Setting up a fishing pole for saltwater fishing is one of the most significant challenges you face as a new angler. All those gizmos, knots, tools, and whatever else is in the heap of things inside your tackle box are insanely confusing.
The good news is that learning how to set up a fishing line for saltwater is difficult. Once you understand what rigging is, what the parts do, and the different types of configurations, it is much less stressful.
Let’s get started so you can get to fishing.
Saltwater Rigging Basics
Rigging is the section of line and equipment that connects to your fishing line. It includes:
A connector or knot — swivels, connectors, or you can use specific knots to connect line to line.
Hooks or lures — You may use hooks and bait hooks and lures or hooks and jigs.
Weights — otherwise known as sinkers, splitshot, lead triangles, are what sinks your line in the water column.
Line — Mono or monofilament, fluorocarbon, or braided are common types of fishing lines. Some of these overlap in what they do and how we use them, but you often choose your line based on the fish targets.
Tip: You can make rigging ahead of time and keep it in your tackle box. Setup individual rigging and place one set in its own zip bag. You can set them up with the hooks on for specific applications or leave the hook off to add more versatility to the rigging. Setting up fishing line rigging ahead of time saves you a lot of time and work when you are on the water.
NOTE: A saltwater fishing rig, and there are many, changes depending on where you fish, what you target, and the type of weather. For example, on a high wind day, you probably will add more weight. On the other hand, if you are fishing in shallow water, you might place the weight above or below the hook depending on where you want the hook to be.
For the sake of simplicity, as this topic could quickly become a book, we will focus on four types of saltwater rigs. Those include:
Surf Fishing — one or two, sometimes three hooks, a weight, and a connector. The goal is to create a situation where the hook and bait or lure dances in the water stream as the wave actions ebbs and wanes. You can set the rigging with the weight above the hooks or below.
Fishing with Lures — A Carolina Rig is often the rig we use when fishing with a lure or a jig.
Bottom Fishing — Often a two-hook rig with a sinker on the bottom.
Pier Fishing — Often a Carolina Rig or a Float Rig, depending on what you target.
When and where you fish and the water conditions and depths often dictate what kind of rig you choose. Below we give you a four-step plan for creating the perfect saltwater fishing line rig.
The Caroline Rig is one of the most versatile saltwater setups, and it is so easy to learn.
What you will need:
An off-set hook – size depending on what you target.
A Bullet weight
A Bead
A Swivel
Step 1: Slide the sinker or bullet weight onto the fishing line, followed by the bead. The bead and the sinker act together to create a bit of resonance in the water. Fish have a lateral line that allows them to feel vibrations in the water. When the sinker slides down and touches the bead, it creates a resonance that fish can feel. The lateral line on a fish is one of the ways they find food. The bead, and it can be a plastic bead or glass bead, keeps your knot from being damaged by the edge of the sinker. With a Carolina setup, the sinker is free to slide up and down the line.
Step 2: Slide the end of the line through the swivel. A half hitch or improved clinch knot is good.
NOTE: so far, you are working with just the end of the line from the reel. In step three, we add a leader line.
Step 3: Cut a piece of line that is 15-24 inches long. You use a shorter leader when the water is calmer and a longer leader when the water has more movement to it. If you are fishing inshore over weedy patches, a short leader is probably best. If you are fishing in deeper water, then a longer leader is best. Adjust the length of the leader to fit the fishing situation. Leaders can be a yard long, though generally, they are shorter than two feet.
Tie the leader to the swivel.
Step 4: Tie the hook, lure, or jig to the end of the leader. An improved clinch knot is good, though you can check out our article all about saltwater knots too.
All that is left to do is bait the hook if you use bait and drop the line. A little TIP: if you are spot casting, a shorter leader is more accurate.
When is the best time to go deep-sea fishing? If you are an avid angler, you know the answer is “right now” because anytime we can fish is the best time to fish deep-sea fish. However, there are times of the year when it is much better fishing, and for the Gulf of Mexico, late spring to early fall are prime times for deep-sea fishing.
