SALTWATER FISHING FIELD GUIDE

Youth Anglers Learning Saltwater Fishing in Massachusetts WIDE RULED • 40 pages

Take Me Saltwater FishingMassachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries

IN THIS GUIDE:1. Tackling Tackle..............

• FishingRods..............• LuresandBait...........• Hooks,Line,and

Sinkers..........................• Accessoriesand

Gear................................2. Angler Skills...................

• RiggingyourTackle............................• Casting..........................• ReadingtheWater..• FishingTechniques..................

3. Making the Catch........• ResponsibleAngling........................• FishID..........................

4. Finishing the Day........5. My Fishing Logbook..6. Glossary............................

151719

2527313340

Welcome,Anglers!HereinMassachusetts,saltwaterfishingisrootedintradition.Around30%ofourresidentsareanglers,andpeoplefromallovertheworldvisittheserichcoastalwaterstofishforstripedbass,tautog,flounder,andcountlessotherrecreationalfishspecies!

Fishingisagreatwaytoconnectwithandenjoythegreatoutdoorswhilerelaxingwithfriendsandfamily.Butfirst,youneedtopickyourtackle,practicecasting,andmakesureyouunderstandwatersafetyandfishingrulesandregulations.

Thisguidewillnotonlygiveyoutipsonhowtogetstartedinsaltwaterfishing,butwillhelpyoulearntokeepMassachusettscoastalwatershealthyandfullforgenerationsofanglerstocome!

MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide

So get out there, and get saltwater fishing!ThisguideincludescompanionvideosonourYouTubechannel.Whenyouseethisvideoicon,opentheMassMarineFisheriesYouTubeandscrolltothevideotitle.

www.youtube.com/massmarinefisheries

http://mass.gov/service-details/take-me-saltwater-fishing

I am a saltwater angler!

How to use this guideLearningtofishtakespatienceandpractice!Everytimeyouheadtothewateryouwillbeperfectingpackingyourgear,riggingyourtackle,andreelinginallkindsofsaltwaterfish.Thisguidewillgiveyoutipsandtricksforlearningtheseskills.Attheendofthisguideisafishinglogbookyoucanusetorecordandrevisityourmostepicfishingdays!

Itdoesn’tmatteryourage,gender,background,orability–everyonecanlearnandenjoythesportofsaltwaterfishing!

Saltwater Fishing For All!

Tackling Tackle

With1,500milesofcoastline,Massachusettsofferscountlessopportunitytoexploresaltwaterfishing,yetmanypeopleneverlearnhowtofish!Learninghowtofishcanfeelalittleoverwhelmingwhenyouhavesomanytackle,bait,andgearchoicestopickfrom.Butthegoodnewsissaltwaterfishingdoesn’thavetobedifficultorexpensive!

Pickingupthesportofsaltwaterfishinghasneverbeeneasier.Thereareplentyofpublicpiersandbeaches,freefishinggearloans,andfishingclinicsforalllevels.Plus,partoftheadventureoflearningtosaltwaterfishislearningwhatsetupworksbestforYOU!

WhatdoYOUneedforasaltwaterfishingadventure?Asyoureadthroughthisguide,fillinthe“anglerchecklist”onthenextpagewithallofthethingsyou’llwanttobringalongforafunandsafefishingtrip!

Tackleisalloftheequipmentusedbyanglerswhenfishing.Thisincludesfishingrods,hooks,reels,lures,weights,bait,nets,andfishingline.Gearthatisattachedtotheendofthefishingline,likehooksandsinkers,iscalledterminaltackle.

Saltwater Fishing For All!

What is "tackle"?

MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide4

Some questions to ask before a saltwater fishing trip:1. WhatkindoffishamIhopingtocatch?2. AmIgoingtousenaturalbaitorlures?3. WhatkindofweathershouldIpreparefor?4. AmIgoingtocatchandreleasemyfish,ortakehomea“keeper”toeat?5. IfI’m16+yearsold,doIhaveacopymyfishingpermitwithme?

Angler Checklist:

Rodsandreelsaretwoseparatepiecesofgear,buttheyarealmostalwaysboughtasapair.Rodscomeinmanydifferentlengths,materials,andstrengthstomeetallkindsofskillsandinterests.

Reelsareusedtocastoutandretrievethefishingline.Thelinethreadsthroughtheguides,whichhelpcontrolthelinealongtherod.Therodbuttoffersacomfortableplacetoholdtherodduringcastingandreeling.

Rodpoweristheamountofpressureananglerhastousetocausetherodtobend.Somebrandswillalsocallthis“rodaction".Lightaction(slow)rodsbendeasily,andareagoodchoiceforcastinglighttackleforsmallerfishspecies.Mediumactionrodsareversatileandoftenusedwithbottombait.Heavyaction(fast)rodsaresuitedforheavybait,targetinglargefish.

Fishing Rods

Themostcommontypeofrodandreelcomboisaspinningoutfit.Spinningreelsareoneofthebestforbeginnerstolearnonbecausetheycaneasilycastandreelinthelinewithfewertangles.Spinningoutfitsaregoodforcastinglongdistancewithlighterbait.Thisguidefocusesonlearninghowtouseaspinningcombo.Holding a spinning outfit: Thespinningreelrestsbelowtherod.Theguidesthatholdthelinepointdowntotheground.

spinning reel

guidesrod butt

Spinning Rod Outfit

Baitcastingoutfitsaresturdyandcanbeusedtocastlongdistanceswithlargerbait.Baitcastingcantaketimetolearn,butallowsanglerstocastwithmoreaccuracy.Baitcastersaremorelikelytohavethelinetangleupintoa“birdsnest”or“backlash”whencasting,sobesuretokeepgoodcontrolofthespoolwithyourthumb!

Proper Handling: Onabaitcastingoutfit,thereelrestsontopoftherodwiththeguidespointinguptowardsthesky.

Proper Handling: Flyrodsthatarecastwithonehandarecalledsinglehandedrods.Rodsthatcastwitheitheroneorbothhandsarecalledswitchorspeyrods.

Onaflyfishingoutfit,thelineisusedtosendtheflyintothewater.Unlikeotherfishingline,flyfishinglineismadewithathickPVCcoatingthataddsweighttohelpdrivetheflyfor-ward.Beforecasting,thelineispulledouttothelengthneededandbundledonthegroundorabasketnexttotheangler.Onceafishishooked,thelineisreeledbackin.

Fly Rod

Baitcasting Rod

Lures and Bait

Bucktail Jig

Swimming Minnow

Pencil PopperSpoon

Softbait

Choosingasetupforattractingafishtobitedependsonthetypeoffishyouwanttocatch.Youcanchoosenaturalbaitoranartificiallure—bothoffersomethinginterestingforthefishtoattack!

Luresaremadetolookandmovelikethefood(baitfish)commonlyeatenbyfish.Therearealotoflurechoices,soenjoyyourtimelearningwhatworksbestforyourskilllevelandfishinginterest!

