For many, fishing for supper is becoming more and more popular, especially with the economy the way it is. Whether you live in Maine or Miami, the very first thing you must do is to check with the local authorities about whether a license is needed. More and more locations are requiring licenses, even for Salt Water. You must get familiar with the regulations for your location. How many of a given species equals the ‘limit’ and what are the size limits. You fined large amounts of money if you do not follow regulations.

Having the correct equipment for the conditions and your target fish is essential. Don’t take your light action trout rod to the beach and attempt to cast for Bluefish or Striped Bass. Purchase proper tackle and care for it. Salt water needs to be washed off after use to give your gear long life. Lubrication is even more important when fishing in salt water.

If you are new to salt water fishing, go visit the locations you intend to fish, the local pier, or shore spot, watch what others are doing. Talk to the fishermen, most will be accommodating with advice or stories of their successes and failures.

Go to a bait and tackle shop near your intended fishing spot. The people in the shop will be happy to let you know what species are currently running and where, and what is the best bait or lures to catch them. In many states these shops can sell you a license if needed, and provide you with limit and size rules.

Happy angling.