Experienced anglers and new anglers alike may be loathe to spend thousands of dollars on a new boat, and all the electronic gadgets that inshore saltwater anglers find helpful. These gadgets include depth finders, GPS devices, electronic fish finders and more. And while these may give the inshore saltwater angler an edge, they do not necessarily eliminate that the possibility that the gadget-short angler is left out of the fun. In fact, a bit of research could make all the difference and level the playing field.
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
Local anglers love to share their experience with both new and experienced anglers. Let’s face it, fishing is fun and fishermen are known for their tales. One thing to avoid however is the appearance that you’re just hanging around to get information. If you are in a local tackle shop and you just immediately start asking questions you will most likely get ignored. However, a bit of browsing and a few well placed questions and you’re likely to get an ear-full of information that you can use.
Local Fishing Clubs
Another great source of information is a local fishing club. These clubs provide a social atmosphere for local anglers to gather, relax and share their tales of success. While these clubs do often require a membership, you’ll be contributing to the education of others in the area who are interested in angling. Remember, these are typically like-minded individuals so you won’t be wasting your membership fees.
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. Although some people may consider it a waste of funds, if you hire a fishing captain to take you on a chartered fishing cruise, you might be surprised at how much information you can garner from one of these trips. Remember, these charters make their money by taking anglers to the most populated areas for fishing. If you listen while you’re on board, you can glean great information from not only the captain, but other anglers. This is all information that you can use later when fishing on your own.
Check out the Wildlife
You are not the only one who is interested in the baitfish needed for landing striper and blues. There are a number of birds who are just as interested in them and they are far better at identifying them than you are. Typically, birds are more interested in bait fish than larger fish, but since the predators are also looking for baitfish, the birds are a give-away.
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
As you stroll along the beach, keep an eye out for jetties, docks and areas of beach for tell tale signs of blood and scales. If find these signs, it’s a pretty good guess that someone has been successful fishing in that area. Another sure fire sign is a group of anglers with bent rods and shouting out words of encouragement to their fellow anglers.
Sure, you can invest thousands of dollars on a boat and all the electronic gadgets you need, or, you can use a bit of creativity and find the cheapest methods for identifying inshore saltwater fish.
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 Shimano Saltwater Reels, Okuma Fishing Reels and Van Staal Reels.
