Saltwater fishing is all about the gear. Saltwater fishing rods, reels, nets, gaffs, pliers, clothing and electronics don’t just make saltwater fishing easier and safer; they make it more fun.

Saltwater Rods & Reels

A good saltwater rod and reel are the foundation for successful saltwater fishing. Today’s saltwater rods and reels are high-tech tools that use space-age materials and precision workmanship to handle tough elements and tough fish.

Things to consider when purchasing saltwater rods and reels:

1. Consider the length, power and action you need. Longer rods cast farther, while shorter rods provide more power for fighting fish. Action is rated from "fast" for a rod that is stiff to "slow" for a rod that bends all the way to the handle. "Power" is the weight that the rod can lift from light to extra heavy. Rods are also categorized by the pound-test line or lure weight that they are designed to work with.
2. Most saltwater fishing rods are made of graphite or fiberglass. Graphite rods are stiffer and more sensitive, while fiberglass fishing rods are tougher and more powerful.
3. Saltwater fishing reels are classified as high-speed or low-speed. High-speed reels use a gear ratio greater than 6:1 to retrieve baits at breakneck speed. Low-speed reels, with a ratio less than 4:1, offer more power for fighting big fish. Some reels allow anglers to switch from high speed to low speed with the push of a button.
4. Another quality to consider when picking out a reel is line capacity, which will usually be marked on the body of the reel in feet or yards per pound test of line. Drag pressure is measured in pounds and should be adjusted to one-third the breaking strength of the line.
5. Use a saltwater reel that matches the recommended line weight marked on the rod. To pick the right rod for the type of saltwater fishing you want to do, look at the recommended lure weight and match it to the size bait or lure you intend to use.

SPINNING ROD AND REEL

Spinning gear uses a spinning reel with a fixed spool that is mounted below the spinning rod. Because the spool of the spinning reel is stationary, it is more difficult for the angler to tangle the line when casting. A spinning rod will have wider guides to catch the large loops of line leaving the spool on the cast.

Many anglers prefer spinning reels for working lures such as top-water poppers and high-speed plugs. Also, spinning reels can cast lighter saltwater lures and baits than conventional reels.

To fish with a spinning reel, hold the rod and reel in your dominant hand and crank the handle with the other hand. Most spinning reels have handles that are easy to change from left handed to right handed.

Spinning reels suffer from loops in the line called "wind knots" when the line becomes twisted or is not retrieved under pressure. This problem can usually be solved by adding a small swivel between the line and the leader.

When spooling line on a spinning rod, lay the spool on the floor so that the line is leaving the spool in the same direction that it is going onto the reel. To test if the line is going on correctly, pinch the line between your thumb and forefinger and make a dozen cranks of the reel handle. Then, stop winding line and drop the rod tip to put slack in the line. If the line starts to spin and twist, then you’re putting it on in the wrong direction. Simply flip the spool over and continue to fill the reel.

SALTWATER BAITCASTING RODS AND REELS

Baitcasting reels hold more line, cast farther and produce smoother drag than spinning reels; however, baitcasting reels are more difficult to cast.

A baitcasting reel has a revolving spool and sits on top of the baitcasting rod, which has smaller eyes than a spinning rod.

Baitcasting reels work well where long casts or big baits are necessary. Also, baitcasting reels are better for bottom fishing and jigging.

Reels with a closed face and line guide are used for working lighter lures and baits. Open-face reels without a line guide work better for casting or jigging because the line can be let out and retrieved more quickly.

One potential problem with baitcasting rods and reels comes when casting. If the spool is turning faster than the line is leaving the rod, the line gets backed up and explodes into a tangled mess called a "bird’s nest". If the backlash isn’t too severe, it can usually be picked out by pulling line off the reel.

To slow your cast, most baitcasting reels have either a magnetic, centrifugal or electronic cast control. But even with the best cast control, you still need to learn to use your thumb to slow the speed of the spool.

SALTWATER TROLLING

A saltwater trolling rod is a beefed-up version of its baitcasting cousin with a revolving spool reel that sits on top of the rod. These are some characteristics of saltwater reels and rods:

1. Saltwater trolling reels typically use a lever drag system instead of a star drag. This allows you to set the maximum drag, then adjust the amount of pressure with a lever on the side of the saltwater trolling reel. These reels also carry a lot of line and have large bodies to handle the extreme pressure of fighting a big fish.
2. Saltwater trolling rods are shorter and stouter than casting rods with a notched butt that fits into the gimbal on a fighting belt or chair. Saltwater trolling rods either use high-strength round eyes or roller guides to support the line.
3. Saltwater trolling rods and reels are categorized by the line-test that they are intended to support. A 20-pound combo will tackle smaller fish including sailfish, dolphin and white marlin; while a 130-pound outfit will subdue monster billfish and bluefin tuna.
4. Saltwater trolling rods used for stand-up fishing will usually be shorter with a longer butt, while rods made to be used in a fighting chair will be longer with a shorter butt. Lighter action trolling combos also make good heavy-duty bottom fishing and bait fishing rods.