Inside we present a loose guide to help you choose the best times for you and your party to enjoy deep sea fishing off the coast of Destin, FL.
When Is the Best Time to Fish in The Gulf of Mexico?
Every species of fish has a different run time. Some run times overlap, and some are more dependent upon the habits of other fish. What that means for those who are new to fishing in the Gulf of Mexico is that you can target the fish you want based on their run time. For example, if you wanted to target Yellow Fin Tuna, February is a good month. The reason is that the coastal waters are warmer than the deep waters, and you will find Yellowfin Tuna nearer to shore in February. They also will gather around structures where the water is warmer. On the other hand, May-September is generally the best time for deep-sea fishing in the Gulf. Here is a look at fishing by the month and listing what’s an excellent target for deep-sea fishing off Destin, FL.
Spring – Gulf of Mexico Fishing Seasons
February – March — The big fish in the water is the Yellowfin Tuna. You find them more congregated during the winter months as they seek out warmer water in the shallows or just offshore. Oil platforms, shipwrecks, and rock formations are also prime targets for Yellowfin as the smaller baitfish use these structures to hide. In March, the Cobia begin to appear. As the current changes, driven by the wind, and heads north, the Cobia begin to migrate back into the Gulf. You will see them on a windy day, sunning themselves in the upper depths and using the waves to help their migration. March is a prime time to sight-fish Cobia. The best time to go ‘deep-sea fishing for Yellowfin is mid-February before they disperse into the wider areas of the Gulf. In February you can target them around structures.
April – May – April is a game-changer month. The deeper water is warming, and the big fish are moving back into the area. Yellowfin and Cobia are active. The baitfish are leaving the warmer waters and protection of the structures and schooling in the open water. Your best bet is still Yellowfin if you want to target bigger fish. You can also find the leading Groupers as they migrate back to the shallows. They are rare, but fishing is always a treasure hunt. Some species of groupers are off limits. The best time to go ‘deep-sea fishing for sharks is the end of May. Use live bait or chunks of fish that have an oily, fatty layer. Mackerel is a good bet.
When May rolls around, the action starts to heat up, and deep-sea fishing begins to shimmer with that magic. Expect a lot of Yellowfin and tuna. In addition, the Wahoo and Snapper are growing in numbers. May is also a great time to target Mackerel and Triggerfish. Finally, May is the beginning of the Trophy Fishing Season in the Gulf.
Summer Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico
June and July
June is just shy of the busiest time of year for charters. The season is getting hotter by the day. Red Snapper season opens in June, and there should be available slots on the best charter boats. June and July are perfect for family adventures of Deep Sea Fishing. Book a charter early if you plan to be in the Destin, Florida, area in July. July is a ramped-up version of June, and the fishing is off the “hook.” Big targets like the Gag Grouper are a favorite. The season for Gag Grouper starts in June and runs through December. Other targets include:
Spanish Mackerel
King Mackerel
Almaco Jack
Banded Rudderfish
Lesser Amberjack
June and July have plenty of big targets, including the ever-present Yellowfin Tuna. These are the peak months for the Gulf of Mexico tuna season. The best time to go ‘deep-sea fishing for a variety of medium and larger fish is June or July. You have less competition in June and more so in July. Be sure to check the fishing regulations as they change often. The season opening and closing dates from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is very helpful.
August–September — The season is fully underway, and the fish are enjoying the warm, tropical waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The season for the Greater Amberjack opens on August 1 and closes at the end of October. These are nearly a yard long at 34,” and the fight will tire you. There is a limit of one per person, but the Lesser Amberjack is slightly smaller and maybe more of a fighter. The season for the Lesser Amberjack is year-round.
Weather-wise, August is generally a calm month, and the waters in the Gulf lay down like glass. So if you want to enjoy a family day of deep-sea fishing off the coast of Destin, August is fantastic. The calmer waters make August an excellent month for fishing with kids.
