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SALTWATER FISHING FIELD GUIDE
Youth Anglers Learning Saltwater Fishing in Massachusetts WIDE RULED • 40 pages
Take Me Saltwater FishingMassachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries
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IN THIS GUIDE:1. Tackling Tackle..............
• FishingRods..............• LuresandBait...........• Hooks,Line,and
Sinkers..........................• Accessoriesand
Gear................................2. Angler Skills...................
• RiggingyourTackle............................• Casting..........................• ReadingtheWater..• FishingTechniques..................
3. Making the Catch........• ResponsibleAngling........................• FishID..........................
4. Finishing the Day........5. My Fishing Logbook..6. Glossary............................
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Welcome,Anglers!HereinMassachusetts,saltwaterfishingisrootedintradition.Around30%ofourresidentsareanglers,andpeoplefromallovertheworldvisittheserichcoastalwaterstofishforstripedbass,tautog,flounder,andcountlessotherrecreationalfishspecies!
Fishingisagreatwaytoconnectwithandenjoythegreatoutdoorswhilerelaxingwithfriendsandfamily.Butfirst,youneedtopickyourtackle,practicecasting,andmakesureyouunderstandwatersafetyandfishingrulesandregulations.
Thisguidewillnotonlygiveyoutipsonhowtogetstartedinsaltwaterfishing,butwillhelpyoulearntokeepMassachusettscoastalwatershealthyandfullforgenerationsofanglerstocome!
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide
So get out there, and get saltwater fishing!ThisguideincludescompanionvideosonourYouTubechannel.Whenyouseethisvideoicon,opentheMassMarineFisheriesYouTubeandscrolltothevideotitle.
www.youtube.com/massmarinefisheries
http://mass.gov/service-details/take-me-saltwater-fishing
I am a saltwater angler!
2
How to use this guideLearningtofishtakespatienceandpractice!Everytimeyouheadtothewateryouwillbeperfectingpackingyourgear,riggingyourtackle,andreelinginallkindsofsaltwaterfish.Thisguidewillgiveyoutipsandtricksforlearningtheseskills.Attheendofthisguideisafishinglogbookyoucanusetorecordandrevisityourmostepicfishingdays!
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide
Itdoesn’tmatteryourage,gender,background,orability–everyonecanlearnandenjoythesportofsaltwaterfishing!
Saltwater Fishing For All!
Tackling Tackle
3
With1,500milesofcoastline,Massachusettsofferscountlessopportunitytoexploresaltwaterfishing,yetmanypeopleneverlearnhowtofish!Learninghowtofishcanfeelalittleoverwhelmingwhenyouhavesomanytackle,bait,andgearchoicestopickfrom.Butthegoodnewsissaltwaterfishingdoesn’thavetobedifficultorexpensive!
Pickingupthesportofsaltwaterfishinghasneverbeeneasier.Thereareplentyofpublicpiersandbeaches,freefishinggearloans,andfishingclinicsforalllevels.Plus,partoftheadventureoflearningtosaltwaterfishislearningwhatsetupworksbestforYOU!
WhatdoYOUneedforasaltwaterfishingadventure?Asyoureadthroughthisguide,fillinthe“anglerchecklist”onthenextpagewithallofthethingsyou’llwanttobringalongforafunandsafefishingtrip!
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide
Tackleisalloftheequipmentusedbyanglerswhenfishing.Thisincludesfishingrods,hooks,reels,lures,weights,bait,nets,andfishingline.Gearthatisattachedtotheendofthefishingline,likehooksandsinkers,iscalledterminaltackle.
Saltwater Fishing For All!
What is "tackle"?
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide4
Some questions to ask before a saltwater fishing trip:1. WhatkindoffishamIhopingtocatch?2. AmIgoingtousenaturalbaitorlures?3. WhatkindofweathershouldIpreparefor?4. AmIgoingtocatchandreleasemyfish,ortakehomea“keeper”toeat?5. IfI’m16+yearsold,doIhaveacopymyfishingpermitwithme?
Angler Checklist:
Rodsandreelsaretwoseparatepiecesofgear,buttheyarealmostalwaysboughtasapair.Rodscomeinmanydifferentlengths,materials,andstrengthstomeetallkindsofskillsandinterests.
Reelsareusedtocastoutandretrievethefishingline.Thelinethreadsthroughtheguides,whichhelpcontrolthelinealongtherod.Therodbuttoffersacomfortableplacetoholdtherodduringcastingandreeling.
