Inshore, Surf, & Offshore Fishing Resources

For inshore, you'll need light to medium heavy rods, spinning reels or a bait cast (don't get a bait cast when starting out), and a variety of baits such as shrimp and small baitfish or using lures. A tackle box with hooks, sinkers, lure, and leaders are essential.

Use a 6-7 foot medium-action rod paired with a 2500 size spinning reel spooled with 10-15 lb braided line. This setup is versatile for most inshore species.

Live shrimp, mud minnows, and small crabs like fiddler crabs are excellent baits for inshore fishing. Artificial baits like soft plastics and topwater lures also work well but are also harder to use.

Soft plastics like paddle tails or fake shrimp and crabs and jerk baits are effective for inshore species like redfish, trout, and flounder. Use natural colors in clear water and brighter colors in murky water. You can also get scents to put on your soft plastics.

Look for areas with structure such as docks, bridges, oyster beds, grass flats, and tidal creeks. All of these are productive inshore fishing spots.

Use a Carolina rig or a popping cork rig for live bait or with soft plastics. For artificial lures, a jig head is a versatile option.

Attach a fluorocarbon or a monofilament leader to your main line to prevent fish from seeing the line and preventing your main line(braid) from fraying. Use a loop knot for better lure action and for everything else use a uney or the improved clinch knot.

Carry a variety of hooks, jig heads, and sinkers. A small tackle box with essentials like pliers, scissors, and extra line are key. when fishing from shore use a pier cart or wagain and/or a backpack.

Practice accurate casting to place your bait or lure near structure. Use a sidearm cast for low-hanging areas like docks and over hand casts to get your bait farther out.

Follow local regulations, release undersized fish, and avoid damaging sensitive habitats like seagrass beds. This goes for all types of fishing.

Fish during tidal changes, use the right bait for the target species, and pay attention to water temperature and clarity and pat attention to birds and the bait action if there's none of these move.

Bring friends or family, enjoy the scenery, and take breaks to appreciate the experience. This goes for all types of fishing it's good to go with friends and family.

Wear a life jacket, stay hydrated, and be aware of weather conditions. Avoid wading in areas with strong currents. This is how people die every year. In the U.S. rip currents cause over 100 deaths annually.

Use wet hands or a rubberized net gloves to handle fish. Release them gently back into the water to minimize stress. This goes for all types of fishing.

For surf fishing, you'll need a long rod (8-12 feet), a 4000-10000 size spinning reel with a high line capacity, and a sand spike to hold your rod. Waders or waterproof boots are helpful for accessing deeper areas.

Use a 8-12 foot surf rod paired with a 4000-10000 spinning reel spooled with 30-80 lb braided line(people mostly use 40 or 50 lb braid). This setup allows for long-distance casting and handling larger fish in the surf.

Fresh cut bait, live sand fleas, and shrimp are excellent choices for surf fishing. Clams and squid are also effective for attracting a variety of species(make sure to mach the size of your hook to your bait).

Metal spoons, poppers, and soft plastics are effective for surf fishing. Use lures that mimic baitfish to attract predatory species like bluefish and spanish mackeral.

Look for areas with breaking waves, sandbars, and troughs or find where the bait is. Fish tend to gather in these areas to feed. Early morning and late evening are the best times to fish.

Use a fish finder rig or a double-drop rig for surf fishing. These rigs keep your bait in the strike zone and are effective for catching multiple species.

Attach a pyramid sinker or a spider weight to your rig to keep it anchored in the surf. Use circle hooks to improve hook-up rates and reduce harm to the fish.

Carry a variety of hooks, sinkers, and swivels. A tackle box with pliers, scissors, and extra line is essential. Bring a bait bucket to keep live bait fresh.

Fish during tidal changes and use fresh bait. Pay attention to water temperature and wave patterns to locate feeding fish.

Be aware of rip currents and avoid wading too deep. Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated to protect yourself from the sun.

For offshore fishing, you'll need heavy-duty rods, conventional reels or a 5000-10000 sized spining reel, and terminal tackle like circle hooks and swivels. A boat with safety equipment, including life jackets and a first aid kits, are essential.

Use a 6-7 foot heavy-action rod paired with a conventional reelor a 5000-10000 sized spining reel spooled with 80-100 lb braided line(go with 50-80 lb braided line for spining reels). This setup is ideal for targeting smaller tuna and cobia.

Live bait such as mackerel, sardines, and squid are highly effective for offshore fishing. Cut bait and trolling lures are also commonly used.

Trolling lures, poppers, and jigs are effective for offshore fishing. Use brightly colored lures to attract pelagic species like mahi-mahi and wahoo.

Look for areas with underwater structures like reefs, wrecks, paches of sea grass on top, and drop-offs. Use a fish finder to locate schools of fish and baitfish activity.

Use a trolling rig or a bottom fishing rig depending on your target species. Heavy-duty leaders and circle hooks are recommended for large fish.

Use crimping tools to secure heavy leaders and swivels. Ensure your knots are strong and reliable to handle the pressure of large fish.

Carry a variety of hooks, leaders, and sinkers. A gaff and/or a net. Fish bag to keep fish are essential for landing and storing large fish.

Monitor water temperature, currents, and baitfish activity. Use a fish finder to locate schools of fish and adjust your techniques accordingly.

Wear a life jacket, monitor weather conditions, and ensure your boat is equipped with safety gear. Always let someone know your fishing plans.

Use a gaff or net to land large fish. Handle them carefully to avoid injury to yourself and the fish. Release unwanted fish quickly and safely.