Every guy should have at least one hobby, so we’ve decided to write a series on hobbies that are tailor-made for guys. Hobbies can range from watching sports to playing sports, and from collecting things to buying things. Whatever turns you on, hobbies are there to make it even better. Even if you don’t already have one, this series of article might trigger some deep desire within your soul. So keep reading, and get ready to hobby guy style!
Saltwater Fishing for the Weekend Warrior!
Chances are pretty damn good you have fished at some point in your life, even if it was for minnows or shiners form the end of a dock or pier. But fishing as a kid and fishing as an adult are totally different, and the fish you can catch are a lot bigger, faster, and put up an amazing fight. This article will focus on saltwater fishing that can be done as a hobby. The difference being you do not have to invest thousands of dollars, nor do you need to buy a large boat. We are going to focus on what you can catch within sea kayaking or rowboat range of shore, with minimal equipment or skill required.
From the Beach
Lots of fish come close to the shore to feed, and anyone can catch them! There are a few different options to consider. First, you can fish into the surf. You need a long rod and some serious casting skills, but the rewards can be awesome – salmon, trout, bass, cod, shark – just to name a few. You can cast into the surf and real in, or you can cast and let your bait sink. Either way, you can catch lots of fish. Mornings and evenings are best, and try and go when the tide is on the move.
From a Pier
Depending on where you live, piers can go out quite a distance into the ocean. Advantage – you have different fish to catch, and it is less work than shore fishing. Disadvantage – piers tend to fill up by sunrise, as old-timers claim their favourite spot and settle in for a day of fishing. Another disadvantage is that piers tend to be fished out, as they are easily accessible and high traffic.
From Rocks
Fishing from rocky areas, cliffs, outcroppings, or even wading into rocky beach areas will help eliminate the competition from other weekend anglers. Advantages here are in the variety of fish, especially the ones that like rocky bottoms. You just need to be careful negotiating the terrain, and make sure you don’t get caught in the tide.
Off Shore
If you can venture ½ a mile to 1 mile offshore, you can move into areas that have less competition, more fish, and other species.
Crabs
Tasty crabs are so easy to catch, and you can get them from just offshore to 50ft of water. If you want to try from shore, you only need three things: a fish head, a net, and some patience. Crabs love to scavenge, so throwing a little food their way gets their attention. Once they crawl into your net, you pull them up and keep the big ones. If you have access to a small boat, a baited crab trap and 100ft of line will get you into deeper waters and larger crabs. Drop the trap and wait about 1.5 to 2 hours, then come back and haul up your dinner!
Prawns
Prawns are as easy to catch as crabs, and also very tasty. You will need a boat for these bad boys, as prawns like to live in about 300ft of water. Bait it, lower it, and come back in about 1-2 hours.
Cod
Although you can catch cod from shore, getting them from a boat will give you access to a multitude of species. The nice thing about cod is that they are bigger fish, give a hell of a fight, and they taste amazing! Try rocky areas, in water that is 35-100 feet deep. Live bait works best, but you can also drop a jig onto the bottom and work it until one strikes.
Salmon
Salmon is one of the best fish to catch. Not just because they are hard-hitting, amazing fighters, and one of the best eating fish in the ocean. They have so much meat in them a large fish can give you enough fillet and steaks to fill a freezer. You can troll for salmon, and you don’t have to be in deep water to get them. You can also get them from shore, as they swim upstream into rivers and creeks to spawn. And when the salmon are running, they will bite at practically anything.
Tips
Don’t waste your money on gearing up without knowing what you are gearing up for. A wise man once said that there is no sense buying a boat if you only use it three weeks a year. Rent and try it, then you can buy it.
Move around! If you try a spot and come up empty, then go somewhere else the next weekend. The ocean is a big place, so it might takes sometime for you to find a place that has more fish than fisherman.
Multitask! If you have a boat, then drop the crab and prawn traps first, before you go after the fish. That way you can cover lots of bases at once, and hopefully catch something for dinner!
Don’t over fish!
Be friendly to those old-timers! Fishermen like to help out each other, so make sure you get to know those old boys at the end of the pier.
Final Thoughts
The best thing about a hobby like fishing is that you get to cook and eat whatever you catch. The difference in taste between the ones you will catch and what you buy at your local pub will blow you away. Plus, you can impress the ladies and your friends by serving them some amazing seafood dinners. What are you waiting for?
