Established anglers and newcomers alike all have seen the expensively outfitted huge boats that are competing for inshore saltwater fishing. These boats are almost always outfitted with the latest gadgets including depth finders, GPS units, electronic fish finders and nearly any other piece of equipment geared towards providing an edge while angling. However, you need not worry about this, you may be electronically challenged or simply not willing to invest that kind of money in your hobby. There are other alternatives to these high-tech options that anyone can take advantage of. You simply need to adapt to what you have available to you and make the most of it. Here are some tips for inshore saltwater fish-finding for the less than affluent fisher.
Using online resources
The internet has become a great source of information. Do a quick search of your favorite shore areas and it’s quite possible that you will be able to locate a discussion group that is set up for anglers. These discussion groups often contain hints about not only great fishing spots but the best bait, lures and other helpful information. Don’t forget to share your experiences, as you may be able to help out other anglers with what you learn on your trip.
Local Tackle Shops
All too often anglers walk into a tackle shop and start pumping everyone for information about the best fishing holes. Resist the urge to do this and instead, make sure that first and foremost you are a consumer. At least take a look around at what the shop has to offer and then you can safely ask for some direction. Don’t forget if someone does provide you with some information, especially about a particularly good plug or lure that you go ahead and buy it before you leave. Local anglers love to share stories and you’re liable to pick up some great information.
Local Fishing Clubs
Take a look at your community pages in your town and find out if there is a local fishing club. It’s true that these clubs are usually membership based, but they are comprised of members with a passion for fishing. What could be better than hanging out with anglers with a love of the sport and sharing stories and collecting information in a casual setting? Not only that, but fishing clubs tend to interest only serious anglers, so you won’t find a lot of ‘non-fishermen’ in the group.
Charter Cruises
Local charter cruises are set up with one goal in mind, to connect anglers with fish during a brief tour of the waterway. Keep this in mind and consider dropping the considerable fee. You might be surprised at how much information that you can pick up about the local waterways and you will most likely figure it was worth the price. These charters are popular because the captains know the waterways like the back of their hands and they often offer plenty of words of wisdom that you’ll be able to use on your own.
Check out the Wildlife
Stop and think about the last time you were at your favorite fishing hole. Chances are that if you were being successful you had company. Flying around above you may have been eagles, osprey, sea gulls and even cormorants. Remember, these fish are looking for bait fish and their presence indicates that this might be a ripe fishing area.
Keep an eye out for these ocean birds and pay attention to not only the direction they are circling in, but also their cries. Chances are that you’ll be able to identify the approximate area that the baitfish are hanging out. Chances are that if you find baitfish you’ll find their predators, the bluefish and stripers in the area. This should make your angling even more fun.
Area Anglers
This is pretty simple – the continued presence of relaxed and happy anglers, a shout or two of success and bent rods are great signs that you’ve found a good area for fishing. Even if you don’t spot these signs, look for other tell-tale signs such as scales and blood on the beach, around jetties or docks and you’ll be able to tell very quickly if fish have been caught in that area.
You can spend some extra time in getting to know the area that you’re interested in fishing to find out the right time of day and the right bait for inshore saltwater fishing, or you can spend thousands of dollars on a big expensive boat and all the toys that you need to be successful. You make the decision about which method you prefer.
When you are preparing to undergo a saltwater fishing experience, it is important that you have the proper fishing gear. Some of the most popular gear include Shimino Reel, Okuma Reel, and Van Staal Reels.
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