Deep-sea fishing in September is when the King Mackerel season is at its best. Snapper season has usually closed by now, and the many visitors and fishers have mostly gone home. If you want to target trophy deep-sea fish, September is hard to beat. There are fewer people, just as many fish, and more opportunities to pick and choose where you fish, the fish you target, and what you keep.
Fall Deep Sea Fishing off the Coast of Destin, FL.
October-November — The busy time of year has passed, but there is plenty of big, trophy fish available; those include:
King Mackerel
Amberjack
Groupers
Mahi Mahi
Sailfish
The quality of fishing often gets better before or after the season peaks. For example, Gulf Fishing in October means that the best fishing spots have quieted down. As a result, the fish are not as spooked, and you have more time quality fishing. October and November are perfect months to fish the Gulf for all of these reasons.
Winter Fishing — Destin, Florida
The wintertime brings cooler water, and some of the best deep-sea fish love the water to be just a bit chilly. Grouper is one of those families of fish that like the water in winter. Other targets for December and January include Yellowtail snapper. You can also target the waters around structures, such as oil platforms. The water there will be slightly warmer, and structures allow the baitfish to hide. However, that little tip can mean easy access to bigger predatory fish, like Yellowfin. Expect some extra wind, but the water and the weather should remain manageable with plenty of access to fishing.
When is the best time to go deep-sea fishing? Almost anytime is the perfect time to fish the deeper waters for trophy fish.
Redfish and Speckled Trout are very popular sports fish and for a good reason. They are incredible fighters. For that reason, it is essential to pick the best rod and reel for redfish and speckled trout fishing.
Note: Both are Drum fish, and the speckled trout is not a trout at all. If fishing on your own, be sure to check out the regulations for redfish and spotted trout.
It would be easy to list off a few quality fishing rod brands — Penn, Ugly Stick, St. Croix, Shakespeare, etc. — and point you in that direction. The best fishing rod for redfish and trout is the one with the big arch in it and the trophy fish on the other end. The short answer is many good fishing rods are up to the task of hauling in a trophy redfish or speckled sea trout. That doesn’t mean any rod will do. As you read this blog, we will discuss choosing the best rod for redfish, but the answer will not be a blanket statement. Selecting the best rod will become more personalized as you hear us out.
Note: Big Redfish are called Bull Reds, Small Redfish are called Rat Fish, and the ones in the middle are just Red Fish. The record for redfish in Florida is 52 pounds five ounces, and for speckled trout, the record is 17 pounds seven ounces.
What Is the Best Rod and Reel for Redfish and Speckled Trout?
When you choose a fishing rod, do so for quality reasons. A good rod helps stop some serious fishing issues — unhooking, broken lines, poor casting, missed hooksets, bad action for lures and baits, etc. You might wonder why a broken fishing line has anything to do with the rod. If the action is not correct, the line will have to take up more of the battle, leading to the line breaking. If the reel is not great and the drag is too tight, then the line can break. A lot of these issues come down to rod action, rod power, and length.
My Best Rod for Redfish and Trout
For me, the best rod for redfish and trout is a Penn Fierce III with a 4000 series reel. It is an excellent medium-weight fishing rod that will handle some pretty big fish. A 7.0-foot length and medium action are perfect for casting smaller or larger lures or baits. I prefer a graphite composite for longevity.
I can find those qualities in many brands of fishing rods. What I love about the Penn III is that it fits comfortably in my hand. We talked about making this personal, and this is where that starts. Please pick up the rod and hold it. Squeeze it hard because when you fight that big fish, you will be squeezing the rod hard. It has to be comfortable in both a relaxed or intense situation. If you have larger hands and fish with a small diameter rod, your hand will cramp after a few hours. Fishing needs to be comfortable because it can be an all-day affair. In short, the best fishing rod for redfish or speckled trout is a:
Medium or Medium Heavy fishing rod
Fast action
7-8 feet long
3,000-4,000 series reel.
