishing for Beginners

Salt Water Fishing for Beginners

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Nothing is more relaxing than grabbing your fishing pole and heading down to the water. Whether fishing from shore or a boat, saltwater offers the angler a vast opportunity to catch fish. Even the beginning saltwater angler should have luck catching something good to eat. Fishing is a craft that one gets better at over a period of time but everyone has to learn somewhere. By following a few basic tips, you should be reeling in a big one in no time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Saltwater Fishing Tips for Beginners

Things You’ll Need:
  • Book, pamphlet or magazine on saltwater fishing Fishing rod Tackle Bait
  • Book, pamphlet or magazine on saltwater fishing
  • Fishing rod
  • Tackle
  • Bait
Step 1
Watch your local fishing shows on TV to see how the pros do it. These types of programs will give you a bird's-eye view of where they are catching fish, under what conditions and what they are using for bait. You will also get to see the fish that are being caught, which will help you in identifying your catch.
Step 2
Purchase a book, pamphlet or subscribe to a saltwater fishing magazine that outlines the fish species that reside in your local waters. You'll also want to pick up a pamphlet that outlines any laws or regulations on species and size limits that your state may have, concerning catching saltwater fish. You should be able to find both at your local fishing or sporting goods store. Be sure to purchase a fishing license, if your state requires it.
Step 3
Talk to locals and see where they are catching fish and what they are using to do so. You'll be getting information straight from the mouths of people who are experienced in fishing the area. Ask what type of tackle and what size pole they are using to fish with. Your local bait store will be a great resource to gain knowledge and information. You will also be able to purchase any fishing equipment or supplies you may need.
Step 4
Purchase a fishing rod that will suit the type of fishing you will be doing. If you will be fishing in the surf, you will need to have a longer fishing pole and a larger reel. If you will be fishing in rivers, your rod won't need to be as large. Your river rod may be only 6 feet long, whereas your surf rod may be 12 feet long. Most fishing equipment stores sell rod and reel packages together, which will take the guess work out of your purchase.
Step 5
Buy your basic supplies such as a tackle box, hooks, bobbers, a medium pound test line, split shot, triangle weights (surf fishing) and any fishing lures that will help you catch a fish. What fishing lure works for one person might not get a bite for the next.
Step 6
Choose a bait to use that is all-purpose. Shrimp, whether live or dead, seem to be a good bait for saltwater fishing. Most fish will bite on them. If you will be using live shrimp, you will need to keep them in a bait bucket with oxygen getting into the water. Your shrimp will die without it.

Tips & Warnings

 
Patience is key when doing any type of fishing.

Resources

Article Written By Joyce Starr

Joyce Starr is a professional writer from Florida and owns a landscaping company and garden center. She has published articles about camping in Florida, lawn care and gardening and writes for a local gardening newsletter. She shares her love and knowledge of the outdoors and nature through her writing.

Write for Trails.com

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