Fewer things will frustrate the die-hard angler than discovering that the fish are no longer hiding out in shallow water. As the summer progresses, water loses oxygen and forces fish to head out to deeper areas where the water is cooler, more oxygenated and offers a larger pool of baitfish to feed on. Rather than struggling to get a decent catch in shallow waters, anglers can move into deep waters and reefs if they have the proper equipment.
To understand the structure of a reef, simply think about it as an underwater hill – it has both an uphill side as well as a downhill side. The key to a productive search is finding the areas that provide structures that would mimic rock formations. These may include debris, rocks, weeds and even wrecks. A depth finder is almost a requirement when exploring these waters, they will allow you to drift with the tide and use the GPS to identify areas where you get strikes. It is a good idea to store any areas where you see fish, hook fish or merely get strikes, as these areas will be fertile fishing areas.
Deep water fishing requires different baits, tackle and rods than what is used in shallow water. You will be dealing with faster currents and far deeper water than usual, which means you have to make sure that your equipment is up for it. If your equipment is not geared towards a heavier sinker in the 10-20 ounce range, you’re likely to be very disappointed. Fortunately, you no longer have to deal with oversized, heavy-duty fiberglass rods with super heavy reels full of heavy monofilament line. Technology has seen to that.
Braided fishing line has become far more popular with deep water anglers, in fact, it is practically designed for it. Since it is smaller in diameter than the older, heavy monofilaments, you merely need to have a reel that will comfortably accommodate 30-50 point test (a couple of hundred yards) and a mono backing. This type of reel will work well in deep water. Ensure that you have a successful trip by making sure that your reels drag system is capable of landing larger fish.
Fortunately, the creation of braided fishing line also provided new rods that were built for handling the line. This meant that carbon and graphite were incorporated into the manufacture to create a lighter rod that would accommodate a smaller reel. Composite rods are typically made from a combination of fiberglass and graphite which produces a rod that is not only lightweight but also capable of handling the pressure associated with deep water fishing.
Speed jigging is one of the newest deep water techniques. When you are using live bait in deep water, you may elect a short, stout rod which is specially designed for baits and jigs that are on the heavier side (e.g. 16-20 oz). Fortunately, these rods are ideal for those who wish to fish all day long, they are no longer heavy and bulky, they’re very lightweight and easy to use.
Braided lines, smaller reels and lighter, stouter rods allow the seasoned angler to move with the fish. When they move from the shallow water they normally inhabit, you’ll be ready to take them on in the deeper waters they have moved to.
When you are out saltwater fishing it is important to make sure you have the right supplies. Some of the most popular brands include Shimano Fishing Reels, Penn Saltwater Reels, and Daiwa Fishing Reels.