- You must have a valid license for saltwater fishing in your state. It is easy to renew or buy your saltwater fishing permit online or over the phone.
- When planning an inshore saltwater trip, check a local chart. Inshore fishing trips should be planned based on the tides. On an incoming tide you can fish in mangroves or oyster bars, while channels and passes are good places to fish when the tide is going out. Remember that bait fish and game fish follow each other.
- This combination is rated between 10 and 20 pound test line. This setup will work for a variety of inshore fishing situations, from fishing on the shore or pier to fishing in bays and estuaries.
- Bring your polarized shades. Polarized sunglasses not only protect you from the sun but also help you see fish below the surface. These sunglasses use a lens technology designed to cut through glare from the water surface.
- If you are fishing in a warm climate or during summer, try to catch fish at dawn or dusk. You can find a much better fishing spot if you fish from the shoreline or pier during cooler hours.
- Live or natural baits are best. Natural baits such as shrimp and baitfish offer the best chance for consistent action. Natural baits are easily rigged with a circle hook and a popping cork. You should, as a rule of thumb, match the hook size with the size bait you intend to use.
- Treat your live bait right. Keep your live bait out of direct sunlight in a bait bucket covered with a lid or a livewell. If you do not have a livewell that has an aerator, consider investing in a bucket aerator to maintain oxygen levels.
- Start by fishing off a public dock. The public pier is a great place to learn how to use inshore seawater fishing gear and how you can rig baits and land fish. It is especially important when fishing with a group of family members because they can take breaks whenever needed.
- Keep an eye on the water. Watch for baitfish that jump on the surface, or any changes in color of water which could indicate a change in depth or drop off. This is a good indication that there are game fish nearby. Ask your kids to help you search for signs of fish habitat or baitfish. It’s an excellent way to keep them entertained between bites.
- Keep your catch in the water as long as possible when practicing catch-and-release. Keep your catch in the water with a rubberized fish net or gripper until you, the photographer and the angler, are ready.
This post was written by a professional at Copeland Outdoors. Welcome to Copeland Outdoors, where the sun always shines and the fish are always biting! Right in the heart of St. Petersburg, Florida, our charter, owned and operated by the legendary Tyler Copeland, promises an adventure like no other. Embark on an inshore fishing trip and reel in some of the most prized catches The Bay area has to offer. Tyler, with his years of experience and a knack for finding the honey holes, will guide you to where the fish are practically jumping into the boat! For those craving a bit more adrenaline, why not try your hand at duck hunting Tampa Bay or alligator hunting near you? Grab your sunscreen, your sense of adventure, and come join us at Copeland Outdoors. Let’s make some waves and reel in some memories together!