Thewayaluremovesthroughthewaterisknownas“action”.Theshapeandpartsofthelurecancauseittosplash,swim,andevenvibrateasyoureelitthroughthewater.

Bucktaillurescanbeusedforallkindsoffish.Heavybucktailsaregoodfordeeperwaterwithacurrent.Smaller,lighterbucktailsmimictinybaitfishandworkwellincalm,shelteredwaters.

"Poppers"splashacrossthesurfaceofthewater,makingsoundsthatattractlargepredatorfish.Theytendtoworkbestatdawnandduskwhenfisharemorelikelytofeedonthesurface.

Jigsareluresmadetobouncealongthebotttomasyoureelintheline.

Swimmingluresminicthepatternofswimmingfishasyoureelthroughthewater.

Softbaitlurescomeinalldifferentcolors,sizesshapes,andevenscents!Brightcolorsworkbestonsunnydayswhiledarkercolorsworkbetterwithovercastordarkskies.

Shiney,metalspoonlureswobbleandflashlikeaswimmingfish.

Common Saltwater Lures

Therearealotofreasonstousebaitwhenfishing.Baitallowstheanglertotargetspecifickindsoffishbychoosingoneoftheirfavoritefooditems,islowcost,andattractsfishwithitssmell!Manyfishhuntusingsmell.

Keepinmind:• Baitoftenneedstobekeptcoldorinalivewelltostayfresh• Planaheadtomakesureyouhavetherightbaitforthetypeoffishyou

wanttocatch• Baitattractsfishofallsizes,sobereadytoreleaseanyfishtoosmallthat

youmighthook• Alwayscheckstateregulationsbeforeyoufishtoensureyourbaitchoices

arelegal• Ifyouareusingchunkbait,itcanbehelpfultopre-cutthebait(clam,chunksoffish,squid)forquickandeasyaccess.

Common Saltwater Bait

Sea Worm

MackerelSquid

Fliesareluresmadeforflyfishing.Likeotherlures,fliescomeincountlesssizesandpatterns.Whenyouarechoosingafly,talkwithatackleshoporskilledanglerwhocanrecommendafewoptionstohelpgetyoustarted.

Gartside Gurgler Lefty’s DeceiverSurf Candy Clouser Minnow

Common saltwater flies

clam on a hook

chunk fish piece on a hook

J Hook Circle Hook

Offset hook In-line hook

9MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide

Hooks, Line, and SinkersLearninghowtosetupyourrodwithfishinglineandtackleisavaluableanglerskill.

In-linecirclehooksaredesignedsothatthepointisturnedstraightbacktowardstheshank.Thisuniqueshapecausesthehooktocatchonthelipormouthinsteadofthegutorgills.In-linecirclehooksareusedwithbait.

Offsethooksaremorelikelytogut-hookyourfish.Gut-hookingiswhenthehookisswallowedandgetsstuckinthebellyorthroatofthefish.Truecirclehooksare“in-line”,whichmeanstheywilllayperfectlyflatonatable.

In-linecirclehooks,alongwithbarb-lesshooks,reducethechanceofkillingafish.RecreationalanglersinMassachusettscatchandreleasemillionsoffisheachyear,andsometimesfishdiefromtheirhookwounds.In-linecirclehookscanhelplowerthenumberofthesekindsofdeathsbyupto50%!

Usingcirclehooks:• BECAREFUL-goslowtopreventaccidentalcuts!• Whenusinglivebait,turnthehookthroughsoftflesh,

avoidingbonyportions.Forcutbait,rotatethepiececompletelyontothehooksoitdoesn’tfalloff.

• Keepthehookpointclear—ahookhiddenbybaitislesslikelytocatchthecornerofthemouth.

• Whenthefishtakesthebait,bepatientanddonotsetthehook.Reelthelinetightandthehookwillsetitself!

Fliesareluresmadeforflyfishing.Likeotherlures,fliescomeincountlesssizesandpatterns.Whenyouarechoosingafly,talkwithatackleshoporskilledanglerwhocanrecommendafewoptionstohelpgetyoustarted.

Lefty’s Deceiver

Itisimportanttochoosetheappropriatehooksizeforthetypeoffishyouaretargeting.Ifahookistoobig,asmallerfishwon’tbeabletogetitinitsmouth.Ifahookistoosmall,alargerfishmightswallowitentirely.Hooksizesrunfrom1/0(calledaoneaught)to19/0.Thelargerthenumber,thelargerthehook.

Thehigherthe“poundtest”ontheline,thestrongeritis.Soa20-poundtestlineshouldbreakwhenafishpullsbackwith20poundsofforceormore.Linesaregenerallyunder-rated,takingintoaccounttheknotsthatweakenyourline.Lighterlinewillcastfartherandsinkfaster,whileheavierlineisstrongerandstiffer.

Sinkersareaddedweightsthatpullyourbaitandhooksdowntodifferentdepthsofthewater.Theymakeitpossibletotargetfishswimminginthemiddleorbot-tomofthewatercolumn.

Pyramid sinkers aregoodforsurfandsandybottoms.Theirflatsidespreventthemfromrolling,andthepointhelpsburythesinkerinthebottom.

Swivels keepyourlinefromtwistingwhenreelinginafish.

Bank sinkersarebellshapedtopreventitfromgettingcaughtinrocks.

Egg sinkers haveaholethroughthemiddleforlinetobethreadedthrough.

Fishinglinewindsaroundthereelandupthroughtheguidesontherod.Linecomesinavarietyofstrengths,colors,andsizes.Themostcommontypesoflinearemonofilamentandbraid.Thetypeoflineyouchoosedependsonyourrodsetup,thefishyouplantocatch,andthebaityou’reusing.

Sinkers and swivels

Braided line

Mono line

Fishing line

MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide 11

Accessories and GearOneofthemoreexcitingthingsaboutsaltwaterfishingisthateachtimeyougoyou’llhaveadifferentexperience.Withproperplanningandtherighttoolsyouwon'tbecaughtunprepared.Herearesomeitemseveryanglershouldhaveonhandtoensureafun(andsafe)day!

Ahatandsunglassestoprotectyoureyes

Sunblock

Closedtoeshoes,securesandals,orbootstoprotectyourfeet

Achangeofclothing,aswellaslayers(longsleeves,rainjacket,pants)to

keepyoucomfortablealldaylong.

Grippypalmglovesforcastingonchillydays

Severalbottlesofwateroryourfavoritedrink

Snacksthatdonotneedtostaycool,likegranolabars,fruit,crackers,or

peanutbuttersandwiches

Afirstaidkit,stockedwithbandages,cleaningpads,gloves,andgauze

Prepare for fun in the sun...and wind, rain, and cold!

12 MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide

Acoolerandicewillkeepanyfishyouintendonkeepingtoeatfresh.Bringaseparatecoolerforfoodanddrink.

