With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to stress the U.S. economy and the finances of millions of Americans, fishing provides a way to feed the family and obtain much-needed stress relief. As summer approaches and U.S. states begin to slowly lift stay-at-home orders, increasing numbers of Americans along the country’s coastlines are turning to inshore fishing as a way to provide food for their families.
Defined as any type of fishing that takes place within waters up to 30 meters deep, inshore saltwater fishing provides experienced and novice fishermen alike with several options to obtain nutritious meals for their families. “Many people, especially those who are new to the sport, prefer inshore fishing to deep-sea fishing because of the calmer waters and the less burdensome gear requirements,” said Russell Conner, owner of the Rusty Angler—a website that offers expert fishing tips, techniques, and giveaways. “You can choose to stay on the shore or fish from a pier. If you choose to use a boat, a smaller, basic boat will work, such as a small motorboat. Some people even do inshore fishing from a kayak.”
The coastal waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf of Mexico mean that inshore fishing is within the reach of millions of Americans. “Although the type of fish may vary based on where you’re fishing, there is a wide variety of fish that can be caught almost anywhere off of U.S. shores,” said Conner. “Many people prefer saltwater inshore fishing to freshwater fishing because of the greater diversity and size of the fish that can be caught.”
Another bonus of inshore saltwater fishing is that it uses many of the same fishing techniques as inland fishing. However, despite the similarities, the gear used for inshore saltwater fishing has different requirements. “Saltwater is very corrosive and the currents are much stronger, which can wreak havoc on equipment,” said Conner. “For this reason, we recommend reels made of titanium or stainless steel components. Investing in higher-end reels and lures means you won’t have to replace your gear as often.”
If gear isn’t specifically made for saltwater, it is critical to thoroughly rinse all equipment with fresh water to wash off the salt and debris. This will help prevent corrosion and keep equipment from rusting. Proper cleaning may require taking apart complex reels to ensure that the mechanisms are properly cleaned and dried.
Choosing gear for inshore fishing might also require the use of different types of fishing rods. For example, surf rods are specifically designed to be used when fishing from the shore. According to Conner, “Surf rods resemble spinning rods but they are bigger, heavier, and longer. They provide the ability to perform long casts and fight stronger fish. One of the biggest difference between freshwater and saltwater fishing is that the fish are bigger and fight harder. Many people enjoy the increased challenge of landing the more spirited saltwater species.”
Besides selecting the correct gear, successful inshore fishing means using updated marine charts and understanding tidal currents. “To find the fish, you need to understand where they will be and how the tide affects them,” said Conner. “If you’re fishing in a channel entrance or islet, you’ll find that currents often lag behind the tide.”
The Rusty Angler provides tips and techniques for all types of fishing and equipment, as well as giveaways for fishing gear. The site is currently running a giveaway for Trager Tailgater. Past giveaways have included fishing kayaks, filleting knives, lures, and sunglasses.
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For more information about Rusty Angler, contact the company here:
Rusty Angler
Russell Connor
(800) 459-0519
support@rustyangler.com
4400 N Scottsdale Rd, Ste 9-285
Scottsdale AZ 85251
