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“Bragging may not bring happiness, but no man having caught a large fish goes home through an alley.”  If you are an angler, you know how it feels to catch a big fish.  Saltwater fishing is a great experience for novices as well as experienced anglers.  About 60 percent of the fish on our planet live in saltwater.  From smaller fish like trout, flounder, and red-fish to formidable adversaries like sharks, blue-fin tuna and marlin, saltwater bodies like seas, oceans, bays and piers offer an amazing variety of fish. 

Types of Saltwater Fishing

Boat fishing (inshore and offshore), shore fishing, beach fishing and big game fishing are the main types of saltwater fishing.

• Shore fishing: This is one of the more common types of fishing and as the name suggests, it is practiced from the shore in places like piers, jetties and rocks.  Since it is a relatively inexpensive way of fishing, city dwellers like it a lot and enjoy catching fish like bluefish, snapper and mackerel.
• Boat fishing: This is done in the sea and is considered serious fishing by most anglers.  In-shore boat fishing is done on small boats that can access creeks and other such areas.  Another type of boat fishing is done offshore in the deep sea on larger vessels.  Offshore fishing involves catching large fish like marlin and blue-fin tuna which may weigh up to 100 pounds.
• Beach fishing: This is done in shallow waters using strong tackle to reel in small sharks, barracuda and tarpon.  This type of fishing requires a very good casting technique.

Beginners Fishing Guide : A useful site containing lots of fishing information for beginners, including fishing guides, fishing tips, fly fishing, and fishing how-to’s.
About.com Saltwater Fishing Guide: A very comprehensive resource about saltwater fishing, which contains detailed information about the basics of fishing, saltwater fishing techniques, saltwater fishing equipment, etc.

Methods of Saltwater Fishing:

Among the different methods of saltwater fishing, jigging, trolling, drifting and bottom-fishing are the primary methods used.

• Jig fishing: Jigs are colorful lures consisting of a metal head and a tail made from materials like feathers, hair, etc.  A hook is also attached to the head and after dropping the whole thing in water, it is jigged to attract the fish.
• Trolling: This technique is used in deep sea fishing and it requires casting a lure at a distance behind a moving boat.  The boat is moved such that the lure looks like real bait to fish.  A rod holder is generally used to keep the rod in place while keeping the boat at a suitable speed.
• Drifting: As the name suggests, drifting involves letting the boat drift on water.  It is normally used in areas where there is a concentration of fish.  A bait or lure is dropped in to the water at an appropriate depth to entice the fish with slow movements of the drifting boat.
• Bottom Fishing: Bottom fishing is used in deep waters where fish like sea bass, haddock, mackerel and cod can be found, which feed on the sea-bed.  A weighted line and large fishing reel are used to carry the bait to the bottom of the water.

Go-Saltwater-Fishing: A family-run website that provides a wealth of first-hand information about saltwater fishing.  It contains information about fishing gear, fishing techniques, rods, reels, lines, lures, baits, etc.
Saltwater Fishing Guides: A blog about saltwater fishing which offers tips on saltwater fishing including information about rod and reel selection, finding the right fishing spots, how to choose bait, fishing gear review, and fishing reports from across the globe.

How to prepare for Saltwater Fishing

Saltwater fishing involves more equipment than fresh water fishing.   The basic fishing gear includes rods and reels, lines, lures and tackle and hooks.  The equipment is larger and sturdier and since salt water is corrosive, it is important to take good care of the equipment.  It should be rinsed with fresh water after use; otherwise the equipment will be corroded.

• Rods and Reels: Rods and reels are the backbone of a fishing trip.  The selection of rods and reels for saltwater fishing depends upon the type of water in which fishing is done.  In places with strong currents, it is best to use a large rod that can arch well, but calmer waters need a smaller spinning rod.  Beginners generally find spinning reels easier to handle.
• Line: The fishing line is one of the primary components of a tackle.  The choice of fishing line depends upon the type of fish you want to catch.  Fishing lines that are used today are generally made of synthetic material like Dacron, polystyrene and nylon.  The monofilament fishing line is the most commonly used type of fishing line; others include braided super fishing line and fluorocarbon line.
• Baits and Lures: There are three common types of fishing bait; live bait such as worms, night crawlers and other insects; prepared bait like hot dogs, cereal and corn; and artificial bait which is also known as lure and consists of sponges, flies, plastic worms, etc.