Adehookerishelpfulforquicklyandsafelyremovingahookfromafishesmouth.Instructionsforhowtouseonecanbefoundonpage24ofthisbook.

Packafewcleantowelsfordryinghands.Useawettoweltosafelyholdafishwhenremovinghooks,helpingtokeepitsskinandgillssafe.

Plierscanbeusedtotightenknots,removehooks,pinchdownhookbarbs,andmore.Pliersmadeofaluminumandstainlesssteelwontrust.

Astrong,sharpknifetocutbaitandfilletanyfishyoukeepforfood.Alwayshaveadultsupervisionwhenusingaknife.

Saltwaternets(withlarge,deephoops)areasafewaytobringafishcloserforhookremovalandrelease.

Saltwater Fishing GearInadditiontopayingattentiontoyourclothingandbasicneeds,therearemanysaltwaterfishingspecificitemsthatwillcomeinhandyduringyourtrip.

Angler Skills

Common saltwater knotsImproved Clinch Knot:oneofthemostuniversalfishingknots,andagoodwaytosecureahook,lure,orswiveltotheline.

1. Threadtheendofthelinethroughtheeyeofthehook,swivel,orlure.Doublebackandmakefiveormoreturnsaroundthestandingline.

2. Bringtheendofthelinethroughthefirstloopformedbehindtheeye,thenthroughthebigloop.

3. Wettheknotandgentlypullonthetagendtostartdrawingthecoilstogether.Pullonthestandinglinetoformknotwithcoils.

4. Slidethecoiltightagainsttheeyeandcutthetagend.

standing line

tag end

hook eye

Togetthemostoutofyourfishingday,therearecertainskillsthatallanglersneedtoknow.Learninghowtotieknots,setupyourtackle,andcastyourlineareeasytopickupandwillimproveeachtimeyou’reoutfishing!

Beforeyoucatchafish,yourhookorlureneedstobeattachedtoyourlinewithaknot.Eveyanglerhasafavoriteknotandsetupthattheyhaveperfectedfortheirfishingstyle.Youcanstartbypracticingknottyingwithropeandashowercurtainring.Onceyoufeelcomfortablewithpracticematerials,moveontousingfishinglineandgear.

Tying saltwater fishing knots

Blood knot:usethisknottojoinsectionsofleaderorlinetogether.Itworksbestwithlineofequalorsimilardiameter.

Dropper loop: oneofthestrongestandmostreliableknots,itissosimplethatitcanbetiedinthedark!Itisrecommendedforusewithbraidedlines.

1. Overlaptheendsoflineyouwanttojointogether.Twistonearoundtheother,makingfiveturns(whitelineindiagram)

2. Bringtagendbackbetweenthetwolines.Repeatwiththeotherend(bluelineindiagram),wrappinginoppositedirectionthesamenumberofturns.

3. Slowlypullthelinesorleadersinoppositedirections.Theturnsoflinewillwrapandgather.

4. Pulltightandclipthetagends.

1. Createalargeloopinthemiddleofaline.

2. Holdingthetwosidesoftheline(theloophangingbelowyourhands)wrapthetwopartsofthelineovereachother5-6times.

3. Openaholeinthecenterofthetwoendsofthetwistedlineandpushtheloopupthroughthehole.

4. Wettheknot.Holdingtheloopwithyourteeth,pullonthetwoendsofthelinetotighten.

5. Addhooksortackletotheloop.

Rigging Your TackleThecombinationoftackleusedattheendofyourfishinglineiscalledterminaltackle.Thesetupyouusewillmatchupwiththetypeoffishyouintendtocatchandtheenvironmentyouwillbefishing.1. Overlaptheendsoflineyou

wanttojointogether.Twistonearoundtheother,makingfiveturns(whitelineindiagram)

2. Bringtagendbackbetweenthetwolines.Repeatwiththeotherend(bluelineindiagram),wrappinginoppositedirectionthesamenumberofturns.

3. Slowlypullthelinesorleadersinoppositedirections.Theturnsoflinewillwrapandgather.

4. Pulltightandclipthetagends.

Fish finder rig:agoodsetupforfishingfromshore,thefishfindercanholdlargepiecesofbaitandallowsthefishtosecurelyeatofftherigbeforesettingthehook.Theweightontheslideswivelholdsthelinedownbutallowsthebaittobedroppedback.Thissetupattractsstripedbass,fluke,andmanyothers.

main line

leader line

weighted line

main linebarrel swivel

three-way swivel

leader line

slide swivel

Three-way rig:oneofthemostversatileofallfishingset-ups.Itgetsitsnamefromtheuseofathree-wayswivel,andisgoodfortargetingfishnearthebottom.Whentheweightisdropped,thelureorbaitwillhoverjustoverthebottom.

Use the improved clinch knot for all ties:1. Tieathree-wayswiveltothemainfishinglinefromyourreel,

andtrimtheextralinewithnailclippersorscissors.2. Addadroplinebetween6-24inchestothesecondswivel

andattachyourweighttotheend.3. Addaleaderlinebetween12-36inchestothethirdswivel,

andattachacirclehooksizedforyourtargetspeciesoffish.

Use the improved clinch knot for all ties:1. Threadaslideswivelontothemainfishinglinefromyourreel,thentietheend

ontoabarrelswivelandtrimthelinewithnailclippersorscissors.2. Attachapyramidsinkertotheslideswivel.3. Attachaleaderlineof12-18inchestotheothersideofthebarrelswiveland

attachanin-linecirclehooksizedforyourtargetspeciesoffish.

main line

dropper loop #1

dropper loop #2

10 - 12 inches

Learning to tie a dropper loop takes time and practice. Once you're comfortable with making the loop you can move onto making high-low rigs.1. Startbypullingtwoandahalffeetof

mainlineofftheendofthereel.2. Makedropperloop#1,leavingabout24

inchesoflinebelowit.3. Adddropperloop#2,leaving10-12

inchesbetweenitanddropperloop#1.4. Addasurgeonlooptotheterminalend.

Attachinganin-linecirclehook:1. Pushthedropperloopthroughtheeyeofthehook.2. Carefullypullthelooparoundthehookandpull

gentlyuntilittightensaroundtheeye.

Attachingthesinkerwithsurgeonloop:1. Leave10-12inchesoflinebelowdropper

loop#2.2. Doubleoverthelineandtiealoose

overhandknot.Looponeadditionalturnthroughthemiddle.

3. Pulltheloopdowntotighten.Attachaweightthesamewayashooks(above).

Rigging your tackle

High-low (two-hook) bottom rig:Whileyoucanbuyhigh-lowrigspre-madeattackleshops,youcaneasilymakeyourownusingdropperloopsorswivelsonyourmainline.Thissetupallowstheanglertoputtwohooksoutwhilereducingthechancesoftanglingbetweenthelines.

surgeon loop

CastingLearninghowtocastaspinningrodisatechniquethattakespractice.Whetherinyourbackyard,localpark,orsandybeach,practicingwithrubberweightsisafunwaytomakecastingsecondnature.

