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While many people dream about vacationing in a temperate climate with white sandy beaches, many anglers simply dream of catching the fish swimming in the ocean. Saltwater fishing is a major category of sport fishing, and it encompasses any recreational fishing method that occurs in saltwater. Anglers enjoy saltwater fishing from Hawaii to Cancun and from Britain to Cape Cod.
There are several varieties of fish swimming in the deep blue seas, including big-game fish like marlin, tuna, and sharks. These fish can weigh over 1,000 pounds each. Smaller fish varieties include cod, tarpon, barracuda, sea catfish, bass, mackerel, and swordfish. The type of fish you want to catch can determine how and where you fish.
Before you head out to the water, you need to make sure you have saltwater fishing gear. Ocean fish tend to weigh more than freshwater fish, so you’ll need a longer rod. You also want to invest in a fishing pole that is rust resistant because saltwater will corrode unprotected metal.
The type of gear you get will also depend on the type of fishing you plan to do. It’s possible to fly fish, deep sea fish, kayak fish, or deep drop fish. Kayak fishing requires an ocean kayak. For deep drop fishing, you need an electric reel capable of pulling a fish up from an 800-foot depth.
You can also use larger bait than you would for freshwater fishing. Ocean fish like to eat crabs, oysters, crayfish, and crustaceans. If you are deep drop fishing, you can chunk up filets from larger fish to use as bait.
Whether you want to charter a boat and head out 60 to 70 miles offshore or you prefer to stick to the shallows, you can find a type of saltwater fishing you’re sure to enjoy.