Northeast summers can often mean low production for inshore anglers. This is due to oxygen depletion in shallow water which forces both bait fish and game fish out into deeper waters. Instead of giving up, the best bet is to follow the fish – to the deeper reefs where the water is cooler and more oxygen rich.
To visualize a reef, simply take a look at any hill. You’ll quickly notice that it has both an up-slope and a down-slope. This isn’t any different in the water – reefs have them too. Fishing a reef typically means that the fish are going to be hiding in the structures that are provided – either rock formations, weeds or even old wrecks.
To make the most of this type of structure, you’ll need to drift over it and go with the flow of the tides. A depth finder is a handy tool for this type of fishing, as you have to be cautious to not damage your boat, but it is also helpful to mark the location where you find fish – remember, fish tend to return to the same areas and storing these locations for future use will help make each fishing expedition more eventful.
This is the one I use and I absolutely love it!
Humminbird 778c DualBeam PLUS Sonar GPS Capable Fishfinder
Live bait or fresh cut bait is often the best choice for striped bass and bluefish. This is nearly a requirement in deep water. You need the right tackle also, or you’ll soon find that the fast moving currents in deep water will be a particular challenge.
Choose a rod that is capable of handling heavy sinkers – 10 to 20 ounce sinkers will be almost a necessity. While in the past this capability was often restricted to the heavier, fiberglass rods with a super duty reel, thankfully technology has changed all that.
Braided fishing line is practically made for deep water anglers. Combined on a reel with monofilament backing, a 30-50 pound test braid will serve your needs well. One thing that you should be very aware of is your reel – years past this meant a heavy, clunky reel, today, you just need to make sure that your entire reel is suitable for landing big fish.
Fortunately, the creation of braided fishing line also provided new rods that were built for handling the line. This meant that carbon and graphite were incorporated into the manufacture to create a lighter rod that would accommodate a smaller reel.
Composite rods are typically made from a combination of fiberglass and graphite which produces a rod that is not only lightweight but also capable of handling the pressure associated with deep water fishing.
Speed jigging is one of the newest deep water techniques. When you are using live bait in deep water, you may elect a short, stout rod which is specially designed for baits and jigs that are on the heavier side (e.g. 16-20 oz). Fortunately, these rods are ideal for those who wish to fish all day long, they are no longer heavy and bulky; in fact they’re very lightweight and easy to use.
Braided lines, smaller reels and lighter, stouter rods allow the seasoned angler to move with the fish. When they move from the shallow water they normally inhabit, you’ll be ready to take them on in the deeper waters they have moved to. When you are out saltwater fishing it is important to make sure you have the right supplies. Some of the most popular brands include
Shimano Talica II Two-Speed Lever Drag Saltwater Reels
and
Team Daiwa Pluton Round Baitcast Reels
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