Fishing is one of the most underrated relaxing activities that not many people understand. Those who have tried it, know the kind of serenity and joy you get out of it as well as the sense of reward when you go home with a great catch to cook for dinner. If you are already somewhat acquainted with the hobby, you’ll know it’s a vast activity with many types and variables. Look for fish in the open sea, for example, can be different from other types of fishing.
If you want to experience your favorite activity in the open sea, here are some things to put into consideration.
Do Your Research
Like anything we try for the first time, you’ll need to do a little digging before you go out into the open sea. It’s important to research the different types of saltwater and freshwater fish and the different techniques and when you should use each one. You’ll also have to research which locations work for the type of fishing you end up choosing, as well as the technique that goes with it. Fishing from a sandy beach is completely different from doing so from a rocky beach with debris. If you’re aiming to catch specific fish species, you’ll need to research where they are usually found and which bait they take.
Get The Right Gear
A trip without the right tools is just bound to be a disaster you’ll want to avoid. That’s why you should choose your gear carefully and get everything you may need before heading out into the open sea. You’ll have to choose your saltwater rod and reel depending on whether you want to catch a fish with a bait cast, troll, or metal jigs. You’ll also need to put the fish type and your location in mind while choosing. You’ll need saltwater gaffs and nets to land the fish as well as a saltwater hook remover, tackle, a bucket, and a spare spool of line.
Choose The Best Bait
You’ll come to learn that different types of fishing whether it’s fly, ice, or surf fishing, have their unique bait to use. If you have a real passion for saltwater and freshwater fishing you’ll know that choosing suitable bait is one of the essentials for a successful trip. The type of fish living in the water you’re fishing is also an integral factor of picking the best bait with the factors of sound, movement, and scent put into consideration. Your options include mussels, clams, crabs, soft plastic lures, poppers, ragworms, lugworm, metal jigs, or spinnerbaits. Beginners are advised to start with some mackerel and float fish on mackerel strips to catch mackerel, for example.
Learn The Basics
Now that you know all about your upcoming trip; the type of fishing, the location, and have all your tools ready, it’s time to learn the basics of fishing in the open sea. Basic skills you need to learn are building rigs, learning basic knots, and how to cast. Float fishing or spinning is ideal for beginners while ledgering is more complex for its rigs being tailored to the spot and the species of fish. Some saltwater fishing techniques that may come in handy are spear, cast-net, trolling, bottom fishing, and hand-gathering.
Be Prepared
Fishing in the open sea can take its sweet time, so you need to be prepared for anything that may happen and have all that you may need. First, you need to make sure to have a license which will allow you plentiful fish, not to mention it protects the fish population. Another thing to consider is keeping yourself comfortable as well as safe by wearing the right clothes which should include boots, a rain jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, waterproof and windproof hat. You should also learn all about tides and moon phases to determine what time to start fishing, the best being before the full moon. You’ll need to look out for tide times since some tidal locations can get dangerous.
Get Professional Company
Even though most people like fishing on their own to enjoy some alone time in the serenity of the water, however, if you’re trying the open sea for the first time, it’s best to take a pro along. No matter how much research you did or practice on techniques, nothing can prepare you for whatever happens out there in the open sea. An experienced angler will guide you through your first open sea experience and show you all the tricks. Opting for self-teaching could not only cost you time but also money, it would be actually cheaper to hire help.
There you have it, those are all the tips and tricks you’ll need to consider as you venture into fishing in the open sea. Just gather as much information as you can about all the ins and outs of fishing in an open sea. Remember that if you have the right equipment, you can guarantee coming home with some great catch. Even if you don’t end up with anything, you’ll have enjoyed the serenity of the open sea and learned what to do differently for the next time.