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How to Choose Saltwater Fishing Rods, Reels and Rigs?

Saltwater fishing is an exciting and challenging activity, and the correct selection of saltwater rods, reels, and rigs is key to successful fishing. With so many options to choose from, let’s take a closer look at how to choose the right saltwater tackle for your needs.
Fishing in a group has become a simple leisure sport. Some people go fishing near the sea, some go fishing near the far sea, and some even go fishing in the high seas, such as going to Haikou to go fishing for bluefin tuna in the Strait of Malacca.

So how to choose the right fishing rod, fishing reel and fishing group for deep sea fishing? detail how to choose
The wildness of a man is to conquer, this is an innate character (of course women are the same). The vast sea is a legend. For the majority of fishermen, the only way to conquer the sea is to go fishing. The thrilling scene of fighting with big fish can bring the thrill of conquest to fishermen! Friends who have never been out at sea will always think that fishing tackle is very expensive, and fishing rods that cost thousands of dollars or even tens of thousands of dollars are needed. So, what kind of fishing rod and other fishing tackle do you need to choose for fishing in the sea? Based on my experience, I will introduce fishing tackle for going out to sea.

What kind of fishing rod should I choose for fishing?
Many friends who have never been out at sea will ask whether it is very expensive to go to sea, and whether a fishing rod costs hundreds or even tens of thousands of dollars. In fact, seawater fishing rods for going out to sea are not very expensive, but many friends take it for granted. There are several types of sea fishing rods.
Saltwater Rod Options:
Saltwater fishing rods typically need to be strong and durable enough to handle the challenges of saltwater environments. Here are some key factors to consider:
Materials: Good saltwater rods are usually made of carbon fiber, fiberglass composite, or a hybrid to provide a balance of strength and flexibility.
Strength and Action: Choose the appropriate rod strength and action (such as light, medium, heavy) based on the target species and fishing environment. Lightweight rods are good for thrill-seeking fish, while heavy-duty rods are good for larger fish.
Length: The choice of rod length depends on your fishing style and environment. Longer rods are generally suitable for shore or beach fishing, while shorter rods are suitable for boats or tight spaces.

Offshore Fishing Rods
Offshore fishing refers to going out to sea with a small boat. Due to the small size of the boat, it cannot reach the deep sea, and the trip takes 2 to 4 hours to fish in the offshore waters. There is little chance of big fish in this kind of sea area, generally around 20 jin, and very few over 30 jin, so the requirements for using rods are relatively low. There are two main options for rods. For fishing reels, water drop reels are not suitable for sea fishing and are not recommended. Of course, veteran fishermen think it is suitable for you to buy. This article only introduces fishing rods for novices.

Lei Qiang Rod (Lure Rod).

The offshore fishing rod should not be too long when used on a boat. It is more suitable to choose a length of 1.8-2.7 meters, a Lei Qiang rod or a long-range casting rod. For fishing reels, you can choose 3000-5000 spinning reels. The braking force of fishing reels must be good, that is, the force unloading system must be good.

Rocky fishing rod.

For newcomers, it is recommended to buy rocky fishing rods with a length of 5.3 meters and a size of 1.5 or 2.0. The spinning wheel can choose 2500-3000 type. Long rods are good at controlling fish, so it’s okay to have a relatively small fishing reel.

Deep sea fishing rod

Deep-sea fishing refers to going out to sea with a large boat, and really entering the deep-sea fishing, such as the South China Sea Oilfield in the Pearl River Delta, Zengmu Shoal and other sea areas, and some even go to the Strait of Malacca to fish for bluefin tuna. Generally speaking, for deep-sea fishing boats, the trip of the boat needs more than 10 hours to fish in the open sea. The depth of the sea water exceeds 60 meters, and the fish caught are relatively large. Sometimes the individual fish exceeds 100 kg. At this time, the choice of rod is You need to be careful, the poles for fishing in the deep sea are collectively called iron poles.
When fishing in the deep sea, you often encounter big fish, and the pulling force of marine fish is much greater. It can be said that the pulling force produced by a 10-jin marine fish is equivalent to that produced by a 20-jin freshwater fish. Because the sea water is relatively deep, and the ship shakes violently, the pulling force generated is much greater. In this case, the fishing rod is very important. It is required that the rod should not be too long, but it must be strong enough. Only a strong enough rod can withstand the pulling force of sea fish. But it does not mean that the heavier the fishing weight, the better, and the stronger the better.
The principles of choosing a deep-sea saltwater fishing rod are as follows:

  1. First of all, iron poles require single-section poles. The most ideal iron pole is Dujie, because the Dujie pole can achieve the lightest, strongest and best tonality in production, and the bearing capacity is also the most balanced.
  2. The iron pole should not be too long. The length of the iron pole is generally between 1.5 and 1.8 meters, which can basically meet the fishing needs. If you challenge big fish, 1.5 meters is the best choice.
  3. Follow the principles of fishing grounds. The selection of iron rods needs to be based on the depth of the sea water in the fishing ground, the size of the fish and the physical strength of the fisherman, and comprehensive consideration should be given to choose the most suitable iron rod.
    A. Generally speaking, the deeper the seawater, the larger the iron plate used, and a large iron plate pole is required.
    B.The larger the fish to be caught, the bigger the iron rod should be. For example, we often go to the Nanhai Oilfield in the far sea, the water depth is about 60 meters, and we often catch Zhanghong weighing more than 60 catties. The iron rod can If you choose a pole of 1.5 meters, the fishing weight will start at 300 grams.
TROLLING REEL

What kind of fishing reel should I choose for fishing?
Deep-sea fishing does not require too much rods. After all, the rods are all solid rods, and only light weight and high strength are required. But it is different for saltwater fishing reels, and the requirements for wheels are very high. First of all, the fishing reel must have enough braking force. Only the braking force is strong enough. It can be said that the most expensive accessory of a set of fishing rods is the wheel. The general starting price of the wheel is 400 US dollars to 800 US dollars.
Reel selection:
The reel is the core component of saltwater fishing tackle, and the right choice of reel will provide smooth line payout and retrieval. Here are some key factors:
Strength and Durability: Choose a durable reel that can withstand saltwater environments and fights with larger fish. Fishing reels made of stainless steel or aluminum alloys generally have better corrosion resistance.
Speed and drag force: Select the appropriate speed and drag force according to the target fish species and fishing method. The greater the drag, the better you can control the fight of the larger fish.
System Compatibility: Make sure the reel you choose is compatible with the rod you choose to ensure a secure fit and good handling.

There are three options for fishing reels:

  1. Drum type fishing reel:
    The line cup of the drum fishing reel has a large capacity, and a large drum reel can be bought on the market, which is suitable for using a larger iron rod. Moreover, the drum fishing reel is basically equipped with a star-shaped manual brake, which can control the brake better and has the highest drain force value, which can show great advantages when fishing giants in the deep sea. Drum reels are for strong men to conquer the sea.
  2. Spinning reel:
    Spinning fishing reel is easy to operate, and novices can throw it through simple throwing practice. It is characterized by relatively cheap and durable, easy to clean and easy to maintain, but its disadvantages are obvious for deep-sea fishing. It is only suitable for offshore or deep-sea fishing. Small fish such as superficial fish.
  3. Electric fishing reel
    The line cup of the electric fishing reel has a large capacity, and it needs to be driven by the electric wheel to take up the line. But electric reels are an inevitable choice for fishing large fish.

What kind of fishing group do I need to choose for fishing?

The rig is the key component that attaches the bait to the line, and choosing the right rig can improve your saltwater fishing results. Here are some key factors to consider:

Hook size: Choose the appropriate hook size according to the caliber and feeding habits of the target fish. Larger hooks are for larger fish, while smaller hooks are for finer fishing techniques or smaller fish.
Line Selection: Choose a fishing line with strength and abrasion resistance suitable for saltwater environments. Strength is usually expressed in pounds (lb), choose the appropriate line strength based on the size and fighting strength of the target fish.
Neckline and Lead Weight: According to fishing depth and tidal conditions, choose the appropriate neckline and lead weight to maintain the position and drift of the bait in the water.

  1. Line group

The main lines of deep-sea fishing are almost all braided lines dedicated to boat fishing, and there seems to be no other choice. The number of the line is between 6 and 10, or even larger. The advantages of the braided line for boat fishing are strong pulling force, no ductility, and thin line diameter.

The sub-wire needs carbon wire, which can use the ductility and wear resistance of carbon wire. The front wire generally needs to be 2 to 3 meters long, or it can be directly connected without the front wire.

  1. Fishhook

Most of the hooks for deep sea fishing are between No. 15 and No. 24. Of course, in offshore waters, you can choose a smaller number of fishhooks, you can choose between 10 and 13, but you need to determine the hook number according to the target fish and water flow.

  1. Lead pendant

Because of the currents on the bottom of the sea, the water depth is more variable. Lead pendants must be used when fishing, and lead pendants need to be equipped with several pieces of different models, and the weight is between 100 and 600 grams. You can choose within 300 grams for offshore fishing, and lead sinkers of more than 500 grams are required for deep-sea fishing, otherwise they will not reach the bottom of the sea.

