Beginning Inshore Saltwater Fishing
Saltwater fishing varies a great deal from freshwater fishing. For starters you must have significantly stronger and heavier tackle and equipment than that used by most freshwater fishermen.
There are several categories of saltwater fishing discussed in this article.
First, there is the light-medium category which would include fishing for species such as Spotted Sea Trout and smaller Snook and Redfish. These fish and others in this category are typically caught in bays and other similar estuaries. Also in this category would be inshore fish such as the Pompano. If you are fishing for these species to eat them, be aware that in the summer months trout and redfish will usually contain worms.
A spinning reel in the class of a Penn 710 or 712, or 4500ss spooled with a good quality 10 pound test monofilament line is a good choice here along with light to medium action rod. Penn makes good quality reels that will hold up to the harsh saltwater fishing environment.
For terminal tackle you will first want to tie a shock leader of about 18 inches using 20 pound test line or fluorocarbon. Fluorocarbon is a little more expensive but is less visible to the fish. Attach the leader tying line to line or use a saltwater rated barrel swivel. For the hook you will want to go with a 6/0, preferably an Eagle Claw.
Another category of saltwater fishing is the medium to heavy category for species such as Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and smaller Jacks. These fish are generally found in the nearshore regions of the Gulf of Mexico and on the Lower East Coast. Smaller "schoolie" King Mackerel under the legal size limit of 24" could be in this class as well.
Be sure to consult a saltwater species book for telling the difference between the juvenile Kingfish and large Spanish. They look very similar. The easiest way to tell the difference is that the Spanish Mackerel will have a "black flag", referring to the anterior portion of its dorsal fin where the King Mackerel, with the exception of very young fish, does not. Another more reliable way to tell is by looking at the lateral line that runs down the body. In a Spanish Mackerel this line drops gradually behind the pectoral fin whereas in the King Mackerel the line drops off sharply.
Equip yourself with a Penn 704 or similar size to be on the safe side spooled with 12-15 lb test coupled with a thin wire leader of 20lb test or so. Check your local fishing regulations for the appropriate hook, in Florida a small treble like a 2/0 is used.
Enjoy your fishing trip. With the inshore net bans these species have come back abundantly and you are all but guaranteed to find some. Just remember, Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, and King Mackerel are migratory so you will have to check the seasonal availability for these fish.
Good luck and tight lines!