Fishing is a pastime enjoyed by millions of people around the world, but for some people it’s more than just a hobby. You see, fishing can also have a competitive edge to it; whether you compete at local level, or on the biggest stage, you’ll want to ensure you have the best chance of catching a big whopper of a fish.
Now, when it comes to saltwater fishing, anglers are lucky because there’s opportunities to lure in some humungous catches. But, there’s also an increase in difficulty, as saltwater fish are known to be some of the toughest around. So, to help you out a little bit, we’ve put together 8 tactics that you can adopt for your next trip…
1. Timing is key
Plenty of anglers fail to secure their catches when they’re out at sea, simply because they try to hook too soon. The best indication to start pulling is when you feel an extreme amount of pressure on the line. Although, other ways to time it right is to look to see if the bait is fully inside the fish’s mouth, or to just wait a couple of extra seconds.
2. Don’t always rely on marine charts
Marine charts are great for getting an idea of where to head to, but there’s some staple hotspots which should always be explored. For example: inlets in the shoreline, openings to creeks or channels. Why? Because that’s where fish can easily find food!
3. Ensure your lures are looking brand-spanking-new
Like humans, fishes are attracted to things that look new, shiny and glamorous. So, if your lures are clean and bright, you’ll be much more likely to get a bite. Therefore, buy the correct number of lures, and the ones that have been used make sure you rinse and dry them at the end of your session.
4. Rattle-lures for choppy water
Lures that work effectively when the water is calm, probably won’t perform the same when the conditions are horrendous. If the water is choppy, fish will struggle to locate your bait, so combat that with noisy lures that are much larger in size.
5. Invest in quality lines
With saltwater fishing, opting for a bargain line is not always a wise decision. Constant encounters with strong fish that test your ability and strength requires an appropriate line. If you go for the cheap option, the line will most likely fail you at the moment where you’re just about to secure that record-breaking fish.
6. Stick with trusted brands
That last point leads us on to this one… the best way you can ensure that your equipment won’t let you down is by sticking with brands that have wonderful reputations. That way you’ll know everything is reliable, manufactured well and can withstand anything that is thrown at it.
7. Use the most robust knot possible
It may sound obvious, but you’re going to want to utilize the type of knot which will make your line the most durable. We’d suggest going for the Bimini Twist, which is a knot that is renowned for staying strong in every single condition. You can use the Bimini Twist to double up your line and create a strong leader connection.
8. Release it properly
You should never immediately release a fish back into the water, especially if it appears limp and unresponsive. So, move it around in the water while still holding it, until it begins moving on its own, then you can release it safely.