1. Holdtherodatwaistlevel,withthespinningreelrestingbelowtherod.Letthelineoutenoughtoletthebaitorlurehang10–18inchesofftheendoftherod.

2. Findaspotonthewaterthatyouwantthebaittohit.Asyoucast,aimthetipofyourrodtothisspot.Youcanalsosetuphulahoopsonabeachorlawnforafungameoftargetpracticewitharubberplug(weight)!

3. Holdingthelinewithyourpointerfingersecurelyagainsttherod,openthebail.

4. Lookbehindyoutomakesuretherearenopeopleorobstaclesinyourway.

5. Bringtherodupandbackoveryourdominantshoulder.Swingtherodforwardwithcontrolandreleasethelineinyourpointerfingerasyoupassoveryourshoulder.Theweightofthelurewillpullthelineforward.

6. Closethebailwithyourhandonceyouarereadytobeginreeling.

Casting a spinning rod

Casting a Spinning Rod

1. Hookthelinewithyourpointerfingerandopenthebail.2. Bringtherodupandoveryourdominantshoulder,continuetoholdtheline

withyourindexfinger.3. Asyouswingtherodforward,releasethelinewithyourfingerjustasthe

rodreacheseyelevel(orwhentherodtipispointedatyourtarget).Allowthelinetopulloffofthereeluntilthelurehitsyourtarget.

4. Closethebailwithyourotherhandandyouarenowreadytoreel(retrieve)theline.

Bail open

Bail closed

Reading the WaterLikehumans,fishhavefavoriteplaceswheretheyregularlyspendtheirtime.Findinglocationstorest,eat,andreproduceareallapartofafish’slifebiology.Learningaboutthehabitsandneedsofdifferentkindsoffish,andbeingobservantofwaterconditions,arebothhelpfultoolsindecidingwheretotargetpotentialbites.

Equallyasimportantasreadingthewater,isreadingatidechart.Tidescausemovementtothewater,whicheffectsfishbehaviorandlocation.Lowtidesaregoodtimestoseeunderwaterstructures,whilehightidecanbeaperfecttimetotargetgamefishhuntingthedeeper,busierwaters.Checkinwithlocaltackleshopsfortipsandtricksintothebesttimesforfishingineachuniquetidalarea.

Whenfishingalongacanalorinlet,lookingfordifferencesinwatermovementcanhelpyouidentifyareaswherefishareresting,moving,oractivelyhunting.• Small surface ripplesformalongtheedgesoratbends,wherefasterwater

meetsslowercurrents.Fishcanbefoundrestingupstreamalongthesecalmpockets.

• Waterwithcalmsurfacescanbeanindicatorofdeeper,swift currents.Theseareasarethe“highways”ofthewaterway,andlargerfishwilloftenswimthissectionduringmigrationsorwhilehunting.

• Swirlingwaterisformedasfastercurrentsflowintoinletsandbehindlargebouldersandrockstructures.Therewhirlpoolsoffershelterfromthefastermovingcurrents.

• Anglerswhoaredownstreamshouldbeallowedtocastfirsttoreducethechancesoftangledlines.

deep, swift current

swirling

downstreamupstream

small surface ripples

Canal and shore fishing

Watchingthewavestoseewheretheybreakisagoodwaytolocatestructuresinthesurf.Ifthereisalargesandbar,thesurfwillbreakdirectlyaboveit,causing“suds”inthedeepertroughjustpastthebar.Ifmultiplesandbarsareinplace,smallerwaveswillreformandbreakagainastheygetclosertotheshore.• Asandbarisformedduringlowtide,whenthesandbuildsupanewshore-

linefartherfromthebeach.Youwillrarelytargetfishonasandbar.Instead,youwillusethesandbarasareferencepointtolocatethetroughsthatformbetweenthesandbarandshore.

• Atroughisadeeperchannelthatformsbelowasandbar.Troughsareagoodlocationtotargetfishbecausetheycorralandmovebait-fish.Thelargerpredatorfishcruisethroughtroughsandambushpreynearentrywaysandexits.

• Apointisashallowareaofthebeachthatjutsout.Pointscancausetheformationofdeeperpoolsoneitherside,wherebaitfishpileupafterbeingforcedthroughtroughsandcurrents.

• Ripcurrentsareformedbetweensandbars.Thebiggertheswell(waves),thestrongerthecurrent.Aswavesbreak,thewaterisforcedbacktodeeperareasandquicklyrushesbacktowardstheopenoceanin-betweensandbars.

Fortunatelyforanglers,theseoutwardflowingcurrentssweepbaitfishupthroughthecutinthesandbar.Targetthepoolsofwaterjustoneithersideoftheoutgoingcurrent.Bluefish,stripedbass,andfalsealbacorearejustafewofthelargerfishthatusethesepocketstohunt.

trough

sandbar

rip current

Beach and surf fishing

Fishing from the shoreline

Fishing TechniquesDependingonthespeciesoffishyou’retargeting,youmightbefishingthesurfaceofthewater,usingcurrentstomovebait,orsearchingforabiteattheverybottom.Saltwaterfishingcanbeenjoyedfromtheshore,pier,orboat...andmanypeoplefishallyearlong!

Beforeyourfishingtrip,you'llwanttolookatthelocaltidecharttofigureoutthetimingfortheincomingandoutgoingtidesforyourpierlocation.• Generally,thebesttimetofishfromapierorshorelineisduringamoving

tide,eitherincomingoutoutgoing.• Incomingtidesarewhenthewateris"rising",orflowingtowardstheshore.

Outgoingtidesarewhenthewateris"falling",ormovingbackouttosea.

Wheneverpossible,checktheseasonalfishingreportstolearnwhatkindsoffishareinthearea.Thiswillhelpyouplanyourtacklechoiceforthefishmostlikelytobefoundaroundthepier.

Remember,safetyfirst!Thereareusuallyseveralanglerscastingandreelinginfishclosetogetheronapier.Makesuretoalwayslookaroundyoubeforedroppingyourline,anddonotcastoverheadorswingyourrodnearanyoneelse.

ForalistofsaltwaterfishingpiersinMassachusettsvisit:www.mass.gov/saltwater-fishing-public-access

Piers are a great place to learn how to saltwater fish. Piers are easily accessible and often have parking lots, rest areas, and lighting to help make your day safe and comfortable.

Fishing from a pier

Topwater Plugging Topwaterplugsareusedonthesurfaceofthewater.Theyareafavoritechoiceforanglerswhoenjoywatchingthefishstrikethelure,sometimesendingwithabigjumpfromthefish!Strategyforusingatopwaterplugistoalterthespeedyoureelandlightlybouncingyourrodasyoureelthelureacrossthewater.Thisissometimescalled“walkingthedog”becauseitlookslikeyouarewalkingthelureacrossthetopofthewater.

