Saltwater Fishing Gear

Braided line is extremely durable and can last up to 2–3 seasons in saltwater if properly maintained. Saltwater is harsh on gear, so always rinse your reel and line with fresh water after each trip to remove salt and sand. Over time, UV exposure and abrasion can weaken the braid, especially near knots and guides. Inspect your line regularly for frays or colour fading, both are signs it’s time to replace it. Many anglers reverse their spool halfway through the season to extend its life.

For saltwater fishing, you’ll need durable, corrosion-resistant gear designed to handle the elements and strong fish. Start with a medium-heavy or heavy rod, a sealed drag spinning or conventional reel, and braided line (30–80 lb) with a fluorocarbon leader. You’ll also need saltwater lures, jigs, or bait rigs, depending on your target species. Don’t forget pliers, tackle storage, and sun protection. If you’re surf casting, a longer rod (9–12 ft) helps with distance.

It’s not recommended to use freshwater reels in saltwater because salt is highly corrosive. Freshwater reels often lack sealed bearings and corrosion-resistant coatings, which means they can quickly seize or rust when exposed to salt. If you do use one occasionally, rinse it thoroughly with fresh water after every trip and apply reel oil or corrosion spray. For regular saltwater use, invest in a sealed saltwater reel with stainless steel or anodized aluminium components. 

At Angling Sports, we stock saltwater-tough reels like the Shimano Saragosa, Penn Battle III, and Daiwa Sealine, all designed to handle the harshest marine conditions and biggest coastal fish.

The best saltwater fishing line depends on your technique. Braided line is most popular because it’s thin, strong, and casts far, it’s ideal for surf fishing or deep-water jigging. Monofilament offers stretch and shock absorption for trolling, while fluorocarbon leaders provide invisibility and abrasion resistance around rocks and reefs. Use 30–80 lb braid for larger species like tuna or striped bass, and 15–30 lb for lighter inshore fishing.

Saltwater fish love aggressive, fast-moving lures that mimic baitfish. Top producers include metal spoons, soft plastics, jigs, and topwater poppers. For inshore fishing, try paddle-tail swimbaits, jerkbaits, and bucktail jigs. Offshore anglers often use trolling lures, plugs, and feathered skirts. Bright, reflective finishes like silver, chartreuse, or blue are great for clear water, while pink or white excel in cloudy conditions. Match lure size to the local bait and smaller for mackerel and larger for stripers or tuna.

Saltwater is tough on gear, so proper maintenance is key. After every trip, rinse your rods, reels, and lures with fresh water and dry them thoroughly. Use a corrosion inhibitor spray or reel oil on moving parts, screws, and guides. Store your gear in a cool, dry place, not in a damp garage or boat locker. Avoid laying reels on the sand, which can grind salt and grit into bearings.

The best saltwater combo depends on your fishing style. For inshore fishing, a 7’ medium-heavy spinning combo spooled with 20–30 lb braid is perfect for redfish, snook, or sea trout. For offshore fishing, go with a 7’–8’ heavy rod paired with a sealed drag reel to handle big fish like tuna or king mackerel. If you’re surf fishing, a 10–12 ft surf rod offers long casting distance.

Inshore fishing takes place in shallower coastal waters (bays, estuaries, and flats) typically within a few kilometres of shore. You’ll target species like redfish, snook, flounder, and sea trout using lighter tackle. Offshore fishing, on the other hand, happens in deeper waters (often 30+ metres) and targets bigger fish like tuna, mahi-mahi, and marlin using heavier rods and trolling gear. Offshore conditions are rougher and require larger boats and specialized equipment.