saltwater reels vs freshwater reelsbest stainless steel tubing cutter

The reason behind this is so that it can accommodate a larger amount of line and withstand the heavier baits and bigger target fish. But even then, they are still more susceptible to damage and will wear out quicker than expected, which will have you in need of a replacement. Want to Know the Best Time of Day to Fish? Lastly, saltwater reels are more expensive since they are made of better-quality materials. In freshwater settings, anglers often employ spinning and baitcasting reels to catch fish in lakes, rivers, and swamps. This is especially useful when fishing in larger and deeper bodies of freshwater. Add sealant, oil, and grease as needed, which can help in its performance and lifespan. Before we get into using freshwater reels in saltwater, what is its main difference with saltwater reels? Thats why freshwater reels should only be used in freshwater, while its saltwater counterparts are best used in saltwater. Read on for a much more detailed breakdown of the differences between these two realms of sportfishing. How To Register A Homemade Boat In Texas in Easy, Simple Steps! For those who do plan on going saltwater fishing with freshwater reels, make sure to take proper care of your reels. Are Bait Launchers Legal In Texas? Medium-diving plugs, crankbaits, spinner baits, bucktails, and spoons are great lures for trolling. Tips on Buying Polarized Fishing Sunglasses. Even that kind of reels take some damage from salt water over a long time. It will depend heavily on budget, but saltwater spinning reels are definitely worth the investment because they can be used universally. This fisherman prepares to launch an 8-inch plastic swimbait for muskies along a weed edge. No stretch is the way to go to reduce stress on the line, help with fish-fighting power, and hauling baits through the water at constant speeds. Popular gamefish targeted by freshwater fishermen include largemouth bass, walleye, bluegills, catfish, and northern pike. They range and vary depending on the type of water youll fish on. I would recommend a rod under 6 feet in length with a large, high-quality casting reel to be able to handle grouper, mahi-mahi, tuna, and billfish. Fishing rods handle length also varies and it depends on where it is used. The deeper you jig, the more imperative is to have a no-stretch fishing line. Thats a huge waste of money right there because instead of purchasing a separate saltwater reel, you will need to replace your freshwater reel! Its parts are tough and can prevent salt water from getting into its mechanisms, making them suitable for various fishing situations. Freshwater reels will get damaged and corrode when in contact with saltwater. It will save you a lot in the long run. Materials used in saltwater gear are ones that are tough enough to withstand the harsh environment of the sea and the corrosive power of saltwater. Can You Use Freshwater Reels In Saltwater? Either spinning or baitcasting options for effective deep jigging. (A Complete Guide). I will admit Ive never seen a spin casting option for saltwater angling so that seems to be exclusively freshwater. Some people, especially beginners, will probably don`t know that all fishing reels could be divided in to two categories, saltwater and freshwater. As with freshwater fishing, live and artificial bait can be used when fishing in saltwater. Yes, there are different rods and reels made for the two different types of water, which you should be careful in handling. There is one thing that you have to keep in mind when doing freshwater fishing, you need to know what the creel limit is for the area. Saltwater reels also have bigger sizes compared to freshwater ones, made with larger spots to hold more fishing lines. It is for this same reason why you can use your saltwater gear in freshwater but not the other way around. Youre going to need to haul large fish fast off reefs and wrecks before they can break you off. I grew up fishing for anything that swims but really loved fishing for trout, chain pickerel, bass, and bullheads in my teenage years. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. However, with freshwater reels, I strongly discourage you to use it in salt water, as it may get damaged quickly. The basics would be a knife for cutting the fish or anything that needs to be cut, long nose pliers to remove hooks on fish or cut lines, a good pair of gloves to protect your hands, tackles, bait, and lures. The main difference between saltwater and freshwater gear is the ability of saltwater gear to withstand the corrosive environment it is subjected to. Since then, I've lived across the country and have continued learning about fishing. As much as possible, invest in separate reels made for its specific type of water, fish size, and technique. Saltwater is a harsh liquid and it has the ability to corrode solid metal structures. For bait, vertical jigging spoons, soft plastics, and even dead baitfish work really well. Different techniques are used depending on the type of water you are fishing. Drift fishing is another very popular freshwater technique often using live or dead bait. If you want to learn how to select the perfect rod and reel, you should read. (A Complete Guide). This is meant for saltwater