Start Fishing
Six short lessons to get you casting with confidence.
What Is Saltwater Fishing?
Saltwater fishing is fishing in the ocean, bays, and estuaries. It uses stronger gear than freshwater because the water is heavier and the fish are often stronger.
What Gear Do I Need?
A rod, reel, line, hooks, weights, bait, pliers, a bucket, and safety gear. Start simple. Add pieces as you learn.
How to Bait a Hook Safely
Hold the bait between your fingers and slide the hook through firmly. For shrimp, hook it under the horn on the head or through the tail.
How to Cast Safely
Look behind you before every cast. Warn people near you. Use a smooth, easy motion, not a big whip.
What to Do When You Catch a Fish
Keep the rod tip up and reel steadily. Let the drag do work on big fish. Get help landing anything unusual.
Catch, Release, and Respect
Wet your hands, support the belly, and get the fish back in the water quickly. Keep only what your family will eat and only if it is legal.