So, you’re keen to try sea fishing but don’t know where to start? This guide breaks down the fundamentals, acting as a comprehensive resource for beginners to get out on the water and start catching fish.
Getting Started: Essential Gear
Walking into a tackle shop can be overwhelming, with countless products promising to improve your catch rate. But don’t worry! You don’t need to break the bank to get started.
A budget-friendly rod and reel combo is an excellent option for beginners. Many retailers offer these combos at affordable prices.
While a cheap combo rod might not last for years, it’s a good starting point, especially if you’re unsure about your long-term interest in sea fishing. It’s far better to start with a cheaper set up, and then as your passion grows, invest in higher quality gear.
The Essential Checklist
To ensure a successful sea fishing trip, it’s vital to have the right equipment. I use a checklist every time I’m preparing to leave, and I highly recommend you do the same!
Here’s a list of essentials for a typical sea fishing outing:
- Rod and reel
- Tackle box with essential components (more on this later)
- Bait
- Sharp knife
- Bucket for your catches (recommended)
- Cloth for wiping hands and handling spiky fish
- Spare spool of fishing line
- Small first aid kit
- Small pliers or a disgorger for safely removing hooks
Let’s explore some of these essential items in more detail.
Choosing the Right Fishing Reel
Multiplier (left) and fixed spool reel (right)
Two primary types of reels exist: multiplier reels and fixed spool reels.
Multiplier reels can be challenging for beginners, because they can be prone to “birds-nesting” (tangled lines). Untangling a bird’s nest can waste valuable fishing time! Fixed spool reels are much more user-friendly, making them the ideal choice for beginners.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each type:
Multiplier Reels
Pros:
- Can cast longer distances
- Handles heavier lines well
- Effective for fighting larger fish
- Suitable for rough ground fishing
Cons:
- Prone to birds-nesting with lighter lines
- Difficult to use in the dark
- Less forgiving of casting errors
Fixed Spool Reels
Pros:
- Works well with lighter lines
- Very forgiving of casting errors
- Suitable for night fishing and sandy-bottom fishing
- Ideal for float fishing, feathering, and spinning
Cons:
- Not as effective with heavy lines
- Not as well-suited for difficult terrain
- Less powerful for bringing in very large fish
- Not as effective for distance casting
Choosing Fishing Line
Choosing the right fishing line can seem complicated, as there are many opinions and options available. Here are some general guidelines:
For all-around sea fishing, monofilament line (mono line) is usually the best choice.
While braid line can be useful in specific shore fishing scenarios, mono line is more versatile.
Most anglers use line between 10lb and 15lb test. Check your reel’s instructions for the manufacturer’s recommended line strength.
If you’re using a multiplier reel, double-check the recommended line for your specific reel model. Always use a strong leader, and make sure the knot connecting the leader to the main line is positioned to the side of your reel before casting to avoid thumb injuries.
Selecting a Fishing Rod
Before buying a fishing rod, determine the type of fishing you’ll be doing most often.
Popular options include:
- Float fishing
- Spinning
- Feathering
- Bottom fishing
- Fishing in rocks
- Fishing from cliffs
- Fishing from the beach
Think about your preferred fishing style before purchasing a rod. Consult your local tackle shop for advice. Online reviews can also offer valuable insights.
Shore rods range from 6ft to 15ft in length. The ideal length depends on where and what you’re fishing for.
A 7-9ft spinning rod is suitable for spinning, feathering, and float fishing. However, avoid using more than three feathers on a light spinning rod, as the weight of multiple fish can damage the rod.
I use a 9-foot spinning rod for feathering (with three feathers), spinning, and float fishing. I switch to a stiffer beachcaster rod and stronger reel with six feathers when mackerel are plentiful.
The reason I use a light spinning rod for feathering is simple: it is much lighter, so my arms don’t get tired. Once I know the fish are around, I switch to heavier gear because I’ll only need to cast a few times to catch enough fish.
Avoid telescopic rods for feathering and spinning, as they tend to be heavier.
How much does your fishing rod bend?