SALTWATER JIGGING RODS AND REELS

Fishing with metal jigs is one of the oldest tricks in the book, but in recent years the method has taken on a new life with the invention of vertical and rubber jigs.

Vertical jigging uses high-speed rods and reels to retrieve a streamlined metal lure at top speeds. On the other hand, rubber jigs are designed to bounce slowly and hover off the bottom. These techniques require specialized tackle to either work a lure very quickly or very slowly.

For vertical jigging, use a medium-fast spinning or casting rod with a whippy tip that will quickly retrieve the jig. Vertical jigs require high-speed reels with a retrieve ratio of 6:1 or faster that can hold hundreds of yards of braided line.

Rubber jigs, on the other hand, are designed to move slowly and hover over their target. These jigs require an 8-foot, light-action rod that allows the fish to nibble its way to the hook without feeling any resistance. A reel with a slow retrieve ratio (below 5:1) will apply steady pressure to set the hook. Braided line and a highly sensitive rod will allow the angler to feel the slightest tap of a fish.

Visit our next section to learn more about saltwater fishing tools.

Saltwater Fishing Tools

To survive in salt water, your saltwater fishing tools have to be as tough as the fish and the conditions. Nets, gaffs, pliers and hook removers need to come together to land the fish of a lifetime.

SALTWATER FISHING GAFFS AND NETS

If you're planning on keeping a fish, nothing puts it in the box faster than a gaff. Fishing gaffs come in various hook sizes and handle lengths; the best fishing gaffs have a tapered aluminum handle, non-slip grips and a triangular point. Short gaffs are effective for handling big fish close to the boat, while longer gaffs are good for reaching out and grabbing a smaller fish.

The size of the hook bite should match the size of the fish that will be gaffed. For really big fish, use a flying gaff with a detachable hook that is attached to a rope. A gaff should only be used when you plan to keep a fish. If you will be releasing the fish, use a landing net or a pair of wet gloves.

The size of the landing net should match the size of the fish that you are aiming to land. Look for a fishing net with a wide hoop, double-walled aluminum handle, and deep net. Fishing nets with rubber mesh help protect the fish's slime coat and scales if it will be released after landing.

With increased catch limits and conservation efforts, catch-and-release fishing is more popular than ever. While lip grippers aren't the best tool for landing a fish, they work well for holding and releasing the fish without putting your fingers in its gills or mouth. Look for a lip gripper that is constructed out of non-corrosive aluminum or stainless steel.

Many lip grippers also have a fish scale incorporated into the handle. Clip the lip gripper on the fish's lower jaw, but never hold a fish vertically by the lip gripper. This can damage the fish's organs and jaw. Instead, support the belly of the fish with a wet glove on your free hand.

SALTWATER FISHING PLIERS AND SCISSORS

A good pair of saltwater pliers incorporates a half-dozen tools to do everything from cut wire to tighten knots and remove hooks. First, to avoid corrosion, saltwater pliers should be made of stainless steel or titanium. Shorter, more compact saltwater pliers provide power for removing hooks or cutting thick wire. Longer, needle-nose pliers can get into tight places for delicate work.

All fishing pliers combine jaws for gripping and blades for cutting. The best saltwater pliers will have replaceable cutting blades. Multi-tools may also incorporate screwdrivers, knives, scissors and other tools.

To replace hooks on plugs and jigs, use a pair of split-ring pliers. For big-game fishing, crimping pliers will snug down metal crimps and cut heavy monofilament and wire. A good pair of scissors is another indispensable tool for cutting line and bait.

SALTWATER FISHING KNIVES

A razor-sharp knife with a high-carbon steel blade makes cleaning fish and cutting bait quick and easy. A short, stout knife will make quick work of cut bait. When preparing fish for bait, look for a knife with a serrated edge. A longer knife with a thinner blade will fillet and skin a fish. When there is a pile of fish to clean, nothing beats an electric fillet knife. For fish that will be cooked whole, use a scaling and gutting tool.

SALTWATER HOOK REMOVER

Sometimes getting the hook out of a fish can be harder than getting the hook into the fish. Hook-removal tools make the job quick and safe. With toothy saltwater fish, removing the hook with your hands or even a pair of pliers can be dangerous. When releasing a fish, it is best to remove the hook without even taking the fish out of the water.

The latest generation of hook-removal tools works beautifully. Long-handled tools pop the hook out while the fish is still in the water. Shorter tools remove the hook and drop the fish in the ice box with a flick of the wrist. Both styles of tool remove the hook by using the fish’s weight to back the barb out of the hole in its jaw.

Visit our next section to learn more about saltwater fishing clothing.

Saltwater Fishing Clothing

Wearing the right clothes and accessories for the situation is key to being safe and comfortable.

The only thing that stands between you and raw saltwater conditions are the clothes on your back. From extreme heat to extreme cold, modern outdoor clothing will protect you from the different elements.

SALTWATER FISHING FOUL-WEATHER GEAR

Even on a bright sunny day, you can get soaking wet from salt spray. A good set of foul weather gear is required attire on any fishing trip. Breathable materials have their place, but in the wet world of saltwater fishing, nothing beats a set of PVC bibs, boots and rain jacket. PVC attire will keep you dry and clean all day, and you can simply rinse it off and hang it to dry so it is ready for your next trip.

