5 Tips for Freshwater Anglers Fishing Saltwater for the First Time

Saltwater fish species have a vast range of behaviors, preferred conditions, and migratory patterns. To ensure your success when fishing these new waters, limit your sights to just one saltwater species and start researching. By choosing a popular species for the area you plan to fish, you increase your odds of catching and ensure your research pays off. 

For some ideas of where to begin, check out one of AnyCreek’s guides on tarpon, redfish, snook, spotted sea trout or permit. They’ll provide valuable insights into their behavior, regulations, and ideal locations. The more you know about the migratory habits of the species or how they like to feed, the more you understand when and where they are most likely to be found. As with freshwater, always know any regulations surrounding the species you're fishing to guarantee you stay within those regulations. 

Understanding your fishing location is paramount when transitioning from freshwater to saltwater fishing. Saltwater environments can vary significantly from one place to another. Knowing the ins and outs of your chosen location will greatly enhance your chances of success. There’s a great deal more factors to consider with saltwater locations such as tides, currents, a variety of ecosystems, and types of fishing available to the area. Before you go out, reference a tide chart to see when the most ideal fishing times are for your targeted species.

Check out the different types of fishing that are available in your area. Pier fishing is a great entry into saltwater fishing that doesn’t require the same buy-in as renting or chartering a boat. However, there’s no greater resource available to you than professional guides who have been fishing the area for decades, and who are eager to share their expertise. Being out on a boat deep-sea fishing is not only an unforgettable experience but a great way to dive into the world of saltwater fishing.

Saltwater conditions are often harsher than freshwater. Saltwater corrodes faster, requiring heavier line and tougher, more durable rods and reels to boot. Ensure you have the right pound-test on the line for the conditions you’ll be out in and the fish you’ll be targeting. Monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braid lines are recommended to take on the tougher conditions. Saltwater rods and reels are made with corrosion-resistant materials like titanium, carbon, or stainless steel to hold up against the pressure of the sea. 

Investing in new saltwater-specific gear can come with a steep price tag. Rather than buying a whole new fishing setup, booking a guided experience is the perfect way to try some of the highest-end gear out first. Your guide will have all the specific gear you need and would be happy to steer you in the right direction. If you’ve already invested, then make sure you know how to properly care for your new gear. Check out AnyCreek’s guide on the best practices to keep your gear in pristine working order. 

Your knots and rigs need to be especially secure due to factors like larger fish and thrashing tides. Saltwater-specific knots and rigs exist to solve this need for extra durability. These setups will ensure secure connections, providing a much greater chance for success out on the sea. There are countless saltwater knots to master, so focus on a few before your trip and practice tying them. A great knot to start with is the improved clinch knot or the uni knot. For rigs, the dropper loop rig is a great place to start. Check out this comprehensive guide to start mastering saltwater knots.

There are people who’ve been saltwater fishing their entire lives. Seek advice from local anglers who can provide valuable insights into the best spots, bait choices, and fishing techniques specific to your location. Don’t know where to start looking? AnyCreek has countless veteran guides across the United States ready to provide you with the ideal transition into saltwater for the first time. Just type in where you’re looking to fish and we’ll handle the rest.