Absolute beginner, how's right to start?

[kraed]

Hello everyone, i just started out this weekend and absolutely have been intrigued into getting better at it. I tried both a rod and handline down a pier and wanted to learn more about surf/shore fishing. Everything i tried was out of intuition since i'm just following a friend along. So guys, when it comes to saltwater inshore fishing, what are the things to have in mind? What are the Do's and Don't's of inshore fishing?

[kajydog]

The first thing you have done right is by joining a fishing forum These are the places to get the best advice from those who have been fishing for years. Learing to fish is about patience don't try to do everything at once, go through the forum and read what other sea anglers talk about. Keep things simple at first. Don't be afraid to ask questions. You don't have to spend a fortune to set up a couple of hundred quid will buy you all the basic stuff, you will find plenty other links that anglers pass on to others regarding all manner of information, rods, reel, line, weights, hooks, bait and many other such things read, read, read. Get to know other angles in your area who have been fishing for some time, go with them and you'll learn that much quicker. You will find that most are only to happy to help and give advice. Hope this helps.

[kraed]

I'm starting to get innovative while preparing some rigs, bought a few lures and rigged bait, hope to test them this weekend. I bought some rooster tails...i think that's what they are called, heard they are more useful in freshwater (it's not gonna bother me that much, i head to the lake now and then sometimes) but are they useful in saltwater...or are they useful at all??

[scottish_and_mental]

Originally Posted by kraed

I'm starting to get innovative while preparing some rigs, bought a few lures and rigged bait, hope to test them this weekend. I bought some rooster tails...i think that's what they are called, heard they are more useful in freshwater (it's not gonna bother me that much, i head to the lake now and then sometimes) but are they useful in saltwater...or are they useful at all??

none of us live in Puerto Rica so i guess we will have to await your opinion as to whether they work or not ..Any lure of the right size will catch fish regardless of their habitat

There are no do's and don'ts - make sure the bait is right for the species you are likely to encounter and that the hook size matches your quarry ..fishing is generally best a couple of hours either side of high water or when the tide is running .. and don't fall in

[the pyromaniac]

Mental, you forgot that fishing is best within 3 days of the full or new moon, and right before a major change in the weather.

Kraed, the Rooster Tails are quite useful in freshwater, especially in streams. They mimic a fleeing baitfish and predators strike out of reflex. I've caught about a dozen different species on them.

[kraed]

Excellent, i'll have to head down to the lake more often. Are they any successful in saltwater? If not, is there any lure with similar effect for saltwater panfish and game fish? Aside from that, a little problem that i've been having is that small panfish nibble on my bait but won't go for the hook, should i try aiming for bigger fish...get smaller hooks? I'm using a size 8 hook.

[the pyromaniac]

I honestly haven't done much lure-fishing in saltwater. It's the downside of living 437 miles from the coast.

As for your other question, try a size 10 or 12.

[the pyromaniac]

Or you could pursue bigger fish.......

[kraed]

So, if i where to aim for bigger fish, what should i consider? Throwing farther, luck, planning??

[the pyromaniac]

Lures will catch you less, but bigger, fish.