Freshwater Fishing vs. Saltwater Fishing: What You Should Know

What You Should Know About These Two Great Ways to Fish

Anglers commonly debate whether fishing is better in saltwater or freshwater. In reality, both environments have advantages and disadvantages, and if you’re an experienced angler, you know you should fish in both. you will experience different fishing environments and different fish species, and you may need different equipment when switching between saltwater fishing and freshwater fishing. If you’re new to the sport and are curious about where to start, here’s a look at what you should know about saltwater fish and freshwater fish in Steinhatchee, FL.

Fishing Equipment

The first thing to consider when deciding between freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing is your equipment. The rods used in saltwater and freshwater are different. Saltwater fishing rods are made of a very flexible fiberglass material. They are also much longer. They are fabricated to withstand the salt in the water and a bigger force and tension when catching fish. The fish you encounter in saltwater are typically larger than freshwater ones, so a stronger rod is needed. Saltwater rods are resistant to corrosion and are flexible enough to reel in heavier fish. Freshwater fishing rods are available in various lengths, widths, and flexibility levels. They are stiff enough not to break when reeling in a fish and flexible enough to absorb the tension from a fighting fish. You have a much wider variety of choices when comparing freshwater fishing rods to saltwater fishing rods.

Size and Types of Fishes You Can Find

The fish you encounter in freshwater may differ from those in saltwater. The most common freshwater fish in Florida are warmouth, bluegill, largemouth bass, golden shiner, yellow bullhead, red ear sunfish, shadow bass, grass carp, blue catfish, lake chubsucker, black crappie, alligator gar, Florida gar, mosquito fish, blacktail redhorse, American shad, bowfin, gulf sturgeon, chain pickerel, sailfin molly, flathead catfish, high fin carpsucker, and Suwanee bass. These are white meat fish that are smaller in size than saltwater fish. They are also easier to catch because they are smaller and put up less of a fight.

Saltwater fishing offers the opportunity to catch a larger variety of sizes and species of fish, depending on your location. The most common saltwater fish in Florida are redfish, flounder, sea trout, pompano, Spanish mackerel, grouper, amberjack, black drum, black grouper, blackfin tuna, dolphin fish, gag grouper, king mackerel, little tunny, mangrove snapper, red drum, red grouper, red snapper, swordfish, yellowfin tuna, yellowtail snapper, and wahoo. These fish are larger, found in deeper waters, and will put up more of a fight, so you may have to work a little harder.

Skill Factor Required

The process used in saltwater fishing and freshwater fishing is also different. Saltwater fishing requires that you go out on a boat to catch the biggest fish. It’s best to go out into deeper water that is less crowded. Freshwater fish can be caught from the bank or a boat. Freshwater is calmer, so finding the perfect spot for fishing is easier. Saltwater fishing requires more experience, a good instinct, and an understanding of your fishing area and the fish you will encounter. Beginners can handle freshwater fishing, and it’s a great way to gain experience and improve your skills. Beginners should not try saltwater fishing unless they have someone with them who has experience. It’s easier to fall victim to injury or accident when saltwater fishing. You can charter a boat if you’re a novice who still wants to experience saltwater fishing.

The Taste of the Fish

The fish you catch in saltwater vs. freshwater will also taste different. Saltwater fish may have a fuller flavor and a salty, briny taste. Freshwater fish have a milder flavor profile and taste less “fishy.” Freshwater fish is perfect for fish tacos, salad, and homemade fish sticks because of its milder flavor. In addition to having a stronger flavor, saltwater fish also have thicker bones.

Visit Steinhatchee Marina and Steinhatchee River Club to Taste the Best Seafood at Marina

Book your stay at the Steinhatchee River Club if you’re ready to try your skill or gain experience in freshwater fishing or saltwater fishing in Steinhatchee, FL. We have exclusive access to the Steinhatchee Marina, where you can take advantage of kayak and boat rentals, dry boat storage, deep water wet slip boat storage, and fine dining at the Steinhatchee Marina Bar and Restaurant at Deadman Bay. We would love to help you plan the perfect fishing getaway for you, your friends, and your family. Call us today or contact us online to learn more.