Hooks:  These are an essential part of fishing equipment.  Hooks vary depending upon the type of bait planned to be used and the fish that is intended to be caught.  Using hooks requires a lot of expertise, especially tying the hooks.

Quality Saltwater Fishing Gear: A blog with loads of saltwater fishing posts on various aspects of saltwater fishing.
Do it Yourself: A straightforward guide to setting up a saltwater fishing reel.

Where to Go for Saltwater Fishing

Finding the right spot to fish is as important as other preparations because if you can’t find the fish, you would be all dressed up for nothing. 

• Piers: These are common fishing spot due to a variety of fish that can be found in the waters of varying depths around piers.
• Jetties: Fishing on jetties can be a little treacherous because of uneven rocks but these are good places to find saltwater fish.
• Surf: Many types of fish dwell in surf waters which can be caught by using long rods and strong reels.
• Bays: Bays are a good spot to find fish like sea bass, snapper and grouper as well as some predatory fish.
• Shipwrecks: You may not be able to find treasure but shipwrecks are a good hiding place for fish.  A fish finder can help locate the fish inside shipwrecks.

Ultimate Fishing Guide: This site is based on the experiences of a very experienced angler who shares a lot of practical information about saltwater fishing as well as freshwater fishing.
Saltwater Sportsman: This site has tons of information about fishing such as fishing guides, fishing reports, calendars, boats, fish types, fishing gear and fishing techniques.
Bish & Fish: Professional tips for catching more saltwater fish.

Saltwater Fishing Tips

• If you are novice, it might be a good idea to engage a guide to make the best of your fishing trip.
• Learning about the tides in the area where you go fishing can help get better results.  Fish like halibut and perch lay low in deeper waters during low tide and move towards the surface when the tide rises.
• Local fishermen and other people related to fishing business can be your best source of information in any area so talk to them.
• Birds hovering over water can be an indication that predatory fish are nearby because they normally chase the bait fish to the surface of the water, which attracts birds.
• White-waters are generally good for finding predatory fish.
• Always use the best quality equipment which is reliable and sturdy because saltwater fish can put up a good fight.
• Live bait such as squid brings better catch; bigger fish like marlin would require a whole squid.  Check the bait often.
• Take special care of the fishing gear and rinse with fresh water after every use because saltwater can quickly corrode the equipment.
• Line twist can be a real pain which can be prevented by attaching a swivel at the end.
• After catching fish that fight hard, check the line to identify any parts that have been damaged and remove the damaged parts.
• Before castings make sure that your line is not too tight or too loose.  If it is too tight, it will break and if too loose, fish can’t be hooked.
• Trolling large areas can help find more fish
• In order to cover more area use different types of rods and reels and don’t let the bait stray too far from the boat.
• Circle hooks are probably the best to hook fish easily and also remove conveniently.
• If you are prone to sea sickness, take appropriate medicines.
• Specialized fishing sun glasses protect your eyes and also enable you to spot fish more easily.
• Early mornings hours or late at night are considered the best times for fishing because fish become really active in these hours.

Take me Fishing: One of the most comprehensive sources for information about where, when and how to fish and boat in the US.
Worldwide Angler: One of the premier magazines for the sports fishing community featuring several informative articles.
Discover Boating: Lots of information about buying saltwater fishing boats.

Additional Resources:

Fishing Glossary: An extensive glossary of fishing terms to help you understand the language of the game.
World Fishing Network: An around the clock television network which presents programs about all types of fishing including: instructions, tips, tournaments, travel, food, boating, outdoor lifestyle and more.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC): Florida is considered to be the fishing capital of the world.  This FWC site provides information about recreational and commercial saltwater fishing regulations, specific fishery information and fish identification.
Angling Masters: One of the largest online communities of fishing enthusiasts
New Jersey Saltwater Fishing Guide: A guide to saltwater fishing in New Jersey
Texas Saltwater Fishing Guide: A directory of Texas Saltwater Fishing guides along the entire Texas Coast
What Bait to Use When Saltwater Fishing: A useful video about saltwater fishing bait selection
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: Tons of information about saltwater fishing in the fishing capital of the world (Florida)
Saltwater Fishing App: SFA provides timely information from fishing destinations all over the world
Must Have Saltwater Fishing Accessories: An interesting article about saltwater fishing accessories
Florida saltwater Fishing Videos: A collection of videos about saltwater fishing in Florida
Saltwater Fishing Supplies: A useful article about saltwater fishing supplies and equipment