What's what when it comes to terms like inshore and offshore fishing? Want a fishing charter, but don't know which style is best for you? Here are some differences between offshore and inshore fishing, and some tips to help you with your next fishing trip.
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
When you are packing light tackle in you box, less than 30 meters deep and just a few miles from the shore, in spots near beaches, rocky shorelines, piers, jetties, flats, mangroves and islands, you are probably inshore fishing. Offshore fishing takes you anywhere between 30 and 130 miles off coast on trips that average 12 to 72 hours. Offshore fishing is a different level of commitment and an entirely different experience. Your boat determines where you fish and the outcome of your fishing excursion. Big waters require big boats. Skinny waters, like those found in Mosquito Lagoon, require a shallow draft boat. Which one is better? That depends on you.
When it comes to offshore and inshore fishing, it's mostly about your preference. If you are looking for a fishing charter that keeps you with land in sight, you might prefer inshore fishing. If you like a 360 degree view of nothing but horizon, you might want to take your fishing trip offshore. Our fishing charters launch right off New Smyrna Beach and in our favorite redfish honeypot, Mosquito Lagoon. If you want a more family-oriented and intimate fishing experience, our fishing charters offer the perfect inshore fishing excursion. Take a day or a half day trip with Code Red Fishing Charters and catch some redfish and speckled trout!
INSHORE FISHING
You are manning a smaller boat
The shoreline is in sight or you are in water that's less than 30 meters deep
Packing light tackle in your box and casting more
Fishing year-round through seasonal climate changes
Fishing for redfish, snapper, speckled trout, striped bass, snook and tarpon
You catch more fish
It's a more family-oriented environment
OFFSHORE FISHING
You are manning a large sportfishing boat
The water is deeper than 30 meters and the shoreline is out of sight, usually 20-50 miles offshore
You are packing heavy tackle and using trolling equipment
You use more radars, weather technology, and sonar
The weather and season changes impact the fish behaviors
You are fishing for tuna, marlin, amberjack and sharks
Catching just a couple fish completes your fishing adventure
Your fishing trip is less family-oriented and lasts for extended periods of time, from 8 to 72 hours
INSHORE FISHING TIPS
Never jerk the bait too hard or you will spook the fish
Plan your trip based on tidal movement. Mangroves and oyster bars make great fishing spots during incoming tide. Channels and passes are productive when the tide moves out
Start with a 7-foot, medium weight spinning rod and reel combo that's rated for 10 to 20-pound test line
Anchor upwind
Sightfishing can be a useful redfish technique. Watch for those fish tails to break the surface while their noses are buried in the mud to feed. This is what we call “tailing redfish.” When you get a tailing fish in sight, wait quietly for them to move. As soon as they swim away, cast your bait in front of them and directly in their path.
Redfish wait for stingrays to disturb the mud and create a cloud at the bottom while looking for food. This highly visible sign should be an automatic signal to cast towards the muddy area.
Want to learn more about inshore fishing charters? Call Captain Matt Lee at (386) 214-3530!
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