For me, the Penn Fierce III is it. Amazon reviewers give it a 4.4-star rating.
Optionally another Best rod for redfish and trout is the Falcon Coastal Clearwater Spoon/Spinner Bait SWS 74MH rod and reel combo by Falcon. With its design for handling big redfish, the rod is very forgiving. It is a single-piece blank, perfect for those who like to target big Bull Reds – The upper end of the redfish trophy range. The single-piece blank is 7 feet, 4″ long with moderate to heavy action, capable of handling 10-20 lb line, and lures in the 1/4-3/4 of an ounce range. It is just what you need to battle big bull reds.
If you are new to fishing, this might all be Greek to you. However, there is a method to understanding the world of fishing rods.
Power: You can think of “power” in this case, as how much tug or fight it takes for a fish to bend the rod. The power, in this case, is the fish. A smaller power rating on a fishing pole means smaller fish will bend it. A higher power rating on a fishing pole means it takes a bigger fish to bend it. You might use an ultra-light power rod for fishing small fish, such as brook trout or bluegill—an extra heavy-rated rod for fishing Tarpon. For redfish and speckled trout, a medium to medium-heavy power rod is ideal.
Length — affects the quality of your fishing. Rods with a shorter length make it more difficult to cast long distances. They are excellent for close-range fishing. A longer rod allows you to cast farther but may not be as accurate as a shorter rod — Not a big deal for redfish fishing. If you need to cast farther, a longer rod is good. A shorter redfish rod might be a better bet if you are sight fishing near-shore or jigging in the deep water.
Action — is a measurement of two things. First, the time it takes for the rod to return to its straight position once it bends. Second, action is a rating of how much a rod will bend or how much of the rod will bend. For example, a fast-action-rated rod will have more bend in the top end than in the entire rod. Conversely, a medium or light action rod will bend throughout its length. Which is better? They both have their place. When you need to feel the minute tug at a piece of bait, an extra-fast action is the tool you need. If you are fishing deep water with a jig, for example, fast-action rods help translate that bit from deep water to the fishing rod where you can feel it. Slower rod action is what we consider a more forgivable setup.
What Is The Best Fishing Line for Redfish and Speckled Trout
Generally, a 20-30 pound braid is just what you need for redfish. A 15-pound leader for small redfish and speckled trout and a 20-30 pound leader for big red bulls.
You can go lighter but risk losing bigger redfish. On the other hand, you can go stronger and aim for the biggest of the red bulls. In that situation, a 40-50 lb braided line is ideal.
Why choose a braided line? It is excellent for casting and can improve accuracy. It also does not have much stretch to it, which means a better and easier hook setting.
Choosing the best rod for redfish and trout does not need to be difficult. There are a few differences in the two species. If you want to target one over the other, its basically a lighter setup for speckled trout than for trophy red bulls. What is important regardless of the brand is that the rod is comfortable to use, of good manufacturing, and generally a foot or so longer than you are tall. You often catch both redfish and speckled trout in the same locations, so a rod that will cover both species is ideally going to get the most use.
The best bait for shark fishing is a bloody oily chunk or live bait from species that are present in the waters. Sharks are opportunists, but they dial in on what is available when it comes to finding food. These are big predators, and it takes a lot of food to feed a shark. So it should be no surprise that they tend to target what is present and available in more significant numbers.
Characteristics of The Best Shark Bait
Where you fish for sharks is essential to how you choose the best shark bait. Sharks are picky eaters. They are not slow. They are not dumb. They are highly skilled, predatory fish, which is why you are targeting them when you fish. The Characteristics of Shark Bait include:
Localized Fish — Take a look at the local population of fish. What are people catching the most of right now? Amberjack? Mullet? Ladyfish? Bonito? The sharks in the waters where you are fishing will target the fish species that are present. They won’t hold out all day waiting for something exotic.
