by 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!
google
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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