FreshwaterFishingAdvice is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. shark vs crocodile battle croc underwatertimes aussie reveal bruggen paul van credit lost australia2 You can expect line snapping and breakage if you use this line for your saltwater fishing. Furthermore, saltwater reels may also have extra special sealants that hold water off metals, extending their lifespan. Freshwater gear, on the other hand, is made from your standard gear metal. reels saltwater spinning money I know this is a bit random, but if you ever wanted to go on a guided or chartered fishing trip in freshwater or saltwater, you should check out Fishing Booker. For freshwater trolling, any of the above-mentioned rod and reel combinations would do well. Saltwater is a harsh liquid and it has the ability to corrode solid metal structures. A few key tips to remember is that largemouth bass are attracted to plastic worm lures and trouts to flies. Tips on Buying Polarized Fishing Sunglasses. The same goes for those who purchased top-of-the-line freshwater reels. I wrote on this topic. You can use them when fishing from land-based structures like a dock, fishing pier, or bridge. What Pound Test For Surf Fishing Do You Need: A Comprehensive Guide, 6 Family Fishing Tips Will Help You Catch All The Fun, 7 reasons why you should buy a SUP this year, How to Build Your Own Hiking Survival Kit, Experience An Unforgettable Holiday In The Perfect Villa From The Le Collectionist. For fishing lines, I would recommend anything greater than 50-pound test mono, fluorocarbon, or braid. If it is possible financially we recommend buying only one reel and that would be saltwater one. (A Complete Guide). Whats the difference between freshwater and saltwater fishing gear? Thats a huge waste of money right there because instead of purchasing a separate saltwater reel, you will need to replace your freshwater reel! For larger fish like lake trout, striped bass, catfish, muskies, northern pike, and drum, go with baitcasting rods as they will provide great fish-fighting power and you can spool them with stronger fishing line relative to their size than a spinning reel. Does Fort Myers Have Good Fishing? It is not recommended for you to use your slimmer and lighter freshwater rods to fish in saltwater. Saltwater fishermen will likely swap out gear more often. It uses artificial lures, either stringers or solo, to entice the fish. Many anglers want to know how Fort Myers compares to other major fishing destinations. (A Complete Guide), link to Does Fort Myers Have Good Fishing? This makes them more prone to corrode when used in saltwater fishing. As a general rule, saltwater gear is more of a monetary investment than freshwater gear. Youre going to need to haul large fish fast off reefs and wrecks before they can break you off. I was cruising the aisles of my local bait shop last week and I got to thinking about the differences between freshwater and saltwater fishing gear. This will allow you to force the bait through the water from the deep and also provide greater fighting power to yank big fish out of the depths and away from dangerous cover fast that could break you off. Saltwater reels are designed with special castings to resist saltwater corrosion. For trolling in saltwater, youll want a strong, shorter rod spooled with at least 60-pound test mono or braid. Freshwater reels will get damaged and corrode when in contact with saltwater. Despite of that, they are not really good choice for long term use, because sooner or later, when interest in saltwater fishing may rise, you still need corrosion resistant reel. Read More: What Pound Test For Surf Fishing Do You Need: A Comprehensive Guide. There are a few key points of differences when comparing the two. Do not expose it to saltwater and wash your reels down immediately after use, especially when using it in saltwater regularly. Well talk about these key points in further detail in this article. If you remember, it is mentioned before that jigs are a favorite of anglers because of its versatility. The wide variety of large fish you can catch is a good selling point for this style. The materials used are the same, they can either be made from fiberglass, graphite or a combination of the two. Your email address will not be published. Often times he or she can use the same rod/reel combo for all of these situations simply by changing the bait and presentation. For the fishing line, I think braid is the way to go. The notable exception to this rule comes in the form ultra-heavy saltwater rod and reel combinations designed for marlin and tuna which are extremely short and powerful. They range and vary depending on the type of water youll fish on. I know this is a bit random, but if you ever wanted to go on a guided or chartered fishing trip in freshwater or saltwater, you should check out Fishing Booker. Click here