Size Matters — Or does it? Forage fish, those that sharks and other predators hunt, are what is essential. You can catch a giant shark on a sardine. Most often, it is not the size of the bait but the condition of it. Oily, firm, fresh, and bloody are four characteristics that make bait the best lure for sharks.
Freshness — If Fishing with Chunks, make sure it is fresh. Sharks will scavenge but only as a last resort. The fresher the bait, the more oil and blood residue it has. Sharks are super sniffers, and some can detect the smallest amount of blood in a large amount of water. Frozen bait tends to soften up once in the water and become slushy, which means once the hook is placed, and the line in the water, the bait may float off the hook.
What Is The Best Bait for Shark Fishing In The Gulf of Mexico?
What is the best shark fishing bait? In the Gulf of Mexico, there are many fish that become the best shark fishing bait. Below is a partial list, along with the reasons these fish rock the shark bait menu. The following list is in no particular order. You may also want to look at the difference in baits vs. shark species, such as the blacktip shark.
Bonito — A strong scented and oily fish that is ideal for off-shore shark fishing. Bonito are often present in the deeper water, which is also where you find the trophy sharks. A plus of using Bonito as shark bait is that they are not difficult to catch.
Mackerel — Another pungent and oily fish, the mackerel makes an ideal shark bait. Most species of mackerel are available year-round and have an open season.
Mullet — is excellent shark bait. They range from 9-19 inches and make good live bait or chunk bait. The best features include its heavy, oily skin with a pungent smell. These easily attract sharks, especially if fishing near a school of baitfish.
Barracuda — strong-smelling, oily, and bloody make barracuda a prime fish to draw in sharks from a wide area. Used as chunk bait, you can cast from the shore or fish the deep water and lure sharks in close.
Large Menhaden — grow to about a foot in length. They are a bottom feeder that produces a ton of oil. They make amazing live or chunked bait for sharks due to their thick layer of fat.
Stingray — is a natural prey for sharks, especially hammerhead and tiger sharks. Stingray is not a regulated species, so the season is open all year long, and you can catch what you need for bait. Should you catch a giant hammerhead and land it, be sure to check the inside of its mouth. You will likely find stingray barbs lodged behind the teeth.
Ladyfish (Skipjack) — A universal baitfish that is unregulated. Often found in huge schools, Ladyfish attract predatory fish, including sharks. Fish chunk or live Ladyfish at the fringe of the school. That is where the sharks lurk, waiting to take strays.
Amber Jack — is easy to catch on live sardines, shrimp, or other small baitfish, making them a perfect bait for sharks. Fish live or in chunks; sharks love them. They are full of oil and have a strong smell, which are two traits that attract sharks.
Bluefish — can be a pest to anglers. They will tear your bait apart before the sharks get there. The good news is that bluefish make excellent shark bait. Put a few chunks on your hook, and the other bluefish will leave it alone—sharks like bluefish for food.
Blue Runners — are solid fighters and, as live bait, that can pull in big sharks. As chunk bait, they are only, making them perfect for chum or chunk bait. You can find Blue Runner frozen too, but for the best shark fishing, live or very fresh is always best.
Jack Crevalle — can be large in the 40-inch range but are common in the 12-20 inch range. They make excellent bait for sharks, and specifically for Tiger Sharks.
As you can see, there are plenty of options for fantastic shark bait. Live bait is usually better, but chunked fresh bait can be equally good. Give the tendency for frozen bait to fall to pieces once, in the water, we suggest good fresh bait — live or chunked.
How To Catch Shark Bait
The best shark fishing bait is live. The distress of the live bait draws in sharks quickly. You can catch your live bait using a net or a hook and line.
Mullet, herring, and sardines you can catch with a cast net. Once you locate the school, cast the net out and pull it back onto the boat. Keep the baitfish alive in a bucket and use the excess for chum.
