Being a born and raised Hoosier, I’m quite comfortable on the topics of freshwater fishing. I know the fish, the live baits, the lures, and the techniques.
The problem is that I’ve moved to the Southeastern coast. There’s enough freshwater around that I’d have no problems finding bass and bluegills, but the world got a whole lot bigger, and I want to try fishing for brackish and saltwater gamefish.
Can anyone recommend a good book or website to help me get started? I tried looking at the local Bass Pro Shop, and they were more interested in selling me tackle than answering questions or selling books…
I don’t know where in the southeast you are, but when I lived in North Carolina, I had the same problem as you: freshwater fisherman living on the coast and unsure if I could use Texas-rigged worms or Rat-L-Traps from the piers (answer: no!).
I found these books to be extremely helpful:
Coastal Fishing in the Carolinas: From Surf, Pier, and Jetty
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0895871955/qid=1074606200//ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i0_xgl14/103-6408436-5081402?v=glance&s=books&n=507846
The Fisherman’s Ocean
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0811727718/qid=1074606368/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-6408436-5081402?v=glance&s=books
Also, if you are in or near North Carolina, try: http://www.avalonpier.com
I was in Myrtle Beach and took a charter, cost about 35 bucks and you will learn about bottom fishing, but it can be pretty crowded, you can also book deep water charters, cost a bit more. The guys running the charters like to talk fishing and have plenty to say.
I want to fish inland, what do I need?
Okay, I grew up saltwater fishing, so I can tell you that it depends on what you want to catch.
Think like this: You see the ocean, the back bays and you know there are certain fihs out there you want. Let’s say you want to catch some flounder/fluke. Well, and this is just an example, you’ll need a rod and reel designed for the rigors of saltwater fishing. You’ll need a rig which usually consists of enough weight to drak the hook(s) to the bottom, because flounder lay flat on the bottom…and you’ll need to drift, while you bounce the weight off the bottom. You need enough line to fish in 10 feet or 100+ feet of water. You’ll need technique because flounder don’t have the strongest mouths. And we didn’t even talk bait! You could use squid, or shredder, or illegally use some flounder belly, or you might try minnows.
If you want to hook some Tuna, now your into into big rods/reels/rigs and thousands of dollars.
I think you need an Old Salt to talk to.