to visit Fishing Booker and book your trip of a lifetime at very affordable prices. They have countless listings for such dream destinations as the Florida Keys, Corpus Christi, Great Lakes, San Diego, Central America, Montana, and many more. Youll be able to catch predator fishes that lurk in deeper waters with this technique. Add sealant, oil, and grease as needed, which can help in its performance and lifespan. Either spinning or baitcasting options for effective deep jigging. While they are strong reels, they would only last in freshwater because of its construction. The number one reason why saltwater fishing gear is expensive is that the parts are sealed off. Adventure seeking anglers are drawn to this type of fishing because this is where some of the greatest fighting fish are. You need a larger spinning reel to accomplish the same line capacity and strength as a baitcasting reel even of small dimensions. For most freshwater fishing, a medium-heavy casting or spinning rod with 10 to 25-pound braid or mono would work well. But is it safe to do this? Saltwater reels have stronger drag strength while freshwater ones do not, and the latter wont be able to handle the force of saltwater fish. Pretty! Its why a lot of people have wondered, can you use freshwater reels in saltwater?. This can negatively affect your chances of success when you fish for specific species that require heavier lines and lures to catch. The main difference between saltwater and freshwater gear is the ability of saltwater gear to withstand the corrosive environment it is subjected to. 2022 Copyright Freshwater Fishing Advice. The most used bait options for drift fishing in freshwater are worms, link to Does St. Augustine Have Good Fishing? I recommend a 6-8-foot medium-action rod with a strong backbone. So your rod handles need to match the kind of casting you are doing. Speaking of saltwater fish species, they are larger compared to those you find in freshwater, thus being stronger. Inshore or surf fishing situations will require a lighter spinning or baitcasting reel to catch a game. Home Fishing How To Fish Can You Use Freshwater Reels In Saltwater: Why or Why Not? Surf fishing rods usually need longer handles to cast further from the shore. But even then, they are still more susceptible to damage and will wear out quicker than expected, which will have you in need of a replacement. Want to Know the Best Time of Day to Fish? Saltwater corrosion would eat away at this reel in short-time as well. Freshwater spinning reels absolutely have their place too, when you are mostly fishing in non-brackish waters, but when you still decide to try some salty water body, remember to always rinse the reel afterwards. To be frank, I believe that it is the adrenaline rush you get during the fight. No stretch is the way to go to reduce stress on the line, help with fish-fighting power, and hauling baits through the water at constant speeds. They range and vary depending on the type of water youll fish on. Can You Use Freshwater Reels In Saltwater: Why or Why Not? However, there is a significant difference in the fittings that are present with the rod and the length of the rod. It is for this same reason why you can use your saltwater gear in freshwater but not the other way around. As such, freshwater gear is exposed to the environment. It doesnt mean that it cannot be broken or destroyed, just that they last longer than any other metal when subjected to saltwater. It is very possible for your reel to break during an intense battle like this. Smaller gamefish can be trolled for as well so match your gear needed with the power of your target species. This is because you want a rod that bends and straightens slowly. The mere fact that you already exposed your rod and gear to the saltwater means that your rod and reels will experience some form of corrosion. The short answer is NO, you should NOT use your freshwater reel in saltwater! They have countless listings for such dream destinations as the Florida Keys, Corpus Christi, Great Lakes, San Diego, Central America, Montana, and many more. Drift fishing is another very popular freshwater technique often using live or dead bait. Before we proceed to the differences between the two types of fishing gear let us first define what saltwater and freshwater fishing are. Match the size of your lure to your tackle and also to the type of fish you are fishing for. If you know that the specific fish you are aiming for to reel in have sharp teeth, then consider putting a leader line on. Most advanced anglers would pick graphite rods over any other because it has better fighting power and is stiff enough to detect even the slightest of bite. I will admit Ive never seen a spin casting option for saltwater angling so that seems to be exclusively freshwater. Also, less corrosive materials such as copper and stainless steel are used to