Fishing How-To & Tips

Quick, practical saltwater tips for inshore, surf, and nearshore fishing—built for the Southeast.

Charleston-ready tactics

Use moving water to your advantage—plan around tide swings, not the clock.

Pick lures and baits that mirror what’s actually in the water: shrimp, mullet, menhaden, and crabs.

Small changes—leader length, hook size, retrieve speed—often matter more than switching spots.

A few common questions we see from new and returning saltwater anglers.

A 7′ medium or medium-heavy spinning rod with a 2500–4000 size reel, 10–20 lb braid, and a 20–30 lb fluorocarbon leader covers most inshore work.

Start with 24–36 inches. Go longer in clear water or when fish are picky; go shorter around heavy structure.

Not always, but it helps in clear water and around abrasion. Monofilament can be great for topwater and when you want more stretch.

The improved clinch (terminal tackle) and a double uni (line-to-line) are solid starters. Once comfortable, learn the FG knot for braid-to-leader.

Low light, calm mornings, and around bait activity. If you see nervous water or birds working, it’s worth tying on.

Use a pyramid or sputnik sinker to hold bottom, keep your line tight, and adjust leader length so bait stays just off the sand.

Use our buying guides and reviews to build a setup that fits your water, budget, and target species.