Shore Jigging Fishingtowardsthebottomofthewatercolumnrequiresaheavierorweightedlure.Oncethelurehitsthebottom,crankthelinebackafewrotationsandpulltherodupasyoureeleveryfewseconds.Thiswillbouncethelureclosetothebottom,keepingitclearofrocksandsnags.Jiggingisafunwaytodevelopyourownfishing“style”,testingdifferentspeedsandmovementstoseewhatbestattractsthefishtoyourlure.

Plugging

Jigging

Fishing from the shoreline

! Lightening,heavyrain,andwindaredangerousconditionsforfishing.Immediatlyendfishingandfindshelterifyouencounterbadweather.

Remember,thebestfishingisalmostalwaysonarisingorfallingtide."Slacktides"(whenthereislittleornotidalcurrent)arenotproductivefishingtimes.Whenfishingalongacoastalwaterway(suchastheCapeCodCanal)you'llwanttolearntomoveyourtacklethroughthewatertoattractabite.

Making the Catch

You have a bite, Now what?!

It'stime–You’vepickedafishingspot,setupyourgear,andnowyou’rereadytoreelinafish!Learninghowtoresponsibly“play”afishandremoveitfromyourtackleisthenextstepinyoursaltwaterfishingeducation.

Set the hook:1. Staycalm,andmakesureyouhavegoodcontrolofyourrod.2. Ifyouareusingin-linecircle hooks,noneedtosetthehook–youarereadyto

startreelingintheline.Keepthelinetight(taut)atalltimesasyoureel.3. Ifyouareusingalure,fly,orothersetup,setthehookinthemouthbygiving

aquickjerkwhenyoufeelthebitefromthefish.Ifyoufeelapullonthelinedownorawayfromyou,chancesarethefishhasalreadysetthehook.

4. Holdingtherodtipupata45°angle,startreelingintheline.

If you have a smaller fish on the line:5. Besuretokeepthelineclearofrocks,pierdeckingandsiding,andboat

sidesasyoureel.Thesecanallbreaktheline,causingyoutolosethefish.6. Iffishingfromapier,reelthefishinandupuntilthereis18-24”oflineoffthe

endoftherodtip.Lifttherodtipuptowardstheskytogentlyswingthefishtowardsyou.

7. Holdthefishcarefullyasyoubegintoremovethehook.

If you have a larger fish on the line:8. Forlargerfish,orthosethathaveaquickandheavyfight,youwillneedto

workhardertobringitinquicklyandsafely.9. Withoutreeling,pullupontheroduntilitsangledupabitfromyourhip.

Asyoudropthetipoftherodbackdowntowardsthewater,turnthereelquicklytopullinasmuchlineaspossible.Repeat,pullingthefishupeachtimeyouliftthetipoftherodup,andreelingasyoulowerbackdown.

10.Ifyouareusinganet,trytoguidethefishinheadfirsttoreducethechancesofitswimmingaway.

11. Ifthefishistoolargetosafelyliftorbringintotheboat,keepcontrolofyourgearbyholdingontothelinewithaglovedhand.Useadehookerforaquickandsafereleaseoffishthatareheavyoronesthatareriskytotouch.Lightening,heavyrain,andwindaredangerousconditionsforfishing.

Immediatlyendfishingandfindshelterifyouencounterbadweather.

Using a dehooker

Measuring your catch• Fishsizesaremeasuredastotallength,fromthetipofaclosedmouthtothe

farthestpartofitstail.Alwayshaveeasyaccesstothecurrentsizeandbaglimitregulationssetbythestate.

• Placeatapemeasureflatalongtheground,oruseameasuringboard,toquicklylogthelength.Anythinglessthantheminimumsizemustbereleasedbackintothewateralive.

Measuringexception:Blackseabassaremeasuredfromthetipofthejawtothetipofthetail,NOTincludingthetailfilament.Thefishabovemeasures16inches.

2520151051

filament

31. Putthedehookerontheleaderline

andslideitdownuntilitcatchesontheshankofthehook.

2. Pullthedehookingdeviceandtheleaderapartwithstrong,evenpressure.Raiseyourrighthand(dehookingdevice)tothe2o'clockposition,andloweryourlefthand(leader)tothe8o'clockposition

3. Withaslighttwistandshakethehookwilldisengageandyourfishisreleasedsafely.Keepthefishascloseto(orin)thewateraspossible.

Responsible AnglingMostofthetimeweonlythinkaboutthefishwebringhomefromourfishingtrips.But,impropercatching,handling,andreleasingoffishcancauseinjuriesordeath.Alittleknowledgecangoalongwayinprotectingournaturalresources.Belowaresomewaystobearesponsibleanglerandincreaseafish’schanceofsurvival.

1. Reduce fighting time:toreducestressonthefish,useappropriatetackleforthetargetspeciesandlandthefishasquicklyaspossible.

2. Use a dehooker:haveadehookerorpliersclosebywhenyoubringinthefishtohelpwithacleanandquickhookremoval.

3. Hold fish over the water: itseasytoaccidentallydropaslipperyfish.Whenholding,keepthefishclosetothewatertoprotectitfromhittingthegroundorboatdeckifdropped.

4. Protect the skin:fisharecoveredinalayerofmucoustoprotectthem.Ifyouhavetoremoveafishfromthewater,wetyourhandsoruseawetragtoprotecttheircovering.Keepingafishinwateraslongaspossiblegreatlyincreasestheirchanceofsurvival.Neverdragafishalongrocksorsand.

5. Hold a fish carefully: neverholdafishbytheeyesorgills.Holditunderthebellyandkeepalightgriponthecaudalpeduncle(wherethebodymeetsthetail)formoresupport.

Properly handle fish

Ifyourfishdoesnotstarttoswimawayonit'sownduringrelease,tryrevivingitbygentlymovingitthroughthewaterinafigureeightpattern.Alwayskeepthefishmovingmouthfirsttoallowwatertopassoverthegills.NEVERMOVEAFISHBACKWARDS.

Gently releasing a striped bass

Responsible angling: reeling, handling, and releasing your saltwater catch

3. Withaslighttwistandshakethehookwilldisengageandyourfishisreleasedsafely.Keepthefishascloseto(orin)thewateraspossible.

Responsible Angler ChecklistAsaresponsibleangler,Iwill:

Know the regulations:Payattentiontotheminimumsizeforkeepingafish,andhowmanyyoucankeepinaday.

Eat or release: Thereisnoreasontokeepanyfishyou’renotgoingtoeat.Picturesandfiberglasstrophieslookbetterandlastlongerthanstuffedfish.

Know when to stop: Ifafishhasnolimit,itdoesn’tmeanyoushouldkeepasmanyasyoucan.Onlyfreezewhatyoumightneedforafewweeks.

