Electric fishing reels have been revolutionizing saltwater fishing for decades. While they aren't for everybody, an electric reel makes saltwater fishing more accessible and enjoyable for many anglers. From the tournament fisherman to the avid weekend warrior, electric reels have countless applications. These powerful tools combine traditional fishing mechanics with modern-day technology to revolutionize the way anglers target fish.
Saltwater fishing presents a unique set of challenges that set it apart from freshwater angling. From dealing with currents, tides, and swell to the constant struggle of maintaining gear in a corrosive saltwater environment, anglers need to be well-equipped and knowledgeable to succeed in these demanding conditions. Not to mention, in general, saltwater game fish tend to be bigger, pull harder, and have a more expansive diet than their freshwater counterparts. One of the most critical aspects of your saltwater fishing success lies in selecting the right lure for the job.
The saltwater sportfishing community has been buzzing with excitement over a potential new IGFA world record yellowfin tuna caught off the lower banks of Baja on a 10-day trip aboard the Excel, a sportboat out of San Diego, California. On November 11th, 2024, Earl Gill IV hooked and landed a massive yellowfin that weighed 448 pounds on the boat's scale. When weighed again six days later in San Diego on a certified IGFA scale, the fish came in at 443.5 pounds—still 15 pounds heavier than the current IGFA All-Tackle world record.
Properly caring for your rods, reels, and tackle is one of the best ways to ensure longevity and functionality from your hard-earned fishing gear. Many of us have spent years building an arsenal of rods and reels, likely investing more money than we'd care to admit. Having dedicated time and resources to acquiring our treasured tackle, it's only fitting that we maintain and care for our gear throughout the season and store it away properly in the offseason.
Choosing the right fishing rod, reel, and tackle, is imperative for your success and enjoyment on the water. With the proper gear, you can fish more effectively and maximize your opportunities to catch fish. When it comes to fishing rods, spinning and casting rods are easily the most frequently utilized rods by anglers across the country. Both have their pros and cons, and knowing which one suits you best will go a long way in helping build your fishing gear arsenal.
It seems like over the past decade or two, surf fishing has exploded in popularity. Not only is it cheaper and more convenient than many other styles of fishing, but it can be extremely productive as well! For someone who is just getting into surf fishing however, picking out the right rod, reel, and tackle can certainly be a daunting task.
If you’ve been involved in the fishing community on any level, whether as an avid fisherman or hardcore enthusiast, it’s almost a guarantee that you know the Shimano brand name. Likely you’ve owned Shimano Rods, Shimano Reels, or Shimano Lures and know about the quality craftsmanship and effectiveness of their gear. Shimano has long been a respected name within the fishing industry, having launched their Fishing Tackle Division in 1970. They’re known for their high quality, innovative products which continue to develop and improve seemingly every season. With decades of experience, Shimano has built a reputation for providing anglers around the world with reliable and efficient fishing gear and tackle. Shimano’s baitcasting reels, in particular, are celebrated for their precision, durability, and advanced technology.
These days, braided fishing line has become an extremely popular choice among anglers, in both fresh and saltwater fisheries, due to its high strength, thin diameter, and low stretch. These are just a few of the factors that make fishing braided lines effective across a wide variety of fisheries. Knowing how to select the best braided fishing line for your specific fishery is crucial as it can significantly influence your fishing success, increase your hookup ratio, and help you land more of the fish that you hook.
Gyroscopic stabilized binoculars should be an integral piece of equipment for every serious offshore fisherman around the country. They allow you to see far beyond what you might be able to pick up with the naked eye, and with the help of stabilization technology, gyro binoculars deliver the user a clear image of what’s on the horizon.
Well, it's that time of the year again... long nights, no sleep, and biting fish. Nighttime fishing for Bluefin Tuna is proving yet again to be one of the most consistent and productive ways to target these fish in our local waters. Over the past few seasons, it always seems like the first big hits of the year have come from boats searching down South during the late Spring months and finding schools of biting fish after the sun has set.