SALTWATER WADERS

If you fish in the surf or from a kayak, a good pair of saltwater waders will be the key to comfort. In water that is warmer than 65 degrees, a quality pair of breathable saltwater waders will be as comfortable as your favorite jeans. In cold water, neoprene waders will keep you comfortably warm. Look for saltwater waders with reinforced knees, seat and booties. Boot foot waders are cheaper, but bulkier and heavier than stocking foot waders that require a separate boot. Even if you’re fishing in warm water, a solid pair of wading boots will protect your feet.

SUN PROTECTION

The most dangerous condition you’ll face on the water isn’t wind or waves, but the sun. Sunburn isn’t just uncomfortable — it could lead to skin cancer. The best way to shield yourself from the sun is to wear sunscreen. Another way to protect yourself and stay cool is by wearing a loose-fitting, lightweight long-sleeved shirt and long pants. Fabrics that have an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) greater than 40 will protect you from the sun all day. The newest generation of fabrics is designed to dry very quickly and cool the skin. Add a wide-brimmed, well-ventilated hat, and you’re wearing your own personal air conditioner.

A good pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes from the sun’s rays and help you catch more fish. Look for high-quality polarized lenses with wraparound frames to cut through the sun’s glare and see fish and structure below the water. The best fishing shades will have a thick frame that blocks light from entering the eyes. Grey lenses are best in bright conditions with clear water, while amber lenses work better in low light or cloudy, off-colored water. Some anglers even go so far as to wear light-colored gloves and a face mask to completely block out the sun.

COLD WEATHER

Some of the hottest fishing is done in some of the coldest weather. Today’s high-tech fabrics allow you to layer on warmth without a lot of bulk. Start with a base layer of breathable fabric that will wick moisture away from the skin. Add a mid-layer of breathable fabric with thick loft to trap warmth. Finally, put on a windproof, waterproof layer to keep out the elements.

Since 80 percent of body heat escapes through the head, a waterproof, windproof hat with thick insulation will help retain warmth. The body’s weakest links are the extremities. A thin pair of neoprene gloves will keep your hands warm even when they’re wet. To keep your feet warm and dry, start with thin silk-based socks under thicker insulating socks.

Learn about Saltwater fishing electronics in our next section.

Saltwater Fishing Electronics

High-quality electronics such as a saltwater fishfinder, VHR radio, radar and GPS will help you not only to find your catch, but to communicate in case of an emergency.

In the wild world of saltwater fishing, high-quality electronics are not optional. In fact, a fishfinder, radar, global positioning system (GPS) and VHF radio will help you find your catch and communicate with other vessels, and with the U.S Coast Guard.

SALTWATER FISHFINDER

A good saltwater fishfinder will do more than find fish; it will keep you from running aground. The best saltwater fishfinders use a high-pixel color or grey-scale screen to display a graphic image of the bottom, structure, fish, bait and even the thermocline.

Fishfinders work by using a transducer to send a ping of sound through the water. When the sound hits a fish, a wreck or the bottom, it bounces back to the transducer, which can determine the depth and consistency of the target. A 200-killohertz transducer will create a wide sonar beam to cover a large area in shallow water, while a 50-killohertz beam produces a narrower sonar beam to provide more detail in deeper water. Top-of-the-line fishfinders even offer 3-D side-scan images of the bottom. Most fishfinders also display a digital readout of the water depth and temperature. You can adjust the gain and contrast to pick up small fish in deep water or cut out the clutter from interference.

VHF RADIO

A VHF radio not only keeps you in touch with other anglers; it can also keep you out of trouble. A VHF radio is essential for up-to-the-minute weather information on the NOAA Weather Radio band. The U.S. Coast Guard and other authorities monitor VHFchannel 16 for boaters in distress and post important warnings and bulletins for mariners. Most radios also have a distress beacon that can be run through the GPS to provide exact coordinates to search-and-rescue teams. In addition to its safety features, a VHF radio can be a valuable fish-finding tool. Use the VHF to keep in contact with buddies, listen to the latest dock gossip, discuss important matters of politics and sports, and tell old stories and new. But whatever you do, don’t get fooled into chasing “radio fish” all over the ocean.

RADAR

Radar is another dual-purpose tool on the boat. As a safety device, radar will mark incoming storms and other vessels and navigation hazards. As a fishing device, radar can pick up flocks of birds working over feeding fish. Most boaters only need to get stranded in the fog once before they buy a radar system for their boat. The most advanced models will overlay the radar image on a GPS chart.

GPS

A GPS will get you to the fish and home again, and keep you “on the bite” all day. Use a GPS to locate wrecks and reefs, track the direction and speed of your drift, and set up a trolling pattern. You can also use a GPS to navigate through skinny water, mark hazards and find your way back to the dock. The hottest units include satellite weather, 3-D maps, and aerial photos of ports and harbors. To learn more about Saltwater Fishing Tackle & Knots visit our next section.