Compared to freshwater fishing, sea fishing is increasingly favored by fishing enthusiasts due to its complex environment and abundant catches. However, the sea fishing environment is completely different from freshwater wild fishing and commercial fishing ponds, and past experience is often useless. Without a certain understanding of the ocean, even experienced anglers may have far less successful catches than beginners. This article will explore some commonly used sea fishing techniques.
I. Observing Tides
Tides are a crucial factor affecting catches and are the biggest difference between sea fishing and freshwater fishing. Because freshwater fishing is unaffected by tides, many experienced anglers easily overlook the role of tides when sea fishing. However, in the ocean, the influence of tides is enormous, and the activity patterns of most near-shore fish are closely related to tidal changes. Therefore, we must fully understand the classification and timing of tides.
Spring Tides:
Spring tides occur from the 1st to the 3rd and the 16th to the 18th of each lunar month. Fish are most active during these times, and large fish are often seen, making it suitable for shore fishing and rock fishing.
Nap Tides:
Neap tides occur from the 7th to the 9th and the 22nd to the 24th of each lunar month. Boat fishing is recommended during these times, venturing to more distant waters. Golden Hours: There are several golden fishing periods during the ebb and flow of the tides, which need to be determined through simple calculations. Divide the ebb and flow of the tide into ten equal parts (each part is about 30 minutes). Experienced anglers often refer to the “two-eight tide,” which is the second part of the ebb tide (about 1 hour and 15 minutes) and the eighth part of the ebb tide (about 4 hours and 45 minutes). This is the best time for rock fishing or boat fishing.
1. Current Status:
Observing the horizontal flow of the tide is crucial, mainly involving six opposing states: fast/slow, slack/resting, and bright/dark. Current status determines fish activity patterns, and slack currents are typically the prime fishing season. Consult local fishermen before boat fishing to assess slack current characteristics.
2. Finding Fish Paths:
Fish paths are the routes fish take. Finding fish paths is similar to selecting a fishing spot in freshwater fishing, avoiding areas devoid of fish. Due to the depth of the water, directly observing fish movements is difficult. Here are two practical methods:
1. Seabird Guiding Method:
Following seabirds is the simplest method. Seabirds gather above schools of fish to feed. If you see seabirds circling and swooping down in a certain area, there is likely a school of fish gathering in the water below.
2. Habitual Location Method:
Choose fishing spots based on the habits of the target fish. For example, yellowtail prefer to inhabit rocky areas, so you can directly look for rocky areas. While not as quick as the seabird guiding method, this method is equally effective.
3. Identifying Wind Direction:
Another important skill in sea fishing is observing wind direction and choosing a time with suitable wind strength to go out to sea. Calm weather is not ideal for fishing—”no wind, no waves; no waves, no tides; no tides, no fish.” Wind moves the water, increases dissolved oxygen in the seawater, and enhances fish activity, thus increasing the catch rate.
Post time: Dec-04-2025