Introduction to Saltwater Fishing Tackle
Generally speaking, fishing tackle refers to any of the fishing equipment that is used to catch fish. Saltwater tackle refers specifically to the gear that is used when fishing for fish that habitate in the saltwater environment of the bays, seas and oceans. Although freshwater tackle can be used to catch some saltwater fish, saltwater tackle is specifically designed to both withstand the harsher saline environment and to accommodate the larger and heavier species of fish that live in the bays and oceans. This fishing gear is even further designed for the location that is being fished and the type and size of fish that is being hunted.
Fishing tackle consists of a rod and reel and the fishing line and hook. In addition, lures and baits, floats and sinkers, spears, nets and even the tackle box itself are all a part of the saltwater fishing tackle set of tools. However, terminal tackle specifically refers to the gear that is attached to the end of the fishing line. Although the terms fishing tackle and fishing gear can be used interchangeably, fishing tackle is usually associated with recreational fishermen and fishing gear generally applies to the commercial fishing industry.
One of the telltale signs of saltwater fishing tackle is its size and strength. Saltwater fishing rods are usually bigger and thicker than freshwater rod to accommodate the weight of a larger fish and the reels are also larger and geared differently than freshwater fishing reels to aid in the fighting and retrieval of the larger fish. The fishing hooks themselves and the fishing line also are characterized by their larger sizes. These characteristics are most notable in the saltwater fishing tackle that is used by big-game fishermen.
Saltwater tackle also must have the ability to resist the harsh saline environment in which it is used. Saltwater and salt spray are corrosive to metals and it is for this reason that care is given to the materials used to manufacture saltwater fishing tackle. Freshwater fishing rods and reels are usually designed to allow the fisherman to cast their line with a high degree of accuracy while saltwater fishing tackle is designed to withstand the power and weight of a larger fish that is putting up a fight.
Saltwater fishing generally requires steel leaders to fasten the book to the line since the fishing line may be cut by an underwater object or even the fish itself. Saltwater lures used are also differentiated from freshwater tackle by their size. The type of bait used by saltwater fishermen will vary depending on the particular species of fish and when that species is being fished. And although some species will be attracted to cut baits, live baits are the preference of many species either year-round or during different times of the year.
