Definition of Saltwater Fishing
At its core, saltwater fishing is exactly what it sounds like: fishing in saltwater conditions. This often refers to the oceans of the world, but also places where freshwater rivers meet with the sea. From time to time this is also known as marine fishing, depending upon who you talk to.
Those who love saltwater fishing are able to do it almost anywhere on Earth, with the main exceptions generally being near either of the poles where it can be dangerous to navigate a boat. While the commercial fishing industry is a large part of what goes on out at sea, the scope of this article will stick with recreational fishing.
What in the past was known as the saltwater fisherman is today known as the saltwater angler, an improved term that more accurately describes the fact that fishing is not just for men. Children, too, love the thrill of saltwater fishing: especially since some of what you could catch can grow much bigger than even the parents!
The marine environments of the world present ample opportunity to catch a vast number of different fish species, ranging from bluefish to halibut, marlins to sharks, and beyond. Most of these fish are eaten on a regular basis, or released back to the depths, but anglers are also motivated by the chance of bagging a trophy fish to have mounted on the wall, if so inclined.
The saltwater fishing industry that surrounds this particular sport is growing year by year with a huge number of charter boat companies springing up around the world. These fishing guides can be an excellent way for family and friends to spend some time together doing something fun.
What Makes Saltwater Fishing So Attractive?
If you have ever read a saltwater fishing journal or watched some saltwater fishing shows, you may be able to grasp just how much fun a trip on the ocean could be. While freshwater fishing has a great deal of charm, there is something about setting out on a boat into the deep blue sea that is just so appealing. Throw on top of that the chance to catch a monster fish, or encounter other giants of the sea, and you have yourself an adventure every time you hit the water.
That is not to say you need a huge boat for saltwater fishing. Smaller sea vessels, like rowboats, inflatables, or even kayaks can serve as perfect vehicles when fishing close to shore. The appeal of the sea, whether close to shore or not, has fueled many poetic and artistic works - and once you try it out, it's easy to see why.
The Two Primary Types of Saltwater Fishing
Saltwater fishing is generally broken up into two main categories; inshore and offshore fishing. Both styles carry with them different rules, so be sure check the local saltwater fishing regulations long before venturing out. It is not always the case that a saltwater fishing license is required - this depends upon national, state and local laws. Just be sure you check up on the regulations before trying out one of these two forms of saltwater fishing.
Inshore Fishing
It is considered inshore fishing when you are anywhere within sight of shore, fishing in water less than 30 meters deep. Generally you're on a boat that can be carried on a trailer or hooked onto a vehicle, as opposed to bigger ships that stay docked on the water.
This is a more inexpensive style of fishing than offshore, though you'll unlikely catch as big as fish at this range. The possibility for a monster fish is still there, however, and you'll certainly grab a bigger prize than if you were fishing from shore.
When inshore fishing, your rod length is considerably smaller than when you're out on open water. Bait is smaller as well, and chumming the water with dead bait isn't as necessary at this depth. Unlike offshore fishing, there's the option to anchor the boat and bounce a lure off bottom to entice fish, in addition to the traditional form of trolling.
If even a small boat isn't an option for you, there are ways you can wet your line from shore and get results. A popular style is called surf fishing, where you wade into the water a little bit and cast out in hopes for some fish hugging the shallows. Sea bass and perch are examples of fish you could bring up at this depth. Fishing from shore is the most cost-effective way to catch a saltwater fish.
Offshore Fishing
For those who aren't satisfied being tied to the shoreline, give offshore saltwater fishing a try. How you choose to hit the open water depends on your boat situation. Some people love having their own vessel to take out and fish with, while others prefer to rent a charter and go out with a guide. The results will vary for each approach, but the bottom line is that you should choose the solution that interests you most.
Nothing quite beats the open sea when it comes to a great atmosphere and the size of the fish you could catch. Saltwater fishing pictures can't capture the immensity of some of the trophy fish you could reel up from the depths, such as sharks, tuna, sailfish, or marlin.
Trolling for fish is generally the preferred method, enticing passing fish with shiny spoons. As fish are much larger when offshore fishing, rods are bigger and line is tougher to keep up with the environment. Bait can include such exotic marine life as squid, and sometimes you'll have t o use a whole mackerel to get what you're after.
As the fish you can catch out at sea can be very big, most boats come stocked with a game-chair, which sits at the stern of the boat. Parking yourself in one of these chairs, and then setting the butt of your rod into a mount, will give you a much better foundation to fight your catch. With this assistance, you will need to have a higher level of strength and muscle endurance to successfully reel up a huge fish.