Precautions for fishing

  1. Safety comes first when going out, and life jackets must be prepared. Some boats will have them, but based on my experience, it is best to buy life jackets yourself, and the quality must be good.
  2. All kinds of sun protection clothing. The ultraviolet radiation on the sea will be stronger than that on the land. All kinds of sunscreen clothing, hats, face towels, gloves, and waist supports for poles are necessary.
  3. All kinds of conventional small medicines need to be prepared. Such as seasickness medicine, hemostatic medicine, etc. are commonly used in daily life. After all, sea fishing is dangerous and far from the shore.

For example:

Let’s say you plan to fish a large marine fish, such as a marlin, in a saltwater environment. Here is one possible saltwater tackle combination:

Rod: Choose a heavy-duty carbon fiber saltwater rod with a length of 8 feet or more to handle the marlin’s high power and long-distance casting needs.

Reel: Choose a saltwater reel that is durable and has high drag. For example, a reel with stainless steel bearings and a pull capacity of 30 pounds can meet the needs of a marlin when fighting.

Fishing rig: Use 80-pound wear-resistant fishing line, equipped with hooks and necklines of appropriate size to meet the bite caliber of the marlin and the needs of the marine environment.

This is just an example and the actual saltwater tackle you choose will depend on your target species, fishing style and personal preference. It is important to choose according to the characteristics of the target fish and the requirements of the fishing environment, and ensure the compatibility and balance between the fishing rod, fishing reel and fishing group.

When choosing saltwater tackle, consult professional fishing magazines, online forums, and experienced anglers for advice. They can provide hands-on experience with different makes and models to help you make a more informed choice. As a professional fishing tackle company from China, we can provide a full set of professional fishing gear and outdoor supplies for fishermen who go out to sea. If you are running a fishing tackle business, we can act as a supplier and provide professional fishing tackle export services. We’ve been in business for over 20 years.

Most importantly, know your fishing needs and skill level, and choose the saltwater tackle that’s right for you. By choosing the right saltwater rod, reel and rig, you’ll be able to get the most out of saltwater fishing and succeed in challenging saltwater environments.
With the improvement of living standards, people’s desire for pursuit has also increased. For fishing, it is not only a kind of recreational and sports activities, but also considered as a kind of spiritual practice. Especially deep-sea fishing is an exciting, challenging and wild sport. Deep-sea fishing can take you to the deep sea to experience a different style that you can’t feel on land!

FAQ

Q1: What should I consider when choosing a saltwater fishing rod?

A1: Consider factors like the target species, fishing technique (casting, trolling, bottom fishing), rod length, power (light, medium, heavy), and construction material (graphite, fiberglass) to ensure the rod can handle the challenges of saltwater environments.

Q2: How does rod length affect saltwater fishing?
A2: Longer rods offer better casting distance, while shorter rods provide more control for fighting strong fish. Choose a length that matches your fishing style and the type of saltwater fishing you plan to do.

Q3: What about the reel? How do I choose the right one for saltwater fishing?
A3: Consider the reel’s size (matched to the rod), gear ratio (for retrieval speed), and construction (corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or aluminum) to withstand the harsh saltwater conditions.

Q4: Can I use freshwater reels for saltwater fishing?
A4: While some freshwater reels might work in saltwater temporarily, they are not designed for the corrosive nature of saltwater. It’s recommended to invest in reels specifically designed for saltwater fishing.

Q5: How do I select the right fishing line for saltwater?
A5: Use braided lines or monofilament lines with higher pound-test ratings to withstand the challenges of saltwater species and conditions. Braided lines offer more strength and sensitivity, while monofilament lines are more forgiving.

Q6: What are saltwater rigs, and how do I choose the right ones?
A6: Saltwater rigs are setups with multiple hooks, lures, and bait to attract various species. Choose rigs based on the type of fish you’re targeting and the specific fishing technique you’re using (bottom fishing, trolling, etc.).

Q7: How do I prevent saltwater corrosion on my gear?
A7: Rinse your gear with freshwater after each saltwater outing to remove salt and debris. Store your gear in a cool, dry place and consider using reel covers and rod sleeves to protect them.

Q8: Are there specific features I should look for in saltwater fishing gear?
A8: Look for gear with corrosion-resistant components (stainless steel or aluminum), sealed bearings to prevent saltwater intrusion, and drag systems designed to handle strong fish.

Q9: Should I consider a saltwater-specific rod and reel combo?
A9: Yes, combo sets designed for saltwater fishing can save you time and ensure compatibility between the rod and reel. They are often designed to handle the specific challenges of saltwater environments.

Q10: Do I need to choose different gear for different saltwater environments (shore, boat, offshore)?
A10: Yes, the type of fishing you plan to do—shore, boat, or offshore—will influence your gear choice. Consider the depth, target species, and fishing conditions when selecting your equipment.

Saltwater fishing places unique demands on your gear due to the corrosive nature of saltwater and the strength of saltwater species. Investing in high-quality, purpose-built gear will enhance your success and enjoyment while saltwater fishing.

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