Northeast summers can often mean low production for inshore anglers. This is due to oxygen depletion in shallow water which forces both bait fish and game fish out into deeper waters. Instead of giving up, the best bet is to follow the fish – to the deeper reefs where the water is cooler and more oxygen rich.
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.
A popular deep water technique is speed jigging. Light rods seem to be designed to accommodate this type of jigging since they are typically short, stout and offer a very fast tip that is made for casting heavier baits and jigs. The advantage of these rods is evident – they are light enough to be comfortable for a long day of fishing and they are easy to handle. Musky rods are also stout and are great for handling heavier baits such as the 10-20 oz that is needed for deep water fishing – these rods are great for marathon fishing expeditions.
Instead of giving up fishing for the season just because the fish have moved into deeper waters, evaluate your equipment and adjust it accordingly. There’s no need to not go after your favorite catch just because they have moved into deeper waters. Make sure you’re using a good quality line, appropriate sized rod and you’ll find success as a deep water angler.
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 Reels, Penn Fishing Reels, and Team Daiwa Reels.