fish species, which would go on longer runs compared to freshwater fish like bass. Required fields are marked *. And lastly, freshwater gear is cheaper than saltwater fishing gear. Yes, trolling can also be used in freshwater fishing. For this technique, live baits are used oftentimes with a burley or chum slick. These are the gear, techniques, variables to consider, difficulty, and catch. But if you plan on going wade fishing, kayak fishing, or surf fishing, chances are that saltwater will get to them, damaging it quickly. No need to worry about destructive salt and can be used in freshwater`s too without any problem. It pumps you up and enhances that triumphant feeling coursing inside your system to the next level; that is what keeps anglers coming back for more. For fishing lines, I would recommend anything greater than 50-pound test mono, fluorocarbon, or braid. Saltwater fishing gear is designed for larger, more powerful fish than freshwater gear and the ability to withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater tackle. Weve come to the most awaited difference between the two, the price. In order to maximize your spinning reel lifespan and to avoid picking the wrong product you should learn whatdistinct`s them and what is the purpose of each one. You can even troll full nightcrawlers on the bottom for walleye and live golden shiners along weedlines for monster largemouth bass. One of the important factors to look into is whether or not youre fishing in saltwater or freshwater. I spent hours researching and compiling this information into one easy-to-digest guide. To be frank, I believe that it is the adrenaline rush you get during the fight. Before we proceed to the differences between the two types of fishing gear let us first define what saltwater and freshwater fishing are. It is possible and you can use whatever rod and reel you like in any type of water, but I highly suggest against it. The same goes for those who purchased top-of-the-line freshwater reels. Top Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fishing Bait. The most used bait options for drift fishing in freshwater are worms, minnows, shiners, suckers, and frogs. Sometimes these lures are attached with ballyhoo to increase the chance of a bite. Saltwater fishers use this technique near a reefs edge or when the bottom structure of the area is accessible with live bait rigs. Many species are attracted to jigging lures because of the jerky vertical motion it makes and fishermen love it for its versatility. I hope that this article answered your question, can you use freshwater reels in saltwater? Now that you know the answer, invest in the correct equipment according to what you need! This can negatively affect your chances of success when you fish for specific species that require heavier lines and lures to catch. Pretty! As such, freshwater gear is exposed to the environment. The reason is, jigs can be used both in saltwater fishing and freshwater fishing. So your rod handles need to match the kind of casting you are doing. When using it in salt water, then they would corrode even quicker unless you applied some form of sealant. Freshwater rods and reels are not designed to withstand saltwaters corrosiveness because they lack that seal that almost all saltwater fishing gear have. Whats the difference between freshwater and saltwater fishing gear? (A Complete Guide), link to Does Fort Myers Have Good Fishing? Its better to get a saltwater reel than to risk damage to your expensive freshwater one! Most advanced anglers would pick graphite rods over any other because it has better fighting power and is stiff enough to detect even the slightest of bite. Your email address will not be published. Go with a 7-foot heavy action rod for this occasion. With freshwater jigging, focus on rods with plenty of backbone and slower action. Home Fishing How To Fish Can You Use Freshwater Reels In Saltwater: Why or Why Not? This is especially for anglers who have paid a ton of money on their freshwater spinning reel. What Pound Test For Surf Fishing Do You Need: A Comprehensive Guide, 6 Family Fishing Tips Will Help You Catch All The Fun, 7 reasons why you should buy a SUP this year, How to Build Your Own Hiking Survival Kit, Experience An Unforgettable Holiday In The Perfect Villa From The Le Collectionist. They are the leading database of certified and professional fishing guides at the guaranteed lowest prices. Freshwater fishing is a term used to describe a fishing practice done in a freshwater location or any body of water that has less than a 0.05% salinity level such as lakes, rivers, and ponds. The notable exception to this rule comes in the form ultra-heavy saltwater rod and reel combinations designed for marlin and tuna which are extremely short and powerful. Good freshwater reels may cost half of the quality saltwater spinning reels! It doesnt mean that it cannot be broken or destroyed, just that they last longer than any other metal when subjected to saltwater. If you are working deep crankbaits or swimbaits, you should instead opt for a slow action rod with enough force to rip along these larger, deeper baits with more force. However, youll find a smaller selection of lures and bait for saltwater fishing. With this in mind, it is still possible to use the