Get my saltwater fishing permit: Ifyouare16yearsorolderyouneedtohaveapermittofish.Fundssupportangleraccessandeducationprograms!

Keep our waters healthy: Don’tthrowanythinginthewaterortheshore.Makesureunusedbait,tackle,andlinearethrowninacoveredtrashcan.

Addtothelistanyotherwaysyoucanbearesponsibleangler:

Fish ID

Eat or release: Thereisnoreasontokeepanyfishyou’renotgoingtoeat.Picturesandfiberglasstrophieslookbetterandlastlongerthanstuffedfish.

Know when to stop: Ifafishhasnolimit,itdoesn’tmeanyoushouldkeepasmanyasyoucan.Onlyfreezewhatyoumightneedforafewweeks.

Get my saltwater fishing permit: Ifyouare16yearsorolderyouneedtohaveapermittofish.Fundssupportangleraccessandeducationprograms!

Keep our waters healthy: Don’tthrowanythinginthewaterortheshore.Makesureunusedbait,tackle,andlinearethrowninacoveredtrashcan.

Massachusettscoastalwatersprovideidealhabitatsforhundredsofspeciesoffish.Whilesomefisharefoundyearround,othersmigratethousandsofmilestovisitourcoastalwaters.Allanglersshouldbefamiliarwiththedifferenttypesoffishandtheregulationsforthem.

Onthefollowingpagesyouwilllearnaboutninepopularsportfish.Differentfishmeandifferentstrategies,locations,andtackle.Thelastsectionofthisbookisafishingjournal,aplacewhereyoucannoteyourcatches.Lookingbackonyournotes,you'llbeabletolearnfromyourownuniqueexperiences!

Stellwagen Bank

Boston

Cape Cod

Cape AnnN

Gulf of Maine

StellwagenBankNationalMarineSanctuaryisaperfectstoppingpointforallkindsofanimals.Inthemiddleofthebankisanunderwaterplateaumeasuring19milesby6milesatitswidestpart.Thesteepsidesoftheplateauforcethedeepoceancurrentstopushminerals,plankton,andfishupthesides.Thiscreatesanunderwaterbuffetforallkindsofmarineanimals!

Alongthenearly200milesofcoastline,migratingfishandshallowwaterspeciesareeasilytargetedbyanglersfromshore,pier,andboat!

Fishingregulationsareinplacetoconserve,protect,andimprovefishpopulations.Regulationsonthenumberoffishthatcanbecaughthelpkeepanglersfromtakingtoomanyfishatonetime.Sizelimitsallowmanyfishtoreachspawning(egglaying)sizebeforetheycanbekept.Fishingseasonsprotectfishduringspawning,andlimitthecatchonpopularwaters.

Fisheriesbiologistsstudyoceanhabitats.Theycollectdataonfishnumbersandthehealthoffishpopulations.Ifwelearnofaproblemwithagroupoffish,regulationsareusedtohelpkeepthefishpopulationhealthy.

Ifyoufish,it'simportantthatyouknowtherulesandregulations.Itisunacceptabletoignorefishingregulations-theyaremeanttoprotectfishandmakesurethereissharedanglingforeveryone!

What are fishing regulations?

Bluefish

Cunner

Black Sea Bass

Season:May–SeptemberBaits: Cutsquid,clams,greencrabsTackle and tips: Bottomfishingfromaboat.Fishingforblackseabassfromashoreorpieristrickybecausetheypreferdeeperwaters.Youngblackseabassmaybefoundclosetoshoreinearlyspring,MayandJune.Fish Facts: Blackseabassallhatchasfemales,andsomewilleventuallychangetomalewhenneededforbreeding!Malescanhavebrightblueorpurplescalesandahumpontheirhead.

Season:June–midOctoberBaits: AllsmallbaitfishTackle and tips: Anglerscatchbluefishnearinlets,shoals,andripswherelargeschools(groups)ofbluefishfeed.Bluefishcanbitethroughweakline,souselineofatleast40-poundmonoorbraidwithawireleader.Jigs,spoons,spinners,flies,andsinglehooktopwaterplugswithalureallworkforattractingbluefish.Fish Facts: Bluefishlivethroughouttheworld'soceansandmigratelikebirds.Theyareswifthunterswithsharpteeth,sobecarefulwhenreleasingthem,anddonotputyourfingersintheirmouth!

Season:April-OctoberBaits: CutclamandwormsTackle and tips: Agreatstarterfish,cunner(alsoknownasbergals)areeasytofindaroundrockpiles,bridges,piers,andeelgrassbeds.Useasmallercirclehook(size2/0to4/0)andfishthebottomtoattractabite.Fish Facts: Cunnerarecloselyrelatedtotautog,andbothfisharemembersofthewrassefamily.Theirsmallmouthislinedwithseveralrowsofunevenconeshapedteeththathelpthemeatsmalllobsters,mussels,andurchins.

False Albacore

Atlantic Mackrel

Season:LateJuly-OctoberBaits: : Stripbaits,squid,smalljigs,spoons,plugs,fliesTackle and tips: Spinninggear,baitcasting,lightboatrods,trolling,flyfishing.Fish Facts: Falsealbacoreareverysimilartobonito-fast,funandsometimesabittrickytocatch!Unlikebonito,theydon'tmakeagoodkeeperfishforeating.However,ifyouwanttofeelsomeseriousfishpoweryouwon'tbedisappointedwhenyouhookafalsealbacoreandthelinescreamsoffthereelastheyswimawayfromyou!

Season:May-SeptemberBaits: Smallbaitfish,crab,clams,seaworms,squidstrips,jigs,spoons,flies,sabikirigsTackle and tips: Trolling,jigging,castingfromshoreorboat,usinglighttackle.Fish Facts: Atlantic mackerelarefastswimmersandvoraciousfeeders,whichofferstheanglermanyoptionsforcatchingthem.Usingachumbagwithcatfoodorgroundbaitfishisgreatwaytoattractmackereltoyourboat,andit'llkeepthemtheresoyoucanfillyourlivewellorcooler!

Season:May-OctoberBaits: Clams,stripsofsquid,seawormsTackle and tips: Light-tomedium-weighttackle,jetties,drift-fishing,piers,bridges.Fish Facts: Scupcanliveupwardsof20yearsandcangrowtoanaverageweightof3-4pounds.ThewatersofNewEnglandareimportanttoscup,whospawn(layeggs)inthesandyorweedypatchesoftheshallowsthroughoutthesummer.ScupmigratesouthfromMassachusettsinthefalltothewarmerwatersfoundsouthofNewEngland!

Season:April–NovemberBaits: Crabs,clams,andshellfishTackle and tips: Togareeasilyfoundalongcoastalreefsandrockyareasbyboat.Iffishingfromapier,trytolookattheunderwaterstructureduringlowtidesoyouknowwherethefishmightbehiding.Tryusingafishfinderrigsetup,usinganeggorbankonthelineandasize4/0+in-linecirclehookbaitedwithcrab.Fish Facts: Tautoghaveathicklayerofslimecoveringtheirbodytoprotectthemwhentheyhideinrockyhabitats.Becarefulhandlingandreleasingtautog;it'sdorsal(back)finhassharpspines!

