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- Best braided fishing line: thin, strong and near-zero stretch, the most popular line choice for salt.
- Best beach fishing carts: haul rods, coolers and bait across sand to the surf.
- Best saltwater casting rods and saltwater fishing reels: corrosion-resistant setups for inshore and surf.
- Best fish fighting belts and harnesses: for big fish offshore.
Saltwater fishing basics
Where you fish decides your gear. Inshore (bays, estuaries, flats) means light to medium spinning gear for redfish, snook, flounder and trout. Surf fishing needs long casting rods and sinkers for striped bass, pompano and bluefish. Offshore and deep-sea fishing calls for heavy rods, conventional reels and harnesses for tuna and mahi-mahi. New to it? Start with types of saltwater fishing and our deep-sea fishing tips for beginners.
Line: braid for strength and sensitivity, fluorocarbon as a near-invisible leader in clear water, monofilament on a budget. See braided vs fluorocarbon line.
Sun and spray: long days on the water make long-sleeve fishing shirts, rash guards and fishing hats part of the kit.
Look after your gear: rinse rods, reels and tackle in fresh water after every trip. Salt corrodes faster than most anglers expect.