Rodpoweristheamountofpressureananglerhastousetocausetherodtobend.Somebrandswillalsocallthis“rodaction".Lightaction(slow)rodsbendeasily,andareagoodchoiceforcastinglighttackleforsmallerfishspecies.Mediumactionrodsareversatileandoftenusedwithbottombait.Heavyaction(fast)rodsaresuitedforheavybait,targetinglargefish.
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Fishing Rods
Themostcommontypeofrodandreelcomboisaspinningoutfit.Spinningreelsareoneofthebestforbeginnerstolearnonbecausetheycaneasilycastandreelinthelinewithfewertangles.Spinningoutfitsaregoodforcastinglongdistancewithlighterbait.Thisguidefocusesonlearninghowtouseaspinningcombo.Holding a spinning outfit: Thespinningreelrestsbelowtherod.Theguidesthatholdthelinepointdowntotheground.
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide
spinning reel
rod
guidesrod butt
Spinning Rod Outfit
6
Baitcastingoutfitsaresturdyandcanbeusedtocastlongdistanceswithlargerbait.Baitcastingcantaketimetolearn,butallowsanglerstocastwithmoreaccuracy.Baitcastersaremorelikelytohavethelinetangleupintoa“birdsnest”or“backlash”whencasting,sobesuretokeepgoodcontrolofthespoolwithyourthumb!
Proper Handling: Onabaitcastingoutfit,thereelrestsontopoftherodwiththeguidespointinguptowardsthesky.
Proper Handling: Flyrodsthatarecastwithonehandarecalledsinglehandedrods.Rodsthatcastwitheitheroneorbothhandsarecalledswitchorspeyrods.
Onaflyfishingoutfit,thelineisusedtosendtheflyintothewater.Unlikeotherfishingline,flyfishinglineismadewithathickPVCcoatingthataddsweighttohelpdrivetheflyfor-ward.Beforecasting,thelineispulledouttothelengthneededandbundledonthegroundorabasketnexttotheangler.Onceafishishooked,thelineisreeledbackin.
Fly Rod
Baitcasting Rod
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide
7
Lures and Bait
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide
Bucktail Jig
Swimming Minnow
Pencil PopperSpoon
Softbait
Choosingasetupforattractingafishtobitedependsonthetypeoffishyouwanttocatch.Youcanchoosenaturalbaitoranartificiallure—bothoffersomethinginterestingforthefishtoattack!
Luresaremadetolookandmovelikethefood(baitfish)commonlyeatenbyfish.Therearealotoflurechoices,soenjoyyourtimelearningwhatworksbestforyourskilllevelandfishinginterest!
Thewayaluremovesthroughthewaterisknownas“action”.Theshapeandpartsofthelurecancauseittosplash,swim,andevenvibrateasyoureelitthroughthewater.
Bucktaillurescanbeusedforallkindsoffish.Heavybucktailsaregoodfordeeperwaterwithacurrent.Smaller,lighterbucktailsmimictinybaitfishandworkwellincalm,shelteredwaters.
"Poppers"splashacrossthesurfaceofthewater,makingsoundsthatattractlargepredatorfish.Theytendtoworkbestatdawnandduskwhenfisharemorelikelytofeedonthesurface.
Jigsareluresmadetobouncealongthebotttomasyoureelintheline.
Swimmingluresminicthepatternofswimmingfishasyoureelthroughthewater.
Softbaitlurescomeinalldifferentcolors,sizesshapes,andevenscents!Brightcolorsworkbestonsunnydayswhiledarkercolorsworkbetterwithovercastordarkskies.
Shiney,metalspoonlureswobbleandflashlikeaswimmingfish.
Common Saltwater Lures
Jig
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Therearealotofreasonstousebaitwhenfishing.Baitallowstheanglertotargetspecifickindsoffishbychoosingoneoftheirfavoritefooditems,islowcost,andattractsfishwithitssmell!Manyfishhuntusingsmell.
Keepinmind:• Baitoftenneedstobekeptcoldorinalivewelltostayfresh• Planaheadtomakesureyouhavetherightbaitforthetypeoffishyou
wanttocatch• Baitattractsfishofallsizes,sobereadytoreleaseanyfishtoosmallthat
youmighthook• Alwayscheckstateregulationsbeforeyoufishtoensureyourbaitchoices
arelegal• Ifyouareusingchunkbait,itcanbehelpfultopre-cutthebait(clam,chunksoffish,squid)forquickandeasyaccess.
Common Saltwater Bait
Eel
Sea Worm
MackerelSquid
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide
Fliesareluresmadeforflyfishing.Likeotherlures,fliescomeincountlesssizesandpatterns.Whenyouarechoosingafly,talkwithatackleshoporskilledanglerwhocanrecommendafewoptionstohelpgetyoustarted.
