Saltwater Fishing
Howard Berry
Saltwater fishing is nothing like freshwater fishing. To begin
with, saltwater fishing takes significantly stronger and
heavier tackle and equipment than that used by freshwater
fishermen.
There are several categories of saltwater fishing discussed in
this article.
For starters, there is the light-medium category, which would
include fishing for certain species such as Snook, Redfish and
Spotted Sea Trout. These fish and others in this category are
typically caught in bays and other similar estuaries. Also
included in this category would be inshore fish such as the
Pompano. If you are fishing for these species to eat them, be
aware that during summer months redfish and trout will most
probably contain worms.
A spinning reel in the class of a Penn 710 or 712, or 4500ss
spooled with a fine quality 10-pound test monofilament line
works better 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 begin by tying a shock leader of
approximately 18 inches using 20 pound test line or
fluorocarbon. Fluorocarbon is slightly more expensive but is
significantly less visible to the fish. Attach the leader tying
line to line or use a saltwater rated barrel swivel. For the
hook you'd better use a 6/0, preferably an Eagle Claw.
The second category afferent to saltwater fishing is the medium
to heavy category for species such as Bluefish, Spanish
Mackerel, and smaller Jacks. These species of fish are most
usually found near shore regions of the Gulf of Mexico and on
the Lower East Coast. In this class you could also include the
smaller “schoolie” King Mackerel under the legal size limit of
24”.
Do not forget to first consult a saltwater species book for
knowing the difference between the large Spanish and juvenile
Kingfish. They are extremely similar. The easiest way to tell
the difference is that the Spanish Mackerel will have a "black
flag", on the anterior portion of its dorsal fin where the King
Mackerel, with the exception of very young fish, does not have
this special detail. The second 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.
To be on the safe side, equip yourself with a Penn 704 or
similar size equipment spooled with 12-15 lb test coupled with
a thin wire leader of 20lb test or so. Check your local fishing
regulations for the most appropriate hook, in Florida a small
treble like a 2/0 is used.
>From the moment the inshore net bans were placed these species
have come back more abundantly than ever and you are most
certain to find some. Keep in mind that Redfish, King Mackerel
and Spanish Mackerel are migratory species so you will have to
verify the seasonal availability for these species of fish.
Enjoy your fishing trip. Tight lines!
About The Author: My name is Howard, and I drive a delivery
truck in Houston in my spare time I like to go fishing.
http://www.houstonnewsblog.com/
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Index of All Hunting & Fishing Articles
Index of All Sports Articles
