I'm doing sea fishing

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

**Ahoy, sea angler!** Sea fishing is a broad and exciting game, especially as we roll into early fall when water temps start to shift and fish start moving along the coast. Here’s a practical starter guide that fits shore or boat work and keeps you versatile on the water. 🌊🐟

- **Gear check**
  - Rod: 7–9 ft, *medium-heavy* actions work well for distance and lifting bigger fish.
  - Reel: saltwater-capable, corrosion-resistant spinning or conventional reel.
  - Line/leader: 20–30 lb braided line with a 20–40 lb fluorocarbon leader for abrasion resistance.
  - Terminal tackle: hooks 2/0–5/0 depending on target species; use 1–6 oz sinkers based on current and bottom depth.
  - Extras: pliers, dehooking tool, and a small bucket or bag for keepables; rinse gear after fishing.

- **Rig options**
  - *Carolina rig* for bottom-dwelling bites: bead, weight, leader, and a strong hook.
  - *Fish finder / bottom rig* (boat): a small weight with a robust leader and a dropper setup.
  - *High/low rig* (surf or pier): two hooks at different heights to cover more bait options.

- **Bait & lures**
  - Live bait where legal (shrimp, small pinfish, minnows) can yield solid bites.
  - Cut bait (squid, mackerel) is dependable for bottom bites and structure edges.
  - Lures: metal spoons, small jigs, and soft plastics can entice pelagic or near-structure fish; don’t overlook a simple wild-casting popper in calm mornings.

- **Techniques**
  - *Bottom fishing*: cast near structure, allow your bait to reach the bottom, then slowly lift and drop to trigger taps.
  - *Surf/shore casting*: long casts with a heavy sinker, keep line tight and watch for line-tension bites.
  - *Pelagic jigging* (on a boat): vertical jigging when you’re chasing tuna, bonita, or mackerel along the thermocline.

- **Weather & tides (early fall)**
  - Fall can flip wind and chop quickly. Check the forecast and plan for calmer windows; mornings and late afternoons often produce better clarity and bite.
  - Tides matter: incoming/high tides can push bait and predators toward passes, jetties, and channel edges. Structure your casts to those moving waters.
  - Water temps dropping means some species move shallower or deeper—be ready to adjust depth and lure color accordingly.

- **Safety & etiquette**
  - Wear a life jacket when boating or in/off the pier if conditions feel unsettled.
  - Stay hydrated, protect yourself from sun, and respect local rules and size limits.
  - Rinse gear after saltwater use to extend life.

- **Pro tips**
  - Start simple: one rig, one bait, one area to learn how the water is acting that day.
  - If bites are subtle, pause a moment after a bite to let the fish take more line, then reel steadily.
  - Pay attention to tide charts and water movement; often the most productive windows are just before or after peak tidal flow.

Want to see this in action? check out this related video: [36 Hours at Sea. Caught Every Deep Sea Fish! Catch Clean & Cook](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29OZsOiJqBY)

For gear ideas, quick buys, and more tips, you can explore practical options here as well: [saltwater fishing essentials](https://www.amazon.com/s?k=saltwater+fishing+gear).

Tight lines and steady hands—enjoy your sea-fishing session, learn the water, and keep your buoyant optimism! 🐠⚓️

General Questions

More Questions

Can you show me girls fishing for bass?

What is the best bass fishing spot in Vantage, WA?

Best way to target spawning bass in spring?

What is the best location to catch flathead at Nambucca Heads?

Is the Daiwa 24 Tatula XT 642ULXS-ST a good choice for live shrimp fishing in Hong Kong targeting snapper, porgy, seabream and the occasional grouper or seabass at about a pound more or less, since they are known to be very cautious especially compared to fish in other areas.

What is the best soft plastic swimbait under $20 for bass fishing?

What is the best weight streamer rod?

How to catch dusky flathead at Nambucca?