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Inshore Fishing Guides: A Comprehensive Discussion with Insights

inshore fishing
Written by Jessica Herron
Last Update: August 14, 2023

If you’re not familiar, Inshore fishing in an exciting and adventourous activity. Unlike offshore fishing, this type of fishing can be undertaken in many places, and many distinct categories of fishes are available. To catch these fishes, you have to be well aware of their characteristics.

For different places and different types of fishes, you need various types of fishing gadgets and gears. You might need to change your fishing tackles based on the water you are in. Moreover, you need diverse techniques for different weathers, waters, and tides. Don’t worry! Fishing isn’t rocket science, and befooling fishes isn’t that hard if you know about their behaviors. All you need is a collection of specialized fishing gears, and some techniques.

A Complete Guide on Fishing Inshore

According to Google, fishing beyond 30 meters (99 ft) deep water from the coastline id considered as “Offshore Fishing”. That means if you stay closer than 99 ft from the coastline, you’re fishing Inshore.
Inshore Fishing
However, not every angler is satisfied with this definition. According to some experienced anglers, inshore fishing can be up to 3 miles from the shore. However, the actual area coverage should be based on the fish you want to catch.

Fishing Gears

You’ll need certain gears to protect yourself when you’re fishing inshore. Especially if you are in the southern region, you need protection from direct sunlight. To beat the sunshine, you need a pair of sunglasses. It will be better if you choose a polarized one.

Sight fishing is an obligatory part of inshore fishing. Success on sight fishing depends on how much you can see underwater. Polarized glasses can be particularly helpful in this aspect as it removes glare from the water surface.

Fishing Gears - inshore fishing guide

For effective sun protection, you will also need sun protective shirts. These shirts are made with UV protective materials to protect your skin from sun damage. These shirts also offer quick evaporation so that you will be dried soon after precipitation. You also need to wear some hat or balaclava. A correctly sized hat or balaclava will not just protect your head; it will also protect your face as well.

Fishing Tackle

If you want to catch a particular type of fish, you need a specific kind of tackle. Your tackle will vary depending on the place and fish type. For example, you will need a different types of fishing rod if you want to catch a pompano than you need for catching a tarpon.

Fishing Tackle - inshore fishing guide

A surf casting setup can be highly beneficial if you go for beach fishing. If you want to go for bridge fishing to catch grouper or large snook, take a heavy setup with you. For spotted sea trout in grass flat fishing, you need lighter reel and rod setup. For a perfect fishing adventure why not carry few extra setups with you? You might not know what set of tackles may come in handy.

Kayak Fishing

A fishing kayak is a great addition if you are interested in the inshore fishery as well as offshore fishing. You will have some significant benefit using a fishing kayak over wade fishing.
Kayak Fishing
You can go to unexplored fishing places which is generally not possible to visit without a boat. Fishing kayaks are also inexpensive compared to other recreational boats. With 1000 dollars you will have a full setup fishing kayak. It will offer you access to water spots of wade fishing as well as places of flatboat fishing and more. A fishing kayak will provide you with paddles or skeg, fishing rod holder and storage space for gathering fishes.

Wade Fishing

Wade fishing is an inexpensive method of inshore fisheries. You do not require many gears for being successful in wade fishing. A good quality fishing wader along with a pair of fishing boots is enough for starting your fishing adventure.

Most fishing waders are highly waterproof and can keep your body dry and warm. If you are going to have fun in wader fishing, you need a utility belt, a landing net and a tackle box with straps on your chest.

Wade Fishing

Fishing Rods, Lines, and Reels

Since the water is calm and most fishes found in these areas are relatively small, the requirement of sturdy and robust fishing rod and fishing line are less necessary. However, you need longer fishing rods to be able to catch fish in wader fishing and shore fishing where you stand in less depth of water and cast your lure away from you. So, spinning reel with a long fishing line is highly essential in this aspect.

However, less strong line and rods mean catching that large trophy fish is not an option. You do not need to be ready to catch a trophy fish as these fish are very much unlikely to be found in inshore areas. If you still want to be ready to catch larger fish, get a medium heavy 7 feet rod with 20-pound fluorocarbon line and a 4000 series spinning reel. However, for catching smaller fish all, you need medium action 7 feet fishing rod with 8-pound filament line and 2500 series spinning rod.

Final Words

Inshore fishing is safe as well as a little bit adventurous. It offers the opprtotunity to catch plenty of different fish species. You can catch fish from a kayak, small boat or shore. Being family friendly, a lot of anglers are engaged in this particular type of fishing.

However, our today’s article is targeted to newcomers. If you are a beginner, Hopefully this article will help you learn everything you need to know about inshore fishing. Still got questions to ask? Please feel free to write us back. Happy fishing!

About the author

Jessica Herron

Hi! This is Jessica. I can be your virtual outdoor buddy, lol! My friends call me a devotee of adventure. I believe, as any outdoor enthusiast does, adventures are all about the thrill. My love consists of a mix of fishing and camping in the wild, if you ask (what thrills you most?). So, I could be of help (through my articles on this website) to any adventure seeker as long as backpacking, survival, camping, hiking, and fishing are concerned. Are you planning to take a trip to the wild next weekend? Maybe, you already are in the middle of a journey. No matter where you are, my words are on the air!

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