Season:May–FebruaryBaits:Sandworms,bloodworms,clams,stripsofsquidTackle and tips: Iffishingfromaboat,manyanglerswillusea"chumpot",whichisasmallwirecagefilledwithclamsorfishusedtoattractfloundertoyourboat.Useasmallhookbaitedwithasandworm,andwhenyoufeelanibbleuseaquickandsmoothupwardpulltosetthehook.Fish Facts: Youngflounderhatchwithoneeyeoneachsideofitshead.Asitgrows,oneeyemovestotheotherside,sobothenduponthesamesideofitshead!Winterfloundereyesarealwaysontherightsideofthebody.

Season:MidApril–OctoberBaits: Seaworms,menhaden,eels,squid,herring,jigs,plugs,spinners,spoonsTackle and tips: Stripedbassareapopularandfunfishtocatchforallfishinglevels.Targeting"schoolies"—theyoung,firsttimemigratinggroupofstripers—atthebeginningofspringisagoodplacetostart.Castwithnaturalbaitalongtheshoreandoffpiers,jiggingasyoureelinyourlinetoenticethemtobite.Bereadytoquicklyreleaseanyundersizedfish!Fish Facts: Stripedbassspendtheiradultlivesintheocean,butspawnandhatchinfreshwaterstreamsandrivers!

Striped Bass

Tautog

Winter Flounder

Finishing The DayYoucanexperiencealotofdifferentemotionsafteralongdayofsaltwaterfishing.Ifitsbeenagoodday,withsomeexcitingcatches,youmightbefeelinghappy,talkative,andfullofenergy!Ifthedaywasslow,ormaybeyouhadahardtimefiguringouttherightgeartouse,youmightbefeelingtired,andalittleletdown.

Nomattertheday,youspentsomegoodqualitytimewithfriendsandfamily,andyoulearnedsomethingnewtotryonyournexttrip.Thefinalstepofyourfishingdayismakingsureyourgeariscleanedandstored.Journalingyourdaywillhelpyougrowyourskillsasanangler,andkeepyoufishingforyearstocome!

Cleaning and storing your gearBefore you head home:1. Removeanyleftoverbaitfromthehooksandrinsewithfreshwater(ifyou

haveit).2. Ifyouareleavinghooksandluresontheline,hookthemontoaguideonthe

rodandgentlyreelthelineuntilitisjusttightenoughtoholdinplace.Makesurethereisnobendinyourrod.

3. Youcanuseastripofvelcroaroundtheline,orameshrodcover,tomakeitsaferfortravel.

4. Youcanalsocutthelinetoremovethehooksandlures.Attachtheendofthelinewithaloosetietotherod.Rinseinfreshwaterbeforestoring.

Cleaning and storing fishing gear:Itisimportanttocleansaltwateroffofallofyourgearattheendoftheday.5. Usingasoftrag,wipedowntherodwithfreshwaterandletdry.6. Itisimportantthatyourinseallofyourlures,hooks,swivels,andweightsin

freshwater.Laythemoutonatowelforafewhoursuntiltheyarecompletelydrybeforeputtingthemawayinyourtacklebox.

BECAREFULwhencleaningyourgear.Hookscancutorstickyou.Alwayshaveadultsupervisionwhencleaningyourgear.

7. Storeyourgearinsideasmuchaspossible.Agarage,basement,orstorageshedisagreatplacetokeepyourgearsafe.

Visitingatackleshoporoutdoorstoreisagreatwaytostartexploringthesportofsaltwaterfishing.Localshopscanrecommendplacesforbeginnerfishingandsetyouupwithgear.Itmightfeelintimidatingatfirst,butknowthatshopstaffarehappytotalkwithyouaboutthesporttheylove!YoucanfindalistoflocalshopsintheMassachusettsSaltwaterFishingGuide.CharterandHeadBoatfishingtripsareanothergoodwaytotestoutdifferentkindsofsaltwatergear,andyoucanlearnalotfromthecaptainandcrew.

TIP: Ifyou'relearninghowtofishalongsideafriendorfamilymember,askaboutentrylevelfishingrodsyoucanshare.Thiswillsavemoney(splittingthecost)andallowsyoutolearnwithlesscommitment.Youcanalsoaskifshopsoffergeartrialsorloanprograms.

1. Doyouknowofanylocalfishingspotsthataregoodforbeginners?2. Arethereanytoolsortackleyouthinkanglersshouldalwayshavewiththem

onafishingtrip?3. Iaminterestedincatchingonmynextfishingtrip.

Whatkindoftackledoyousuggestforbeginnerstargetingthissaltwaterfish?4. ArethereanylocalfishingshowscomingupIcanvisit?5. Howarebaitandluresdifferent?Howdoyouchoosewhentousethem?

Visiting a tackle shop

Tackle shops don't have to be intimidating. The more time you spend exploring, the more comfortable you'll be with finding and choosing your gear!

(saltwater fish)

Here are some questions you can ask in a tackle shop:

Location:

Weather:

Species:

NotesontheDay:

Length:

Weight:

TackleandSetup:

TotalnumberofFishCaught:

Temperature:

StartTime: EndTime:amampm

°C°F

Location:

Weather:

Species:

NotesontheDay:

Length:

Weight:

TackleandSetup:

Temperature:

°C°F

My Fishing Logbook

Location:

Weather:

Species:

NotesontheDay:

Length:

Weight:

TackleandSetup:

Temperature:

°C°F

Location:

Weather:

Species:

NotesontheDay:

Length:

Weight:

TackleandSetup:

Temperature:

°C°F

Location:

Weather:

Species:

NotesontheDay:

Length:

Weight:

TackleandSetup:

Temperature:

°C°F

Location:

Weather:

Species:

NotesontheDay:

Length:

Weight:

TackleandSetup:

Temperature:

°C°F

Location:

Weather:

Species:

NotesontheDay:

Length:

Weight:

TackleandSetup:

Temperature:

°C°F

Location:

Weather:

Species:

NotesontheDay:

Length:

Weight:

TackleandSetup:

Temperature:

°C°F

Location:

Weather:

Species:

NotesontheDay:

Length:

Weight:

TackleandSetup:

Temperature:

°C°F

Location:

Weather:

Species:

NotesontheDay:

Length:

Weight:

TackleandSetup:

Temperature:

°C°F

Location:

Weather:

Species:

NotesontheDay:

Length:

Weight:

TackleandSetup:

Temperature:

°C°F

Location:

Weather:

Species:

NotesontheDay:

Length:

Weight:

TackleandSetup:

Temperature:

°C°F

Location:

Weather:

Species:

NotesontheDay:

Length:

Weight:

TackleandSetup:

Temperature:

°C°F

Location:

Weather:

Species:

NotesontheDay:

Length:

Weight:

TackleandSetup:

Temperature:

°C°F

GlossaryAngler:apersonwhofisheswitharodandline

Outfit: theequipmentandrodandreelsetupusedbyangerswhenfishing

Bait:liveordeadanimalmaterialusedtoattractfishtoahookBaitfish: afishusedasbaittocatchalargerfish,likeherringandsilversidesBraid:astrong,thickbraidedfishinglinewithnostretch

Plug: aluredesignedtoimitateasmallfishoraquaticanimal

Rod: afishingpole,usedtoextendthedistanceananglercancastaline

Rod power: theweightthattherodcanlift,fromlighttoextraheavySandbar: aridgeofsandbuiltupunderwaterbycurrentsSinkers: aweightusedtoholdterminaltacklebelowthesurfaceofthewater

Spoon:alurethatwobblesandfluttersasitispulledthroughthewater

Terminal Tackle: thecombinationoftackleusedattheendofafishingline

Suds: foamyorfrothywater

Tackle:fishinggear

Tide:theriseandfallofsealevelTrough: achannelofwaterbetweenwavebreaks

Dehooker: adeviceforremovingahookfromafish

Fly: anartificialluredesignedtolooklikeabaitfish;commonlyusedwhenflyfishingHook: abentpieceofmetalattheendofafishingline(usuallybaited)usedforattractingfishImproved clinch knot: aknotusedforattachingahookorluretotheendofafishinglineJigging: fishingwithajiglure,ortheactofmovingyourlureorbaitupanddowninajerkingmotiontoattractfish

Mono: athin,stretchy,oftenclear,fish-inglinethatiseasytotie,butcanloopandholdontoitsround,spoolshape.

Lure: anartificialbaitusedforattract-ingandcatchingfish

Fishing line: thin,strong,usuallyclear,cordusedtoattachtackletoafishingreel

Pier: astructure(oftenmadeofwoodandmetal)usedforwalkingoutoverwaterforfishingandsightseeingPliers: apincertoolthatisusedforholdingsmallobjectsorforbendingandcuttingwireandhooks

Reel: apieceoftackleusedtoholdfishinglineandtoassistincastingandretrievinglineRip current: powerful,narrowchannelsoffast-movingwater

Rod action: howmuchoftherodbendswhenyouputpressureonthetip,fromfast(bendsmoreattop)toslow(bendsequallyalongthelength)

Fillet knife: athin,flexiblebladeknifeusedforcuttingpiecesoffishtocook

GlossaryFor more information visit our website:http://www.mass.gov/marinefisheries

http://mass.gov/service-details/take-me-saltwater-fishing

Author:ChristineCassidy

Content Editors: MattAyer,JohnBoardman,KimFine,RossKessler

Graphic Design: ChristineCassidy

Illustrators: ChristineCassidy,MeganJames-ShieldsDesignStudio

Thankyoutoallofthemembersofthecommunityforyourcontinuedinterestandenthusiamforsaltwaterfishingeducationandpromotion.

Published2021

MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries251CausewayStreet,Suite400Boston,Massachusetts02114

The Sport Fish Restoration Program (SFR) provides grant funds to the states, the District of Columbia and insular areas fish and wildlife agencies for fishery projects, boating access and aquatic education.

The Program is authorized by the Sport Fish Restoration Act (Dingell-Johnson DJ) of 1950.

SALTWATER FISHING FIELD GUIDE

Documents

Transcript of SALTWATER FISHING FIELD GUIDE

Saltwater Fishing in Cobscook Bay: Angler profile and ... · Saltwater Fishing in Cobscook Bay: Angler profile and economic impact Christopher Bartlett University of Maine - Main,

Saltwater Fishing - ocean.floridamarine.orgocean.floridamarine.org/efh_coral/pdfs/FMPs... · Saltwater Fishing Seasons: No closed season Restrictions: • It is unlawful to fish from

Saltwater Fishing Basics - FWC · 2018-05-07 · Saltwater Fishing Basics ... Fly: A fly rod and reel uses the weight of the line to carry the lure to the fish. Lures for fly-fishing

LOUISIANA 2019 FISHING REGULATIONS · 8 2019 Louisiana Fishing Regulations LICENSING RECREATIONAL FISHING FEES Resident Non-Resident Basic Fishing Season $9.50 $60.00 Saltwater License

Florida Saltwater Fishing Regulations

Saltwater Recreational Fishing License

BC’s PREMIER FISHING GUIDE British Columbia PREMIER FISHING GUIDE FRESHWATER / SALTWATER FISHING Vancouver Coast & Mountains - Saltwater FishingVancouver Coast & Mountains - Saltwater

INTRODUCTION TO SALTWATER FLY FISHING IN …to... · INTRODUCTION TO SALTWATER FLY FISHING IN ... will prolong the life ... Clinch Knot or the Nonslip Mono Loop Knot. For details

Alaska saltwater fishing,Alaska fly out fishing

Guide to Mississippi Saltwater Fishing - … · Guide to Mississippi Saltwater Fishing 2013-2014 Mississippi Department of Marine Resources Mississippi Department of Marine Resources

Guide to Mississippi Saltwater Fishing€¦ · 2012, concerning saltwater fishing in Mississippi’s marine waters prepared in accordance with Mississippi Code Annotated §49-15-18.

RIDEM's Annual Report on Recreational Saltwater Fishing ...Fishing Show TACKLE SALES UP! The 2013 New England Saltwater Fishing Show opened on Friday, March 8 while the whole area

Saltwater Fly Fishing Charters · Saltwater Fly Fishing Charters Phoenix One: Length 115ft (35 mts) Crew Captain, First Mate, Stewardess, Chef, 3 guides Location Ex Gove, Northern

Paul Kiefner‟s Saltwater Fishing Adventures · Paul Kiefner‟s Spring 2011 Saltwater Fishing Adventures Page 3 Saltwater covers seventy percent of the earths‟ surface. Two thousand

Lillebælt (The Little Belt) Saltwater and freshwater fishing

Sandy Point Ferndale / Saltwater Bellingham / San Juan Islands fishing / Sandy Point Fishing

FLORIDA SALTWATER RECREATIONAL 2019 FISHING …Saltwater Fishing Clinics: • Kids’ Fishing Clinics • Women’s Fishing Clinics • Adult Fishing Clinics Saltwater Fishing Clinics

Fishing: The Total Fishing Guide For A Novice: Saltwater To Freshwater

UG Annual Virginia...UG Annual Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament 20 Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament Marine Resources Commission 380 Fenwic N RoadFort Monroe, VA 23651 Tel.

Commission - Louisiana · Basic Fishing Season $60.00 Basic Fish Trip - 1 day $5.00 Saltwater Season (Basic Fishing required) $30.00 Saltwater Trip - 1 day 5 $17.50 Charter Passenger