reel in saltwater if its just a temporary thing. The most used bait options for drift fishing in freshwater are worms, link to Does St. Augustine Have Good Fishing? They range and vary depending on the type of water youll fish on. For the fishing line, I think braid is the way to go. The same steps are followed and the only difference lies in the live bait used for this technique. For larger fish like lake trout, striped bass, catfish, muskies, northern pike, and drum, go with baitcasting rods as they will provide great fish-fighting power and you can spool them with stronger fishing line relative to their size than a spinning reel. I am an avid angler and outdoorsman. Surf fishing rods usually need longer handles to cast further from the shore. It is said that saltwater fishing is one of the best ways to get the best fishing experience you can have as an angler. This is because it wont be as exposed to saltwater and used for a short while. Learn how your comment data is processed. For the most part, they are longer as well for longer casting. Discover the best time of day to catch bass, trout, catfish, panfish, walleye, carp, and many more depending on the season, moon phases, and weather. This site is owned and operated by Eric Matechak. The steady sound of the stream and quiet surroundings is a good place to relax. They have countless listings for such dream destinations as the Florida Keys, Corpus Christi, Great Lakes, San Diego, Central America, Montana, and many more. (A Complete Guide), Click here to visit Fishing Booker and book your trip of a lifetime at very affordable prices. You are better off buying a saltwater rod rather than buying a sealed off freshwater rod to use interchangeably between saltwater and freshwater fishing. Go with a very heavy spinning reel or medium-heavy baitcasting reel for maximum torque. Youll be able to catch predator fishes that lurk in deeper waters with this technique. There are a few key points of differences when comparing the two. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The continuous motion of casting and retrieving allows you to keep your lure moving in the water therefore, mimicking the movements of live bait. Many anglers want to know how Fort Myers compares to other major fishing destinations. You can use a jig any time of the year and spinnerbaits can help you when your other lures get hung up. Saltwater is a corrosive liquid that will basically destroy any metallic substance it comes in contact with. As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the gear used in saltwater fishing differs from the gear used in freshwater fishing. The reels are usually made of simple metals, which corrode slowly over time, but not as quickly if you used it only on freshwater. You can use them when fishing from land-based structures like a dock, fishing pier, or bridge. This can cover a lot of water in a short period of time. Just like with drift fishing, I recommend a 6-8-foot medium-action rod with a strong backbone. What happens if you do interchange them, though? This is because you want a rod that bends and straightens slowly. Freshwater rods and reels should only be used in freshwater if you want it to work properly for a long time. As with freshwater fishing, live and artificial. Instead, you should invest in both saltwater and freshwater reels to last long and get your moneys worth. The wide variety of large fish you can catch is a good selling point for this style. However, some have thought of interchanging the two kinds of reels to save money! Is Beef Liver For Catfish Bait A Great Idea or Not? But is it safe to do this? They do not have a special enclosure. A medium or medium-heavy action rod in the 7 to 7.5 range is great. However, there is a significant difference in the fittings that are present with the rod and the length of the rod. They only vary depending on the type of fish the angler is targeting to catch. There is plenty of stuff you need before you go saltwater fishing. This technique can take a while to master but once you do, youll be getting bites in no time. Now there may arise question, why does freshwater reel even exists when saltwater models will outperform it everywhere? For trolling in saltwater, youll want a strong, shorter rod spooled with at least 60-pound test mono or braid. Yes, you can but this would really not rinse off all of the saltwater that seeped into your gear. Another difference worth mentioning for the lures is that there is plenty of option and a wide variety to choose from when it comes to freshwater ones. There are a lot of things to look into when choosing your fishing equipment. For fishing lines, I would recommend anything greater than 50-pound test mono, fluorocarbon, or braid. FreshwaterFishingAdvice is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Saltwater rods do not differ much with freshwater rods. Saltwater is corrosive and therefore, gear for this type of fishing requires to have a special casing. For freshwater trolling, any of the above-mentioned rod and reel combinations would do well. Some anglers would use their freshwater reel in saltwater to save on time changing reels, or money having to buy a saltwater one. Also, less corrosive materials such as copper and stainless steel are used to fabricate saltwater fishing gear. It