Not every type of fishing is the same—different types of fishing require different gear, different levels of experience, and knowledge about the types of fish that commonly navigate the area of your choosing. Miami Inshore Fishing offers great saltwater fishing spots to explore, but here are some tips for beginners looking into exploring the fishing in the briny deep.
What is saltwater fishing?
Saltwater fishing refers to fishing that occurs in any ocean area. It can be done from a boat, a dock, surrounding rocks, or directly in the middle of the beachy waves. The ocean is vast and offers a wide variety of fish to catch, but it’s important to familiarize yourself with the area first or find help from an expert that will guide you through your journey.
Florida regulations for recreational saltwater fishing
Different fishing regulations apply to every state, whether you are fishing in salty or fresh waters. Florida has regulations for recreational saltwater fishing. They include information about the breed of fish you can catch during particular seasons, size minimum requirements, the limit of fish you are allowed to catch per day, and whether or not you are allowed to catch younglings and female fish. It might all seem like something unnecessarily regulated, but it keeps the fish population from dying and free from unwanted predators.
For example, when catching a Cuber Snapper, the minimum size requirement is 12 inches, and you may only catch ten fish per harvester per day. This assures the fishing business in states with surrounding coastlines continues to thrive.
Difference between saltwater and freshwater fishing
Saltwater and freshwater fishing may seem all in the same to a fishing beginner, but they are vastly different. As previously mentioned, saltwater fishing occurs in the ocean—shorelines, on a boat, from a dock—but freshwater fishing occurs along rivers, in ponds, or lakes. However, the biggest difference between both types of fishing is the size, type, and quality of the fish.
More fish are available in the ocean, and they are typically bigger than the fish found in freshwater. It doesn’t mean one requires more skill than the other. Still, it does mean that freshwater fishing has more convenient availability because rivers, bays, ponds, and lakes are usually surrounded by land and, thus, have a vast space of availability to fish in.
Saltwater and freshwater fishing also require different types of gear. Saltwater fishing rods require a special type of casting that protects them from the corroding effects of saltwater. On the other hand, freshwater fishing gear can use everyday materials because freshwater has a lesser corrosive effect than saltwater. Saltwater fishing gear is also more costly, and fishing licenses tend to be more expensive.
Common saltwater fish in Florida
Some of the most common types of saltwater fish in the Florida area are Snappers, Tarpons, Largemouth Basses, Sea Trout, Panfish, Mackerel, Flounders, Snooks, Sea Basses, Blackfin Tunas, Swordfishes, among others. However, the Florida coast offers a wide variety of fish to catch. The availability of these fish varies from season to season, so make sure to check which fish are available to catch when you decide to make a trip and try out some saltwater fishing.
Types of Saltwater Fishing
The different types of saltwater fishing include inshore fishing, offshore fishing, surf fishing, pier fishing, deep sea fishing, and fly fishing. They all offer a different type of recreational or sporting experience and allow you to catch different kinds of fish in the ocean.
Saltwater fishing tips
- Study the patterns of the fish you like fishing for: what season are they the most common in, what time of the day they happen to appear, or what temperature of the water is best suited for a successful catch.
- “Match the hatch”; for example, predatory fish chasing their prey will be more likely to catch a lore that is the most approximate in size and color.
- Have a plan. You can’t just throw a piece of bait and a bobber and expect fish to attach to your hook magically; make sure you have appropriate gear and be patient. Fishing is a waiting game.
- Consult an expert. If you are a beginner, contact someone with saltwater fishing expertise that can guide you through the process. You have to make sure everything is in regulation before you jump into the fishing game.
Plan your saltwater fishing trip with us!
We will be more than happy to assist you with your fishing trip here at Miami Inshore Fishing Charters. We guarantee an unforgettable experience and will provide you with the needed gear and materials to make your fishing day memorable. Call us at (305) 282-3086, send us an email, or contact us here to set up a trip.