Gartside Gurgler Lefty’s DeceiverSurf Candy Clouser Minnow
Common saltwater flies
clam on a hook
chunk fish piece on a hook
J Hook Circle Hook
Shank
Offset hook In-line hook
9MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide
Hooks, Line, and SinkersLearninghowtosetupyourrodwithfishinglineandtackleisavaluableanglerskill.
In-linecirclehooksaredesignedsothatthepointisturnedstraightbacktowardstheshank.Thisuniqueshapecausesthehooktocatchonthelipormouthinsteadofthegutorgills.In-linecirclehooksareusedwithbait.
Offsethooksaremorelikelytogut-hookyourfish.Gut-hookingiswhenthehookisswallowedandgetsstuckinthebellyorthroatofthefish.Truecirclehooksare“in-line”,whichmeanstheywilllayperfectlyflatonatable.
In-linecirclehooks,alongwithbarb-lesshooks,reducethechanceofkillingafish.RecreationalanglersinMassachusettscatchandreleasemillionsoffisheachyear,andsometimesfishdiefromtheirhookwounds.In-linecirclehookscanhelplowerthenumberofthesekindsofdeathsbyupto50%!
Usingcirclehooks:• BECAREFUL-goslowtopreventaccidentalcuts!• Whenusinglivebait,turnthehookthroughsoftflesh,
avoidingbonyportions.Forcutbait,rotatethepiececompletelyontothehooksoitdoesn’tfalloff.
• Keepthehookpointclear—ahookhiddenbybaitislesslikelytocatchthecornerofthemouth.
• Whenthefishtakesthebait,bepatientanddonotsetthehook.Reelthelinetightandthehookwillsetitself!
Fliesareluresmadeforflyfishing.Likeotherlures,fliescomeincountlesssizesandpatterns.Whenyouarechoosingafly,talkwithatackleshoporskilledanglerwhocanrecommendafewoptionstohelpgetyoustarted.
Lefty’s Deceiver
Hooks
Itisimportanttochoosetheappropriatehooksizeforthetypeoffishyouaretargeting.Ifahookistoobig,asmallerfishwon’tbeabletogetitinitsmouth.Ifahookistoosmall,alargerfishmightswallowitentirely.Hooksizesrunfrom1/0(calledaoneaught)to19/0.Thelargerthenumber,thelargerthehook.
!
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Thehigherthe“poundtest”ontheline,thestrongeritis.Soa20-poundtestlineshouldbreakwhenafishpullsbackwith20poundsofforceormore.Linesaregenerallyunder-rated,takingintoaccounttheknotsthatweakenyourline.Lighterlinewillcastfartherandsinkfaster,whileheavierlineisstrongerandstiffer.
Sinkersareaddedweightsthatpullyourbaitandhooksdowntodifferentdepthsofthewater.Theymakeitpossibletotargetfishswimminginthemiddleorbot-tomofthewatercolumn.
Pyramid sinkers aregoodforsurfandsandybottoms.Theirflatsidespreventthemfromrolling,andthepointhelpsburythesinkerinthebottom.
Swivels keepyourlinefromtwistingwhenreelinginafish.
Bank sinkersarebellshapedtopreventitfromgettingcaughtinrocks.
Egg sinkers haveaholethroughthemiddleforlinetobethreadedthrough.
Fishinglinewindsaroundthereelandupthroughtheguidesontherod.Linecomesinavarietyofstrengths,colors,andsizes.Themostcommontypesoflinearemonofilamentandbraid.Thetypeoflineyouchoosedependsonyourrodsetup,thefishyouplantocatch,andthebaityou’reusing.
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide
Sinkers and swivels
Braided line
Mono line
Fishing line
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide 11
Accessories and GearOneofthemoreexcitingthingsaboutsaltwaterfishingisthateachtimeyougoyou’llhaveadifferentexperience.Withproperplanningandtherighttoolsyouwon'tbecaughtunprepared.Herearesomeitemseveryanglershouldhaveonhandtoensureafun(andsafe)day!
Ahatandsunglassestoprotectyoureyes
Sunblock
Closedtoeshoes,securesandals,orbootstoprotectyourfeet
Achangeofclothing,aswellaslayers(longsleeves,rainjacket,pants)to
keepyoucomfortablealldaylong.