fabricate saltwater fishing gear. In saltwater, herring, mullet, squid, and mackerel chunks are very popular. Saltwater rods are generally thicker and heavier compared to their freshwater counterpart. Saltwater is a corrosive liquid that will basically destroy any metallic substance it comes in contact with. The color of your lure must also reflect the weather and water condition for it to be effective. Even that kind of reels take some damage from salt water over a long time. With this in mind, it is still possible to use the reel in saltwater if its just a temporary thing. I spent hours researching and compiling this information into one easy-to-digest guide. Top Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fishing Bait. Freshwater rods and reels should only be used in freshwater if you want it to work properly for a long time. Many anglers want to know how St. Augustine compares to other major fishing destinations. Saltwater fishing gear is designed for larger, more powerful fish than freshwater gear and the ability to withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater tackle. Fishing rods handle length also varies and it depends on where it is used. For the most part, they are longer as well for longer casting. Just like with drift fishing, I recommend a 6-8-foot medium-action rod with a strong backbone. Salt is very brutal to the metal, that is the reason why saltwater fishing reels are made from stainless steel and other non-corroding components. Braid will not stretch like mono will. Since then, I've lived across the country and have really taken that passion for fishing to a new level. The shorter handles are designed for short casting and lighter baits. Saltwater reels also have bigger sizes compared to freshwater ones, made with larger spots to hold more fishing lines. Generally, saltwater reels are made to catch bigger fish, that is the reason why they have bigger line capacity than freshwater ones. This is especially useful when fishing in larger and deeper bodies of freshwater. There are a lot of things to look into when choosing your fishing equipment. However, some have thought of interchanging the two kinds of reels to save money! The reels are usually made of simple metals, which corrode slowly over time, but not as quickly if you used it only on freshwater. Freshwater fishing is a term used to describe a fishing practice done in a freshwater location or any body of water that has less than a 0.05% salinity level such as lakes, rivers, and ponds. The same steps are followed and the only difference lies in the live bait used for this technique. They are the leading database of certified and professional fishing guides at the guaranteed lowest prices. daiwa Whats the difference between freshwater and saltwater fishing gear? St. Augustine is one of the most popular fishing locations in Florida. reels Can I just rinse my freshwater gear with tap water to wash off the saltwater? I grew up fishing for anything that swims but really cut my teeth fishing for trout, chain pickerel, bass, and bullheads in my teenage years. Best Bass Lures For Summer : Tips and Recommendations, Best Inshore Spinnings Reels Around $200 - The Buying Guide, Most Expensive Fishing Reel -Shimano Stella FI, Voted as Best Spinning Reel for Bass - Shimano Stradic CI4+, Top Ultralight Spin Reel - Abu Garcia Revo Premier, Okuma Avenger Baitfeeder - Good Spinning Reel Under $100, Penn Spinfisher V - Unbeatable among Saltwater Spinning Reels. I am an avid angler and outdoorsman. In addition, freshwater lines are designed to only withstand the weight and fight a freshwater fish can give. These are the gear, techniques, variables to consider, difficulty, and catch. They do not have a special enclosure. Good freshwater reels may cost half of the quality saltwater spinning reels! As much as possible, invest in separate reels made for its specific type of water, fish size, and technique. Medium-diving plugs, crankbaits, spinner baits, bucktails, and spoons are great lures for trolling. This is meant for saltwater fish species, which would go on longer runs compared to freshwater fish like bass. Instead, you should invest in both saltwater and freshwater reels to last long and get your moneys worth. There is plenty of stuff you need before you go saltwater fishing. It will save you a lot in the long run. Just a quick recap of the whole article, freshwater fishing gear and saltwater fishing gear differ in many aspects. For those who do plan on going saltwater fishing with freshwater reels, make sure to take proper care of your reels. As with freshwater fishing, live and artificial. However, with freshwater reels, I strongly discourage you to use it in salt water, as it may get damaged quickly. Anglers employ this kind of technique to reach the pelagic fishes in the ocean. If the fish you are targeting, like pike and walleye, have teeth, always go with wire. All Rights Reserved. If you are fishing smaller fish like trout, walleye, and smallmouth bass, I recommend going with a spinning rod and reel combo. The breaks, drag system, bearings, and gearbox are sealed off so that salt water cant get to them therefore, increasing the longevity of the components. For offshore fishing, a heavy-duty, high capacity, specialized baitcasting or spinning reel is ideal. