Realize that you will have to test out what works best for you. The intelligent angler will judge the quality of their tackle off of what is found at the end of the line when they reel it all the way in. Let's take a look at some great suggestions to get you started on your journey to finding the best tackle for you.
Off-Shore Saltwater Fishing Tackle
The ideal tackle for off-shore fishing depends on the way you plan to fish. If you are planning on trolling, you won't need to worry about finding a rod set up that fits your casting needs. Your ideal setup is to get a shorter rod that has a large reel.
You'll drop the bait in the water and leave the spool open. This works best for big fish like marlin, tuna, and wahoo. If you want to drop your jig in a reef to catch amberjack, grouper, and sharks, this is the best tackle for you.
If you want to take a more pro-active off-shore fishing approach than you need to pair this larger reel with a longer rod. This will allow you to make longer casts. This can be ideal for following schools of fish, such as striped bass, tarpon, and redfish. As an added tip, you should be looking for flocks of birds as they are likely to feed on the fish below them.
On-Shore Saltwater Fishing Tackle
Your on-shore fishing tackle requirement is going to depend highly on your physical placement with respect to the ocean. If you plan to shore fish off of a pier or jetty, then you are better off with a larger 'whipper' rod. This is perfect when your aim is for sheepshead or black drum.
If you plan on shore fishing from the beach, you are going to need a different setup. When beach fishing you will need to cast out much longer than if you were fishing from a boat or a pier. This will require a very long rod of about 12 feet that has a very long butt. This tackle will give you leverage to load and launch your cast effectively.
Choosing the right tackle is all about understand what type of fishing you will be doing and what kinds of fish you are aiming to catch. If you are unsure of what type of fish to expect out of a new fishing place, be sure to check in with the local bait and tackle shop to ask.
You should always be sure to check the local fishing requirements to ensure you have the right type of license. The friendly staff at the local bait shop should be able to inform you of the right type of license you will be required to have.