Grippypalmglovesforcastingonchillydays
Severalbottlesofwateroryourfavoritedrink
Snacksthatdonotneedtostaycool,likegranolabars,fruit,crackers,or
peanutbuttersandwiches
Afirstaidkit,stockedwithbandages,cleaningpads,gloves,andgauze
Prepare for fun in the sun...and wind, rain, and cold!
12 MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide
Acoolerandicewillkeepanyfishyouintendonkeepingtoeatfresh.Bringaseparatecoolerforfoodanddrink.
Adehookerishelpfulforquicklyandsafelyremovingahookfromafishesmouth.Instructionsforhowtouseonecanbefoundonpage24ofthisbook.
Packafewcleantowelsfordryinghands.Useawettoweltosafelyholdafishwhenremovinghooks,helpingtokeepitsskinandgillssafe.
Plierscanbeusedtotightenknots,removehooks,pinchdownhookbarbs,andmore.Pliersmadeofaluminumandstainlesssteelwontrust.
Astrong,sharpknifetocutbaitandfilletanyfishyoukeepforfood.Alwayshaveadultsupervisionwhenusingaknife.
Saltwaternets(withlarge,deephoops)areasafewaytobringafishcloserforhookremovalandrelease.
!
Saltwater Fishing GearInadditiontopayingattentiontoyourclothingandbasicneeds,therearemanysaltwaterfishingspecificitemsthatwillcomeinhandyduringyourtrip.
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide 13
Angler Skills
Common saltwater knotsImproved Clinch Knot:oneofthemostuniversalfishingknots,andagoodwaytosecureahook,lure,orswiveltotheline.
1. Threadtheendofthelinethroughtheeyeofthehook,swivel,orlure.Doublebackandmakefiveormoreturnsaroundthestandingline.
2. Bringtheendofthelinethroughthefirstloopformedbehindtheeye,thenthroughthebigloop.
3. Wettheknotandgentlypullonthetagendtostartdrawingthecoilstogether.Pullonthestandinglinetoformknotwithcoils.
4. Slidethecoiltightagainsttheeyeandcutthetagend.
standing line
tag end
hook eye
Togetthemostoutofyourfishingday,therearecertainskillsthatallanglersneedtoknow.Learninghowtotieknots,setupyourtackle,andcastyourlineareeasytopickupandwillimproveeachtimeyou’reoutfishing!
Beforeyoucatchafish,yourhookorlureneedstobeattachedtoyourlinewithaknot.Eveyanglerhasafavoriteknotandsetupthattheyhaveperfectedfortheirfishingstyle.Youcanstartbypracticingknottyingwithropeandashowercurtainring.Onceyoufeelcomfortablewithpracticematerials,moveontousingfishinglineandgear.
Tying saltwater fishing knots
14 MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide
Blood knot:usethisknottojoinsectionsofleaderorlinetogether.Itworksbestwithlineofequalorsimilardiameter.
Dropper loop: oneofthestrongestandmostreliableknots,itissosimplethatitcanbetiedinthedark!Itisrecommendedforusewithbraidedlines.
1. Overlaptheendsoflineyouwanttojointogether.Twistonearoundtheother,makingfiveturns(whitelineindiagram)
2. Bringtagendbackbetweenthetwolines.Repeatwiththeotherend(bluelineindiagram),wrappinginoppositedirectionthesamenumberofturns.
3. Slowlypullthelinesorleadersinoppositedirections.Theturnsoflinewillwrapandgather.
4. Pulltightandclipthetagends.
1. Createalargeloopinthemiddleofaline.
2. Holdingthetwosidesoftheline(theloophangingbelowyourhands)wrapthetwopartsofthelineovereachother5-6times.
3. Openaholeinthecenterofthetwoendsofthetwistedlineandpushtheloopupthroughthehole.
4. Wettheknot.Holdingtheloopwithyourteeth,pullonthetwoendsofthelinetotighten.
5. Addhooksortackletotheloop.
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide 15
Rigging Your TackleThecombinationoftackleusedattheendofyourfishinglineiscalledterminaltackle.Thesetupyouusewillmatchupwiththetypeoffishyouintendtocatchandtheenvironmentyouwillbefishing.1. Overlaptheendsoflineyou
wanttojointogether.Twistonearoundtheother,makingfiveturns(whitelineindiagram)
2. Bringtagendbackbetweenthetwolines.Repeatwiththeotherend(bluelineindiagram),wrappinginoppositedirectionthesamenumberofturns.