The rod’s stiffness is another important consideration. Stiffer rods are better for fishing from cliffs and piers, as they make it easier to haul fish up. They can make it harder to detect bites when bottom fishing, but this is usually not an issue for feathering, float fishing, or spinning.
In most cases, rod stiffness isn’t a significant concern. My daughter uses an inexpensive rod and reel combo, and despite the rod bending significantly, she can still catch fish from piers.
Beachcaster Rods
Large beachcaster rods and multiplier reels are ideal for fishing on the seabed, especially in rocky areas. A stronger setup is needed to handle larger fish and rough terrain.
Buying Gear Online
If you’re buying fishing gear online, research thoroughly before making a purchase. Key considerations include:
- Rod/reel weight
- Rod flexibility (bend)
- Rod/reel weight capacity
- Durability
- Intended fishing style
- Suitable seabed types
Best Time to Shore Fish
The best time to fish depends on the target species. Dawn and dusk are generally good times, with dawn often being more productive. For daytime fishing, a rising tide and high tide are usually best.
New moon and full moon periods bring the highest tides, and fishing on these days (plus three days after) can be very productive.
Bass may prefer the lower building tides before a new moon or full moon, while some fish prefer hunting on a low tide and as the tide turns. Consult a local tackle shop or online fishing forum for specific advice on your target species.
Tackle Essentials
Always carry duplicates of essential tackle items, as problems can arise unexpectedly.
Store bait in a box or bucket half-filled with seawater to keep it out of the sun and prevent seagulls from stealing it.
Do not trust that seagull, it lies! 🙂
Keeping fish in a bucket of seawater prevents them from drying out on hot days, which is essential for mackerel fishing.
Choose fishing rigs appropriate for the seabed type.
Float fishing kits are available, but individual components often offer higher quality. Float fishing sets should include setup instructions, and there are also online resources with photo guides for float setup.
Tackle Box Essentials
A well-stocked tackle box should include:
- Two or more floats (plus weights)
- 2-3 different hook sets
- 6 or more various weights
- Long-nosed pliers or a disgorger
- Small and large beads
- Sharp knife
- Swivels
- Bait elastic
- Spare line
Fishing Weights
Weight selection depends on the fishing type. A 2oz or 3oz weight is suitable for calm waters without strong tides for feathering and bottom fishing. For rough seas, strong currents, or casting among rocks, a 4oz or heavier weight is preferable.
Breakaway weights are recommended for rough ground fishing to reduce snagging.
A breakaway weight
I sometimes use breakaway weights on sandy ground to provide extra anchoring in strong currents.
Ensure you choose the right weight for your fishing floats, as this varies depending on the float size and type. The packaging should provide guidance.
Fishing Hooks
Choosing the right hooks is vital.
Bigger hooks don’t always mean bigger fish!
Smaller hooks can catch large fish. Larger hooks are only useful if you’re targeting larger species and want to avoid smaller fish (e.g., when fishing for conger eels).
The hook shank length should be appropriate for the bait. Longer shanks are designed for worms like ragworms.
Consult your tackle shop for hook recommendations based on your target species and fishing style.
Circle hooks are increasingly popular because they eliminate the need to strike. They are designed to hook the fish as they take the bait.
A circle hook virtually eliminates striking.
How to Tell if You’ve Hooked a Fish
To determine if you’ve hooked a fish, tighten the line and raise your rod straight up.
If you feel the fish fighting and pulling, you’ve likely got a bite. If the line doesn’t move, you’re probably snagged.
Beach Fishing Tripods
Invest in a tripod for beach fishing rods.
Tripods with extending legs are useful for attaching items and keeping them off the ground. While waiting for a bite, use the tripod to hold spare rigs.
Some tripods have a hook in the middle for holding a bait bucket or bag, which also adds stability and weight.
First Aid Kit
A small first aid kit should include waterproof plasters, sterile dressings, a cleaning agent, and sunscreen.
Conclusion
With the right gear and knowledge, you can start sea fishing with confidence. Remember to practice responsible angling and respect the marine environment. Good luck, and happy fishing!
