Surf Fishing

• Surf fishing allows fishermen to stay on the coast and, using waders, to go into the surf to cast their lines for bluefish, flounder and redfish among other types. Surf fishing also includes fishing off docks, piers and rock jetties. Surf fishing allows fishermen to walk on the shoreline and fish while not venturing too far out to sea. Most fishing into the surf or off a rock jetty should be done at low tide as a safety precaution.
  
  

Boat Fishing

• Boat fishing or deep-sea fishing brings fishermen away from the shoreline and into the ocean to fish for a wide range of species. Tuna, flounder, blue fish, barracuda and some species of small sharks can be fished from a boat depending, geographically, where you are. Fish in the deep sea have a stronger fight than those closer to shore and will often take longer to reel in. Bait is larger and poles are stronger for deep-sea fishing than shore fishing.
  
  

Equipment

• For saltwater fishing, fishermen will need heavier weights, fishing line and a stronger pole. Fishing line such as Stren's Microfuse is primarily a saltwater line made for the ocean and will be able to hold larger fish on the line longer. Weighted lures and heavier weights added to the lines will help keep bait below the surface and sink to the level of fish. A 1 oz. to 8 oz. lead shot will help keep down the line and bait for fish to find. Regular bronzed hooks will rust quickly after use in the water so it is better to use hooks that are galvanized or made of stainless steel.
  
  

Factors in Saltwater fishing

• Depending on where the saltwater fishing is taking place will depend on the type of fish found in the area. In New England and the East Coast of the United States, there will be a higher range of flounder or sea bass, but near Louisiana or Florida, there will be a higher amount of marlin or grouper. The water temperature, type of beach and level of traffic on the beach are factors that will depend on what kind of fish are in the area.
  
  

Warnings/Cautions

• Because of tide changes and weather patterns, some considerations should be made before going on a saltwater fishing trip. Only fish on jetties at low tide and during good weather. Jetties are not intended for use by fishermen, and are often slippery and dangerous. Fishing on jetties should only be done during good weather by experienced fishermen. When planning a deep-sea fishing trip, make sure to talk to the boating company a few days in advance to make sure of any changes because of unfair weather.