3. Slowlypullthelinesorleadersinoppositedirections.Theturnsoflinewillwrapandgather.
4. Pulltightandclipthetagends.
Fish finder rig:agoodsetupforfishingfromshore,thefishfindercanholdlargepiecesofbaitandallowsthefishtosecurelyeatofftherigbeforesettingthehook.Theweightontheslideswivelholdsthelinedownbutallowsthebaittobedroppedback.Thissetupattractsstripedbass,fluke,andmanyothers.
main line
leader line
weighted line
main linebarrel swivel
three-way swivel
leader line
slide swivel
Three-way rig:oneofthemostversatileofallfishingset-ups.Itgetsitsnamefromtheuseofathree-wayswivel,andisgoodfortargetingfishnearthebottom.Whentheweightisdropped,thelureorbaitwillhoverjustoverthebottom.
Use the improved clinch knot for all ties:1. Tieathree-wayswiveltothemainfishinglinefromyourreel,
andtrimtheextralinewithnailclippersorscissors.2. Addadroplinebetween6-24inchestothesecondswivel
andattachyourweighttotheend.3. Addaleaderlinebetween12-36inchestothethirdswivel,
andattachacirclehooksizedforyourtargetspeciesoffish.
Use the improved clinch knot for all ties:1. Threadaslideswivelontothemainfishinglinefromyourreel,thentietheend
ontoabarrelswivelandtrimthelinewithnailclippersorscissors.2. Attachapyramidsinkertotheslideswivel.3. Attachaleaderlineof12-18inchestotheothersideofthebarrelswiveland
attachanin-linecirclehooksizedforyourtargetspeciesoffish.
16 MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide
main line
dropper loop #1
dropper loop #2
10 - 12 inches
10 - 12 inches
Learning to tie a dropper loop takes time and practice. Once you're comfortable with making the loop you can move onto making high-low rigs.1. Startbypullingtwoandahalffeetof
mainlineofftheendofthereel.2. Makedropperloop#1,leavingabout24
inchesoflinebelowit.3. Adddropperloop#2,leaving10-12
inchesbetweenitanddropperloop#1.4. Addasurgeonlooptotheterminalend.
Attachinganin-linecirclehook:1. Pushthedropperloopthroughtheeyeofthehook.2. Carefullypullthelooparoundthehookandpull
gentlyuntilittightensaroundtheeye.
Attachingthesinkerwithsurgeonloop:1. Leave10-12inchesoflinebelowdropper
loop#2.2. Doubleoverthelineandtiealoose
overhandknot.Looponeadditionalturnthroughthemiddle.
3. Pulltheloopdowntotighten.Attachaweightthesamewayashooks(above).
Rigging your tackle
High-low (two-hook) bottom rig:Whileyoucanbuyhigh-lowrigspre-madeattackleshops,youcaneasilymakeyourownusingdropperloopsorswivelsonyourmainline.Thissetupallowstheanglertoputtwohooksoutwhilereducingthechancesoftanglingbetweenthelines.
surgeon loop
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide 17
CastingLearninghowtocastaspinningrodisatechniquethattakespractice.Whetherinyourbackyard,localpark,orsandybeach,practicingwithrubberweightsisafunwaytomakecastingsecondnature.
1. Holdtherodatwaistlevel,withthespinningreelrestingbelowtherod.Letthelineoutenoughtoletthebaitorlurehang10–18inchesofftheendoftherod.
2. Findaspotonthewaterthatyouwantthebaittohit.Asyoucast,aimthetipofyourrodtothisspot.Youcanalsosetuphulahoopsonabeachorlawnforafungameoftargetpracticewitharubberplug(weight)!
3. Holdingthelinewithyourpointerfingersecurelyagainsttherod,openthebail.
4. Lookbehindyoutomakesuretherearenopeopleorobstaclesinyourway.
5. Bringtherodupandbackoveryourdominantshoulder.Swingtherodforwardwithcontrolandreleasethelineinyourpointerfingerasyoupassoveryourshoulder.Theweightofthelurewillpullthelineforward.
6. Closethebailwithyourhandonceyouarereadytobeginreeling.
Casting a spinning rod
Casting a Spinning Rod
18 MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide
1. Hookthelinewithyourpointerfingerandopenthebail.2. Bringtherodupandoveryourdominantshoulder,continuetoholdtheline
withyourindexfinger.3. Asyouswingtherodforward,releasethelinewithyourfingerjustasthe
rodreacheseyelevel(orwhentherodtipispointedatyourtarget).Allowthelinetopulloffofthereeluntilthelurehitsyourtarget.
