Saltwater fishing is practically synonymous with Wilmington NC. That’s why so many anglers drift to the area each and every summer. But, if you’re used to fishing in streams, lakes, and rivers, you might find fishing in the ocean can be quite different. For example, not only is your rig and bait going to be different, there are plenty of other considerations you need to be aware of to ensure a safe and successful excursion.
If you’re going to be going fishing in Wilmington NC with your pals or solo, here are eight tips that will help improve your odds for saltwater success.
Be Mindful of the Weather
Fish are very sensitive creatures. Their feeding habits can change on a dime and in most cases, the weather plays a big role in whether or not they’ll be biting. While is this is usual in most freshwater cases, it is significant when it comes to fishing in saltwater. Before you fish an area, learn about the ways the phases of the sun and moon affect the fish and how wind and weather affect feeding cycles and migration patterns.
Follow the Tides
Try to schedule your fishing day on a day when the tide is ebbing. This typically presents the most opportune fishing for saltwater anglers. If an ebb tide isn’t in your scheduling window, then a half-rising or half-falling tide will also work well.
Learn the Navigation Charts of the Area You’re Fishing
If you’re new to the area, then take the time to research the area and review its navigation charts. This will help you locate the most promising fishing spots and help ensure you don’t get lost.
Familiarize Yourself with the Equipment and Bait
If you’re new to saltwater fishing, you’ll notice the equipment and bait are somewhat different from what you might be used to. Knots are different too. Therefore, get familiar with these things before you get out on the ocean. This will help ensure you spend more time fishing and less time trying to tie a certain knot properly.
Identify Prime Fishing Spots
If you’re fishing just off the coast, aim for locations with pockets, holes, and reefs. These areas are often ideal for new saltwater anglers. Channels that lead to deeper waters are also good choices. If you see circling gulls or other birds out on the water, then odds are good that a school of fish are nearby.
Fish Along the Perimeter
For the first-time saltwater fisherman, fishing along the perimeter is usually a good way to become accustomed to the craft. Fish that swim along the perimeter don’t tend to get as scared when one gets on the hook. This means there’s more fishing fun to be had.
Practice, Practice, Practice
The best way to master saltwater fishing is to keep practicing it. Go on a charter with some more experienced saltwater anglers and learn their tips and tricks. Even fishing off a public fishing pier will help you get some of the basics down.
Don’t Give Up On a Spot Too Soon
Successful saltwater fishing demands patience. It can be tempting to leave one spot for another if the fish haven’t been biting, but be wary about leaving a spot too early. Instead, try at least two different lures or bait and make sure you cast to every point in the area that looks promising.
Intracoastal Angler is Your Complete Source for Fishing in Wilmington NC
Planning a saltwater fishing trip to Wilmington NC? Intracoastal Angler has all of lures, bait, and tackle to help make your trip a success. We also have up-to-the-minute weather reports and fishing tips available online for free. We tell you what's biting and where and what bait the fish are craving. Stay current with local insight on great coastal fishing with our Fishing Report and visit our store today in Wilmington NC. For more information, just give us a call at 910-392-3500.
If you’re going to be going fishing in Wilmington NC with your pals or solo, here are eight tips that will help improve your odds for saltwater success.
Be Mindful of the Weather
Fish are very sensitive creatures. Their feeding habits can change on a dime and in most cases, the weather plays a big role in whether or not they’ll be biting. While is this is usual in most freshwater cases, it is significant when it comes to fishing in saltwater. Before you fish an area, learn about the ways the phases of the sun and moon affect the fish and how wind and weather affect feeding cycles and migration patterns.
Follow the Tides
Try to schedule your fishing day on a day when the tide is ebbing. This typically presents the most opportune fishing for saltwater anglers. If an ebb tide isn’t in your scheduling window, then a half-rising or half-falling tide will also work well.
Learn the Navigation Charts of the Area You’re Fishing
If you’re new to the area, then take the time to research the area and review its navigation charts. This will help you locate the most promising fishing spots and help ensure you don’t get lost.
Familiarize Yourself with the Equipment and Bait
If you’re new to saltwater fishing, you’ll notice the equipment and bait are somewhat different from what you might be used to. Knots are different too. Therefore, get familiar with these things before you get out on the ocean. This will help ensure you spend more time fishing and less time trying to tie a certain knot properly.
Identify Prime Fishing Spots
If you’re fishing just off the coast, aim for locations with pockets, holes, and reefs. These areas are often ideal for new saltwater anglers. Channels that lead to deeper waters are also good choices. If you see circling gulls or other birds out on the water, then odds are good that a school of fish are nearby.
Fish Along the Perimeter
For the first-time saltwater fisherman, fishing along the perimeter is usually a good way to become accustomed to the craft. Fish that swim along the perimeter don’t tend to get as scared when one gets on the hook. This means there’s more fishing fun to be had.
Practice, Practice, Practice
The best way to master saltwater fishing is to keep practicing it. Go on a charter with some more experienced saltwater anglers and learn their tips and tricks. Even fishing off a public fishing pier will help you get some of the basics down.
Don’t Give Up On a Spot Too Soon
Successful saltwater fishing demands patience. It can be tempting to leave one spot for another if the fish haven’t been biting, but be wary about leaving a spot too early. Instead, try at least two different lures or bait and make sure you cast to every point in the area that looks promising.
Intracoastal Angler is Your Complete Source for Fishing in Wilmington NC
Planning a saltwater fishing trip to Wilmington NC? Intracoastal Angler has all of lures, bait, and tackle to help make your trip a success. We also have up-to-the-minute weather reports and fishing tips available online for free. We tell you what's biting and where and what bait the fish are craving. Stay current with local insight on great coastal fishing with our Fishing Report and visit our store today in Wilmington NC. For more information, just give us a call at 910-392-3500.
RSS Feed