What is Inshore Fishing?

One of the popular ways of catching fish is through inshore fishing. What is inshore fishing? What is considered inshore fishing and what can be caught through it?

In this article, we’ll define inshore fishing, compare inshore vs offshore meaning, explore the techniques you can use for this particular kind of fishing, and more!

What Does Inshore Fishing Mean?

The inshore fishing definition can vary, depending on who you ask. But, technically speaking, inshore fishing is any fishing that’s done in waters that are 30 meters deep or less. The most common species that you can catch while inshore fishing includes trout, tarpon, snook, striped bass, and snapper.

Note that inshore fishing usually targets smaller fish compared to offshore fishing which targets the bigger trophy catches.

Since inshore water is much calmer in comparison to what you’ll experience offshore, there’s less chance of getting seasick. If you’ll be bringing your little ones with you on a fishing charter, inshore fishing will be better.

Inshore vs. Offshore: Tackle and Gear

When discussing what is inshore fishing, it’s also important to note the difference between inshore and offshore fishing.

What exactly is offshore fishing and does it require the same fishing gear as inshore fishing? Offshore fishing, also commonly referred to as charter fishing or deep-sea fishing, requires a boat. It occurs in water more than 30 meters deep. Offshore fishing trips are usually expensive.

In addition, you have to know exactly what you’re doing unless you hire a qualified guide. If you have no one to help you when deep-sea fishing, it’s likely that you’ll go home empty-handed.

Inshore Fishing Equipment

What is inshore fishing and what equipment is suitable for inshore fishing? These are some of the most frequently asked questions of beginner anglers.

What is inshore fishing is easier to answer and define. It becomes more complicated, however, when discussing equipment and techniques. In general, inshore fishing requires a much lighter tackle and fishing equipment.

For inshore fishing, you’ll need a way to safely get around different inshore waters. This is done with the use of boats with trolling motors that have batteries. There are also those that prefer using motorized kayaks or canoes.

Inshore fishing usually needs less equipment compared to offshore fishing as fish that can be caught are smaller. Inshore anglers can also get by without any inflatable pontoon boat and with fairly short lengths for the fishing rods.

Offshore Fishing Equipment

Offshore fishing will need longer rods as they allow anglers to cast further distances to target bigger species of fish that aren’t likely to swim inshore. An offshore angler will have to use an electric fishing reel as it helps to haul a monster from the deep.

To survive in saltwater and offshore fishing, your tools have to be as tough as the fish you’re targeting and the harsh environment. Gaffs, hook removers, pliers, and fishing nets are just some of the tools you’ll need to land the species of a lifetime.

Inshore Fish Species

You’ll generally catch small to medium size species while inshore species. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not fun to do at all!

Here are the top inshore species to target that will bring excitement to your next fishing trip:

• Bass: This species can vary. There’s the striped bass, a tasty fish that can be found around the coastal waters of the US, and largemouth bass that’s capable of growing up to 2 meters long. An inshore spinning reel will be the best choice to use when targeting bass. Go for the smaller size to acquire extra finesse.
• Catfish: Another type of inshore fish, catfish can also be caught through offshore fishing. Catfish is among the largest species of inshore fish.
• Bluegill: This is also known as bream, bluegill has a firm, mild-flavored meat. North America has a huge population of bluegill and it’s considered predatory fish, primarily feeding on herbivores.
• Speckled Trout: This is another type of inshore fish. As with most species targeted by inshore anglers, speckled trout are incredible to eat with their moderately flaky, white meat. Because of the texture of the fish, trout is best broiled or fried.

Types of Inshore Fishing

There are several different kinds of inshore fishing you can do, such as:

• Trolling: This is a common inshore fishing method. It involves dragging bait from behind a boat. To troll, actively pull a hooked line through the water. You’ll need an outboard motor in order to get around the water efficiently.
• Line Fishing: Another kind of inshore fishing, it involves putting a hook out with your choice of bait, then waiting until inshore fish swims towards the bait and strikes.
• Jigging: Jigging is lure fishing that makes use of specific movements in mimicking injured baitfish with its erratic swimming style. This particular fishing method is ideally suited for targeting freshwater fish like bass. Jigs consist of lead sinkers and hooks molded together.
• Drift Fishing: This inshore fishing technique involves the hanging of nets vertically in a water column without getting anchored. A net is kept vertical by floats that are attached to ropes on top of a net with weights attached to a different rope along the other side of the net.
• Crabbing: This can also be done with deep-sea fishing. Crabbing involves an angler using a trap that consists of nylon mesh and a steel frame. Codfish or herring is placed inside the trap as bait then the trap is sunk into the bottom of the water where crabs reside.

Conclusion

Inshore fishing is an enjoyable activity to do with the family and your fishing buddies. Smaller fish can be caught which are fairly quick and easy for you to reel in.

Inshore fishing is more relaxing and easier for an angler compared to offshore fishing. Give it a try and let us know if you enjoy it as much as we do!