4. Closethebailwithyourotherhandandyouarenowreadytoreel(retrieve)theline.
1
2
3
4
Bail open
Bail closed
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide 19
Reading the WaterLikehumans,fishhavefavoriteplaceswheretheyregularlyspendtheirtime.Findinglocationstorest,eat,andreproduceareallapartofafish’slifebiology.Learningaboutthehabitsandneedsofdifferentkindsoffish,andbeingobservantofwaterconditions,arebothhelpfultoolsindecidingwheretotargetpotentialbites.
Equallyasimportantasreadingthewater,isreadingatidechart.Tidescausemovementtothewater,whicheffectsfishbehaviorandlocation.Lowtidesaregoodtimestoseeunderwaterstructures,whilehightidecanbeaperfecttimetotargetgamefishhuntingthedeeper,busierwaters.Checkinwithlocaltackleshopsfortipsandtricksintothebesttimesforfishingineachuniquetidalarea.
Whenfishingalongacanalorinlet,lookingfordifferencesinwatermovementcanhelpyouidentifyareaswherefishareresting,moving,oractivelyhunting.• Small surface ripplesformalongtheedgesoratbends,wherefasterwater
meetsslowercurrents.Fishcanbefoundrestingupstreamalongthesecalmpockets.
• Waterwithcalmsurfacescanbeanindicatorofdeeper,swift currents.Theseareasarethe“highways”ofthewaterway,andlargerfishwilloftenswimthissectionduringmigrationsorwhilehunting.
• Swirlingwaterisformedasfastercurrentsflowintoinletsandbehindlargebouldersandrockstructures.Therewhirlpoolsoffershelterfromthefastermovingcurrents.
• Anglerswhoaredownstreamshouldbeallowedtocastfirsttoreducethechancesoftangledlines.
deep, swift current
swirling
downstreamupstream
small surface ripples
Canal and shore fishing
20 MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide
Watchingthewavestoseewheretheybreakisagoodwaytolocatestructuresinthesurf.Ifthereisalargesandbar,thesurfwillbreakdirectlyaboveit,causing“suds”inthedeepertroughjustpastthebar.Ifmultiplesandbarsareinplace,smallerwaveswillreformandbreakagainastheygetclosertotheshore.• Asandbarisformedduringlowtide,whenthesandbuildsupanewshore-
linefartherfromthebeach.Youwillrarelytargetfishonasandbar.Instead,youwillusethesandbarasareferencepointtolocatethetroughsthatformbetweenthesandbarandshore.
• Atroughisadeeperchannelthatformsbelowasandbar.Troughsareagoodlocationtotargetfishbecausetheycorralandmovebait-fish.Thelargerpredatorfishcruisethroughtroughsandambushpreynearentrywaysandexits.
• Apointisashallowareaofthebeachthatjutsout.Pointscancausetheformationofdeeperpoolsoneitherside,wherebaitfishpileupafterbeingforcedthroughtroughsandcurrents.
• Ripcurrentsareformedbetweensandbars.Thebiggertheswell(waves),thestrongerthecurrent.Aswavesbreak,thewaterisforcedbacktodeeperareasandquicklyrushesbacktowardstheopenoceanin-betweensandbars.
Fortunatelyforanglers,theseoutwardflowingcurrentssweepbaitfishupthroughthecutinthesandbar.Targetthepoolsofwaterjustoneithersideoftheoutgoingcurrent.Bluefish,stripedbass,andfalsealbacorearejustafewofthelargerfishthatusethesepocketstohunt.
trough
suds
sandbar
rip current
point
Beach and surf fishing
Fishing from the shoreline
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide 21
Fishing TechniquesDependingonthespeciesoffishyou’retargeting,youmightbefishingthesurfaceofthewater,usingcurrentstomovebait,orsearchingforabiteattheverybottom.Saltwaterfishingcanbeenjoyedfromtheshore,pier,orboat...andmanypeoplefishallyearlong!
Beforeyourfishingtrip,you'llwanttolookatthelocaltidecharttofigureoutthetimingfortheincomingandoutgoingtidesforyourpierlocation.• Generally,thebesttimetofishfromapierorshorelineisduringamoving
tide,eitherincomingoutoutgoing.• Incomingtidesarewhenthewateris"rising",orflowingtowardstheshore.
Outgoingtidesarewhenthewateris"falling",ormovingbackouttosea.
Wheneverpossible,checktheseasonalfishingreportstolearnwhatkindsoffishareinthearea.Thiswillhelpyouplanyourtacklechoiceforthefishmostlikelytobefoundaroundthepier.