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The rush you get after you bag your catch is amplified by the amount of effort you gave. Freshwater gear, on the other hand, does have sealed off components available too. Yes, you can use it in freshwater because they have stronger construction to withstand corrosion saltwater causes. Be sure to read each category carefully as there is some overlap between freshwater and saltwater in each method. All saltwater fishing rod components are sealed in casings to keep out saltwater. penn reel The most used bait options for drift fishing in freshwater are worms, minnows, shiners, suckers, and frogs. It may seem tempting to interchange saltwater and freshwater reels and use it in any body of water. Some anglers would use their freshwater reel in saltwater to save on time changing reels, or money having to buy a saltwater one. I grew up fishing for anything that swims but really loved fishing for trout, chain pickerel, bass, and bullheads in my teenage years. Are Bait Launchers Legal In Texas? You can find both spinning and baitcasting options for both realms. This site is owned and operated by Eric Matechak. Since then, I've lived across the country and have continued learning about fishing. It is possible and you can use whatever rod and reel you like in any type of water, but I highly suggest against it. Is Beef Liver For Catfish Bait A Great Idea or Not? You are better off buying a saltwater rod rather than buying a sealed off freshwater rod to use interchangeably between saltwater and freshwater fishing. Its Not As Simple As You Think. Required fields are marked *. Materials used in saltwater gear are ones that are tough enough to withstand the harsh environment of the sea and the corrosive power of saltwater. Fisherman like to say that it is the fight that gets them to come back out into the water every single time. It pumps you up and enhances that triumphant feeling coursing inside your system to the next level; that is what keeps anglers coming back for more. This waas a really wonderful post. Sometimes these lures are attached with ballyhoo to increase the chance of a bite. And lastly, freshwater gear is cheaper than saltwater fishing gear. Its parts are tough and can prevent salt water from getting into its mechanisms, making them suitable for various fishing situations. This type of fishing can be more laid back than saltwater fishing. Saltwater is corrosive and therefore, gear for this type of fishing requires to have a special casing. If you are working deep crankbaits or swimbaits, you should instead opt for a slow action rod with enough force to rip along these larger, deeper baits with more force. You can even troll full nightcrawlers on the bottom for walleye and live golden shiners along weedlines for monster largemouth bass. I spent hours researching and compiling this information into one easy-to-digest guide. These are the reasons why they shouldnt be interchanged: Saltwater reels are usually made with corrosion-resistant material like stainless steel, also having solid body frames. The moment you put the saltwater and freshwater reel side by side, you will instantly see that saltwater reels are much bulkier and bigger than the freshwater one. It will help to rinse your reel with freshwater after fishing, but it definitely is not a long-term solution. Can You Use Freshwater Reels In Saltwater? How To Register A Homemade Boat In Texas in Easy, Simple Steps! It is for this same reason why you can use your saltwater gear in freshwater but not the other way around. Although the materials used for the rods are the same the reel and other components of the rod are constructed differently. BUT, because of its heavier-duty construction, it may not be the best for freshwater as youll have to handle heavier lines and lures. Make sure that you have access to drinking water, some sunscreen would also be nice, lubricant for your gear, soap, bleach, license, and a VHF radio if you are in a boat. Different techniques are used depending on the type of water you are fishing. Drift fishing is another very popular freshwater technique often using live or dead bait. Anglers invest in rods, reels, line, and other equipment. The steady sound of the stream and quiet surroundings is a good place to relax. Just as is the case with jigging, trolling will best be suited for braided line. It can be done while on a boat in open water, on a pier, or from shore (surf fishing).