will help to rinse your reel with freshwater after fishing, but it definitely is not a long-term solution. BUT, because of its heavier-duty construction, it may not be the best for freshwater as youll have to handle heavier lines and lures. I recommend using a wire or at least braided leader for trolling. Generally, saltwater reels are made to catch bigger fish, that is the reason why they have bigger line capacity than freshwater ones. The shorter handles are designed for short casting and lighter baits. I am an avid angler and outdoorsman. St. Augustine is one of the most popular fishing locations in Florida. You can expect line snapping and breakage if you use this line for your saltwater fishing. I wrote on this topic. Saltwater rods are generally thicker and heavier compared to their freshwater counterpart. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); UrbanAdventure.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The rush you get after you bag your catch is amplified by the amount of effort you gave. This is a term used to describe a method of fishing where anglers fish the sea or ocean. The moment you put the saltwater and freshwater reel side by side, you will instantly see that saltwater reels are much bulkier and bigger than the freshwater one. If you are jigging for bass, a rod with good punching power is needed for flipping around cover. Washing can help but if you continue to use your freshwater fishing rod in saltwater then expect it to breakdown sooner than expected. The freshwater gear costs way less than the saltwater ones. These tough materials cost way more than the ones used for freshwater gear. You need a larger spinning reel to accomplish the same line capacity and strength as a baitcasting reel even of small dimensions. It is for this same reason why you can use your saltwater gear in freshwater but not the other way around. Furthermore, it will better alert you to more subtle bites. Drift fishing is another very popular freshwater technique often using live or dead bait. It is not only due to the corrosive environment of saltwater fishing but also because a saltwater rod is not designed to withstand the sheer fighting power of saltwater fish. In saltwater, herring, mullet, squid, and mackerel chunks are very popular. This saltwater corrosion is what fishing gear manufacturers take into major consideration when making gear for saltwater fishing (both for open water or surf fishing). I spent hours researching and compiling this information into one easy-to-digest guide. I know this is a bit random, but if you ever wanted to go on a guided or chartered fishing trip in freshwater or saltwater, you should check out Fishing Booker. Can You Use Freshwater Reels In Saltwater: Why or Why Not? Many anglers want to know how St. Augustine compares to other major fishing destinations. The Legalities to Take Note Of, Can One Person Use A Two Person Kayak? Also, gear depends on the type of technique you plan to use during fishing and the techniques vary depending on the body of water you are fishing. If the fish you are targeting, like pike and walleye, have teeth, always go with wire. The breaks, drag system, bearings, and gearbox are sealed off so that salt water cant get to them therefore, increasing the longevity of the components. Another major difference is that saltwater rods have a special casing for the vital components to serve as protection against saltwater corrosion. If it is possible financially we recommend buying only one reel and that would be saltwater one. The short answer is NO, you should NOT use your freshwater reel in saltwater! Motorboat or Sailing Yacht, What to choose for your Vacation? Anglers invest in rods, reels, line, and other equipment. Saltwater corrosion would eat away at this reel in short-time as well. Best Bass Lures For Summer : Tips and Recommendations, Best Inshore Spinnings Reels Around $200 - The Buying Guide, Most Expensive Fishing Reel -Shimano Stella FI, Voted as Best Spinning Reel for Bass - Shimano Stradic CI4+, Top Ultralight Spin Reel - Abu Garcia Revo Premier, Okuma Avenger Baitfeeder - Good Spinning Reel Under $100, Penn Spinfisher V - Unbeatable among Saltwater Spinning Reels. Often times he or she can use the same rod/reel combo for all of these situations simply by changing the bait and presentation. This makes them more prone to corrode when used in saltwater fishing. Before we proceed to the differences between the two types of fishing gear let us first define what saltwater and freshwater fishing are. Braid will not stretch like mono will. Do not expose it to saltwater and wash your reels down immediately after use, especially when using it in saltwater regularly. Its Not As Simple As You Think. This article will dive into these differences in detail and explain the reasoning behind the design. Match the size of your lure to your tackle and also to the type of fish you are fishing for. Speaking of saltwater fish species, they are larger compared to those you find in freshwater, thus being stronger. The materials used are the same, they can either be made from fiberglass, graphite or a combination of the two. Read on to see the differences between freshwater and saltwater reels to see if you can interchange them. If you are fishing smaller fish like trout, walleye, and