Remember,safetyfirst!Thereareusuallyseveralanglerscastingandreelinginfishclosetogetheronapier.Makesuretoalwayslookaroundyoubeforedroppingyourline,anddonotcastoverheadorswingyourrodnearanyoneelse.
ForalistofsaltwaterfishingpiersinMassachusettsvisit:www.mass.gov/saltwater-fishing-public-access
Piers are a great place to learn how to saltwater fish. Piers are easily accessible and often have parking lots, rest areas, and lighting to help make your day safe and comfortable.
Fishing from a pier
Fishing from a pier
!
22 MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide
Topwater Plugging Topwaterplugsareusedonthesurfaceofthewater.Theyareafavoritechoiceforanglerswhoenjoywatchingthefishstrikethelure,sometimesendingwithabigjumpfromthefish!Strategyforusingatopwaterplugistoalterthespeedyoureelandlightlybouncingyourrodasyoureelthelureacrossthewater.Thisissometimescalled“walkingthedog”becauseitlookslikeyouarewalkingthelureacrossthetopofthewater.
Shore Jigging Fishingtowardsthebottomofthewatercolumnrequiresaheavierorweightedlure.Oncethelurehitsthebottom,crankthelinebackafewrotationsandpulltherodupasyoureeleveryfewseconds.Thiswillbouncethelureclosetothebottom,keepingitclearofrocksandsnags.Jiggingisafunwaytodevelopyourownfishing“style”,testingdifferentspeedsandmovementstoseewhatbestattractsthefishtoyourlure.
Plugging
Jigging
Fishing from the shoreline
! Lightening,heavyrain,andwindaredangerousconditionsforfishing.Immediatlyendfishingandfindshelterifyouencounterbadweather.
Remember,thebestfishingisalmostalwaysonarisingorfallingtide."Slacktides"(whenthereislittleornotidalcurrent)arenotproductivefishingtimes.Whenfishingalongacoastalwaterway(suchastheCapeCodCanal)you'llwanttolearntomoveyourtacklethroughthewatertoattractabite.
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide 23
Making the Catch
You have a bite, Now what?!
It'stime–You’vepickedafishingspot,setupyourgear,andnowyou’rereadytoreelinafish!Learninghowtoresponsibly“play”afishandremoveitfromyourtackleisthenextstepinyoursaltwaterfishingeducation.
Set the hook:1. Staycalm,andmakesureyouhavegoodcontrolofyourrod.2. Ifyouareusingin-linecircle hooks,noneedtosetthehook–youarereadyto
startreelingintheline.Keepthelinetight(taut)atalltimesasyoureel.3. Ifyouareusingalure,fly,orothersetup,setthehookinthemouthbygiving
aquickjerkwhenyoufeelthebitefromthefish.Ifyoufeelapullonthelinedownorawayfromyou,chancesarethefishhasalreadysetthehook.
4. Holdingtherodtipupata45°angle,startreelingintheline.
If you have a smaller fish on the line:5. Besuretokeepthelineclearofrocks,pierdeckingandsiding,andboat
sidesasyoureel.Thesecanallbreaktheline,causingyoutolosethefish.6. Iffishingfromapier,reelthefishinandupuntilthereis18-24”oflineoffthe
endoftherodtip.Lifttherodtipuptowardstheskytogentlyswingthefishtowardsyou.
7. Holdthefishcarefullyasyoubegintoremovethehook.
If you have a larger fish on the line:8. Forlargerfish,orthosethathaveaquickandheavyfight,youwillneedto
workhardertobringitinquicklyandsafely.9. Withoutreeling,pullupontheroduntilitsangledupabitfromyourhip.
Asyoudropthetipoftherodbackdowntowardsthewater,turnthereelquicklytopullinasmuchlineaspossible.Repeat,pullingthefishupeachtimeyouliftthetipoftherodup,andreelingasyoulowerbackdown.
10.Ifyouareusinganet,trytoguidethefishinheadfirsttoreducethechancesofitswimmingaway.
11. Ifthefishistoolargetosafelyliftorbringintotheboat,keepcontrolofyourgearbyholdingontothelinewithaglovedhand.Useadehookerforaquickandsafereleaseoffishthatareheavyoronesthatareriskytotouch.Lightening,heavyrain,andwindaredangerousconditionsforfishing.
Immediatlyendfishingandfindshelterifyouencounterbadweather.
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide
Using a dehooker
Measuring your catch• Fishsizesaremeasuredastotallength,fromthetipofaclosedmouthtothe
farthestpartofitstail.Alwayshaveeasyaccesstothecurrentsizeandbaglimitregulationssetbythestate.
