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Established anglers and newcomers alike all have seen the expensively outfitted huge boats that are competing for inshore saltwater fishing. These boats are almost always outfitted with the latest gadgets including depth finders, GPS units, electronic fish finders and nearly any other piece of equipment geared towards providing an edge while angling. However, you need not worry about this, you may be electronically challenged or simply not willing to invest that kind of money in your hobby. There are other alternatives to these high-tech options that anyone can take advantage of. You simply need to adapt to what you have available to you and make the most of it. Here are some tips for inshore saltwater fish-finding for the less than affluent fisher.

Using online resources

The internet has opened up a whole new world for anglers and others. Take some time to investigate the websites that offer information for shoreline areas where you’ll be fishing. Many of these sites offer forums where anglers can share information with others who are interested in fishing specific areas. You might be surprised at the amount of information and you’ll quickly find that it was well worth your time to stop by. If you do find information that’s helpful, make sure you stop back and let others know about the tip you used and how successful it was, share it with others for their future use.

Local Tackle Shops

All too often anglers walk into a tackle shop and start pumping everyone for information about the best fishing holes. Resist the urge to do this and instead, make sure that first and foremost you are a consumer. At least take a look around at what the shop has to offer and then you can safely ask for some direction. Don’t forget if someone does provide you with some information, especially about a particularly good plug or lure that you go ahead and buy it before you leave. Local anglers love to share stories and you’re liable to pick up some great information.

Local Fishing Clubs

Where there are fishermen and hunters you’ll often find a local fish and game club. These clubs provide an area where the locals get to hang out in a purely casual setting and share their stories. Another thing is that they all share a passion for their sports. It’s not unusual to find fisherman hanging around a fishing club after they’ve just returned from a day of fishing to extol their tales with the other members. Remember, that these clubs are supported by the membership so the more vital the club, the more vital the fishing in the area probably is.

Charter Cruises

Although certainly not the most cost effective method, a fishing charter can provide you with some valuable information that you can put to use. Fishing charters typically have a captain on board who is extremely knowledgeable about the area that they are navigating. Since these charters are specifically designed to get fishermen in contact with fish, you can get a lot of great information on these charters.

Check out the Wildlife

Stop and think about the last time you were at your favorite fishing hole. Chances are that if you were being successful you had company. Flying around above you may have been eagles, osprey, sea gulls and even cormorants. Remember, these fish are looking for bait fish and their presence indicates that this might be a ripe fishing area.

These ocean birds are far quicker at identifying a school of baitfish than the humans that are searching for them. You can tell by the noise they are making as well as their flying patters exactly where the baitfish are located. Stripers and blues tend towards top-feeding meaning that the presence of these baitfish are a good sign that their predators are in the area.

Area Anglers

This is pretty simple – the continued presence of relaxed and happy anglers, a shout or two of success and bent rods are great signs that you’ve found a good area for fishing. Even if you don’t spot these signs, look for other tell-tale signs such as scales and blood on the beach, around jetties or docks and you’ll be able to tell very quickly if fish have been caught in that area.

Your options are simple: either invest hundreds of dollars (or thousands of dollars) into the latest and greatest equipment or make use of the assets that are readily available and cost you little or nothing. The results in the end is all that matters, not the cost.

When you are preparing to undergo a saltwater fishing experience, it is important that you have the proper fishing gear. Some of the most popular gear include Shimano Saltwater Reels, Okuma Reel and Van Staal Reel.