Tips For Saltwater Fishing

Sometimes, fishing in freshwater lakes simply won’t cut it. If you want flounder or tuna, you’ll need to head out into the ocean to find these and other saltwater-dwelling fish. But you should know before you go that saltwater fishing has its own unique requirements, so taking the time to adequately prepare yourself and stock your fishing boat is the key to your success. This list of tips for saltwater fishing comes to you courtesy of the fine folks at L&M Marine LLC in Stapleton, AL. Pay us a visit when you’re done reading if you have any further questions!

Scout Locations

Those who are new to fishing in general may want to try pier fishing before they head out onto the open water. Casting your line from a dock can let you become accustomed to the process, and it’s the best place to snag those types of fish that stick close to the shoreline.

For bigger catches, like the types of fish that swim in much deeper waters, a fishing boat is necessary. You’ll find that certain types of fish require different levels of salinity; some types can even thrive in both salt and fresh conditions! Many types of fish like to hide in logs, under rocks, and amidst aquatic plants like seaweed, so scouting these items out as you cruise across the surface may lead you to a jackpot.

Watch The Tides

The motion of the tides will affect the availability of fish, as well as how far out they might be. Remain aware of the tides, particularly during high tide when you’re cruising near the coastline, as your boat could easily run aground on the sand as the waters recede. To improve your chances of success, take advantage of the shifting waters by arriving at your chosen fishing spot an hour before high tide peaks. Fishing through high tide and for the next half hour or so is sure to net you some great catches!

Tend To Your Gear

It’s essential to have the correct gear when you’re fishing, regardless of the type of water you’re in. But saltwater fishing presents its own challenge: corrosion. Your shiny new rods and their hardware can all be tarnished with rust if you allow salt to build up on them over time. That rust is not only unsightly, it’ll make joints creak and weaken the metal over time, causing your expensive equipment to break down much, much sooner than it should.

But there’s a simple fix! Every time you return from fishing in saltwater, pull out your garden hose and give everything a thorough rinse. Make sure to do this over concrete, because the salt will kill your grass and other plants. Use a silicone-based lubricant spray like WD-40 on your reel after you wash and dry it to add another layer of protection.

Dress For The Weather

The attire you’ll want to wear will change depending on what time of year you’re heading out on the water. During the summer months, sunscreen and polarized sunglasses are essential, as is a wide-brimmed hat to shield as much of your skin as possible. However, know that temperatures out on the water, particularly on the ocean, will be several degrees cooler than on land, so you’ll still want to bring a jacket and pants to keep yourself warm.

Rain will merit wading boots and waterproof ponchos or other attire. And cold weather conditions will require layering up with wool and acrylic clothing to keep you warm. Layering is best no matter the season, as you can add or remove clothing as necessary to stay comfortable.

Think you’re ready to head out into the Atlantic? First you’ll need the right boat! Visit our Stapleton dealership today to check out our available selection of new and used fishing boats for sale. We also provide marine parts and services to help you make repairs to your current fishing boat. L&M Marine LLC proudly serves the cities of Mobile, AL and Pensacola, FL.