Most other shark bait you catch with a line and a hook. Those fish include larger bait such as Bonito or mackerel. Lures work great to catch predatory fish for bait. Silver spoons, jigs, and flashers are examples of lures that work on most fish on the best shark bait fish list. Remember, on a charter boat; you will have both an opportunity to target sharks with live bait or chunk bait. Half of the fun of shark fishing is catching the bait. Check out the rules and consideration for taking baitfish. Book a charter with the Finest Kind!
Kids with catches from The Finest Kind Charter Boat!
What are the benefits and reasons parents and grandparents should take children and grandchildren on deep sea fishing trips? Inside, we walk you through our ten best reasons why children and deep sea fishing are a favorable combination. Here we go!
1. Outdoor Experiences
Deep sea fishing for kids is an opportunity to get kids off the couch and away from their mobile screens. It is a sport that is very active and also rich in technology such as sonar and radar. So, it is an opportunity to teach kids about technology that is not on a phone or a table while giving them real-world experiences.
2. Memories
Memories of going fishing with dad or grandpa are things that ground us and enrich our lives. Learning to fish is a way of developing new tools and experiences and something that, for many adults, is a beautiful and almost spiritual experience that we carry forward from our childhood. Kid Friendly deep sea Fishing builds positive memories, and they are memories that many people can relate to over their lives.
3. Family Bonding
Family Fishing is something that a father or grandfather shared with their kids and grandkids. Today, women are just as big a part of fishing as are the guys. Fishing makes a beautiful family outing and is an activity that helps the whole family bond and grows as a unit. It is an activity that helps to breakdown barriers and encourages active parenting from both mom and dad.
4. Education about Marine Life
The ocean is so full of beautiful creatures from the big sharks and whales to the small shells that are a part of this beautiful world. Deep sea fishing for kids helps those kids understand things like recycling and responsible purchasing – garbage patch – to conservation for marine habitats and critters. It is also a way to learn more about the real world. For older kids, it can be a gateway to understanding broader concepts such as how weather works.
5. Hands-on Learning with Professional Guides
Being younger makes it easier to learn and understand fishing techniques, such as learning how to tie knots and rigging up a pole for different kinds of fishing. Because fishing charters have professional guides, the learning experience is akin to going to school, only this is hands-on learning, and that is something you can take with you throughout your whole life.
6. Character Building
Fishing is no always successful, even with a guide. Learning to deep sea fish is one way to teach kids valuable life lessons about how to apply knowledge to problem-solving. After all, the ocean is a massive vessel in which you must find the type of fish you want to target, fishing can be both a team sport or one that is all about the fisherman. It is you and a big fish, and it teaches you how to be humble and patient while still using your intelligence to create a winning situation.
7. Enhancing Confidence
With the right tools and knowledge, fishing is easy. Those combinations of traits help kids to understand that they can do something positive. There are rules and regulations, but also skills and techniques. If you learn them all, you are more successful as a fisher. If you don’t, then you struggle, and understanding the difference is a valuable life lesson.
8. Appreciation for the Environment
Deep sea fishing helps kids to appreciate the world around them. There are many life lessons in this sport. You get to see first hand how the oceans work and how little things can cause significant problems, such as pollution and how recycling and conversation at home add up to positive changes.
9. Stewardship Connection with the Gulf of Mexico
Conservation is a big deal in fishing and deep sea fishing; it helps kids connect the dots about how we all have to care for the environment. The positive benefits of fishing allow kids to become part of the solution. Through the joy of fishing, the education side of the sport is easy to pick up and take home with you.
10. Exploration Stimulation for Future Generation Leaders
Fishing is something that people become passionate about, and that is a beautiful thing to foster in a child. It is a life-long sport that sets up the building blocks for kids to grow into responsible parents who engage with their children.
What do you love about deep sea fishing and how does that translate into being a parent. There are so many excellent opportunities to expose a child to the positives of the world around them. Fishing and deep sea fishing, especially, is a gateway to learning, caring, and bonding. Learn more about booking a charter with your whole family.