smallmouth bass, I recommend going with a spinning rod and reel combo. Does St. Augustine Have Good Fishing? Fort Myers is one of the most popular fishing locations in Florida. They are the leading database of certified and professional fishing guides at the guaranteed lowest prices. Anglers employ this kind of technique to reach the pelagic fishes in the ocean. While they are strong reels, they would only last in freshwater because of its construction. It uses artificial lures, either stringers or solo, to entice the fish. These two categories of fishing are not as different as people make them out to be. Just as is the case with jigging, trolling will best be suited for braided line. For bass, jig soft plastic worms, salamanders, and flukes, as well as bass jigs, tipped with a pork. Does Rain Affect Saltwater Fishing: Is It Worth It? In this technique, you can use whatever bait you prefer but most use artificial ones. Although the materials used for the rods are the same the reel and other components of the rod are constructed differently. Despite of that, they are not really good choice for long term use, because sooner or later, when interest in saltwater fishing may rise, you still need corrosion resistant reel. It may seem tempting to interchange saltwater and freshwater reels and use it in any body of water. I know this is a bit random, but if you ever wanted to go on a guided or chartered fishing trip in freshwater or saltwater, you should check out Fishing Booker. Adventure seeking anglers are drawn to this type of fishing because this is where some of the greatest fighting fish are. This type of fishing can be more laid back than saltwater fishing. Saltwater reels have stronger drag strength while freshwater ones do not, and the latter wont be able to handle the force of saltwater fish. Can I just rinse my freshwater gear with tap water to wash off the saltwater? This waas a really wonderful post. Yes, you can use it in freshwater because they have stronger construction to withstand corrosion saltwater causes. Anglers invest in rods, reels, line, and other equipment. The rule to follow is to make sure that you match your lure and bait to the type of fish you are hoping to catch. It is very possible for your reel to break during an intense battle like this. Be sure to read each category carefully as there is some overlap between freshwater and saltwater in each method. The number one reason why saltwater fishing gear is expensive is that the parts are sealed off. Whats the difference between freshwater and saltwater fishing gear? They have countless listings for such dream destinations as the Florida Keys, Corpus Christi, Great Lakes, San Diego, Central America, Montana, and many more. Salt is very brutal to the metal, that is the reason why saltwater fishing reels are made from stainless steel and other non-corroding components. If you know that the specific fish you are aiming for to reel in have sharp teeth, then consider putting a leader line on. As a general rule, saltwater gear is more of a monetary investment than freshwater gear. Furthermore, saltwater reels may also have extra special sealants that hold water off metals, extending their lifespan. As a result, freshwater reels wouldnt be able to withstand saltwater fishing situations. All saltwater fishing rod components are sealed in casings to keep out saltwater. The mere fact that you already exposed your rod and gear to the saltwater means that your rod and reels will experience some form of corrosion. 2022 Copyright Freshwater Fishing Advice. Its why a lot of people have wondered, can you use freshwater reels in saltwater?. For most freshwater fishing, a medium-heavy casting or spinning rod with 10 to 25-pound braid or mono would work well. Freshwater reels dont have this kind of protection since freshwater isnt as corrosive compared to saltwater. These are the reasons why they shouldnt be interchanged: Saltwater reels are usually made with corrosion-resistant material like stainless steel, also having solid body frames. Thats not what you want or need when fishing in freshwater. This is not a standard practice which means that sealing off the components is not really necessary especially if you will only be using it for freshwater fishing. It can be done while on a boat in open water, on a pier, or from shore (surf fishing). Both freshwater and saltwater rods are used for jigging, trolling, and casting. Saltwater fishermen will likely swap out gear more often. You will need something with a lot of power to accomplish this. For offshore fishing, a heavy-duty, high capacity, specialized baitcasting or spinning reel is ideal. Well talk about these key points in further detail in this article. The color of your lure must also reflect the weather and water condition for it to be effective. Saltwater is corrosive and therefore, gear for this type of fishing requires to have a special casing. If you want to learn how to select the perfect rod and reel, you should read my article I wrote on this topic. I was cruising the aisles of my local bait shop last week and I got to thinking about the differences between freshwater and saltwater fishing gear. A delivery method like large floats or kites is also utilized to keep the live bait near the surface and inside a chum slick.