• Placeatapemeasureflatalongtheground,oruseameasuringboard,toquicklylogthelength.Anythinglessthantheminimumsizemustbereleasedbackintothewateralive.
Measuringexception:Blackseabassaremeasuredfromthetipofthejawtothetipofthetail,NOTincludingthetailfilament.Thefishabovemeasures16inches.
2520151051
24
filament
1
2
31. Putthedehookerontheleaderline
andslideitdownuntilitcatchesontheshankofthehook.
2. Pullthedehookingdeviceandtheleaderapartwithstrong,evenpressure.Raiseyourrighthand(dehookingdevice)tothe2o'clockposition,andloweryourlefthand(leader)tothe8o'clockposition
3. Withaslighttwistandshakethehookwilldisengageandyourfishisreleasedsafely.Keepthefishascloseto(orin)thewateraspossible.
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide
Responsible AnglingMostofthetimeweonlythinkaboutthefishwebringhomefromourfishingtrips.But,impropercatching,handling,andreleasingoffishcancauseinjuriesordeath.Alittleknowledgecangoalongwayinprotectingournaturalresources.Belowaresomewaystobearesponsibleanglerandincreaseafish’schanceofsurvival.
1. Reduce fighting time:toreducestressonthefish,useappropriatetackleforthetargetspeciesandlandthefishasquicklyaspossible.
2. Use a dehooker:haveadehookerorpliersclosebywhenyoubringinthefishtohelpwithacleanandquickhookremoval.
3. Hold fish over the water: itseasytoaccidentallydropaslipperyfish.Whenholding,keepthefishclosetothewatertoprotectitfromhittingthegroundorboatdeckifdropped.
4. Protect the skin:fisharecoveredinalayerofmucoustoprotectthem.Ifyouhavetoremoveafishfromthewater,wetyourhandsoruseawetragtoprotecttheircovering.Keepingafishinwateraslongaspossiblegreatlyincreasestheirchanceofsurvival.Neverdragafishalongrocksorsand.
5. Hold a fish carefully: neverholdafishbytheeyesorgills.Holditunderthebellyandkeepalightgriponthecaudalpeduncle(wherethebodymeetsthetail)formoresupport.
Properly handle fish
Ifyourfishdoesnotstarttoswimawayonit'sownduringrelease,tryrevivingitbygentlymovingitthroughthewaterinafigureeightpattern.Alwayskeepthefishmovingmouthfirsttoallowwatertopassoverthegills.NEVERMOVEAFISHBACKWARDS.
25
Gently releasing a striped bass
Responsible angling: reeling, handling, and releasing your saltwater catch
3. Withaslighttwistandshakethehookwilldisengageandyourfishisreleasedsafely.Keepthefishascloseto(orin)thewateraspossible.
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide
Responsible Angler ChecklistAsaresponsibleangler,Iwill:
Know the regulations:Payattentiontotheminimumsizeforkeepingafish,andhowmanyyoucankeepinaday.
Eat or release: Thereisnoreasontokeepanyfishyou’renotgoingtoeat.Picturesandfiberglasstrophieslookbetterandlastlongerthanstuffedfish.
Know when to stop: Ifafishhasnolimit,itdoesn’tmeanyoushouldkeepasmanyasyoucan.Onlyfreezewhatyoumightneedforafewweeks.
Get my saltwater fishing permit: Ifyouare16yearsorolderyouneedtohaveapermittofish.Fundssupportangleraccessandeducationprograms!
Keep our waters healthy: Don’tthrowanythinginthewaterortheshore.Makesureunusedbait,tackle,andlinearethrowninacoveredtrashcan.
26
Addtothelistanyotherwaysyoucanbearesponsibleangler:
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide
Fish ID
Eat or release: Thereisnoreasontokeepanyfishyou’renotgoingtoeat.Picturesandfiberglasstrophieslookbetterandlastlongerthanstuffedfish.
Know when to stop: Ifafishhasnolimit,itdoesn’tmeanyoushouldkeepasmanyasyoucan.Onlyfreezewhatyoumightneedforafewweeks.
Get my saltwater fishing permit: Ifyouare16yearsorolderyouneedtohaveapermittofish.Fundssupportangleraccessandeducationprograms!
Keep our waters healthy: Don’tthrowanythinginthewaterortheshore.Makesureunusedbait,tackle,andlinearethrowninacoveredtrashcan.
Massachusettscoastalwatersprovideidealhabitatsforhundredsofspeciesoffish.Whilesomefisharefoundyearround,othersmigratethousandsofmilestovisitourcoastalwaters.Allanglersshouldbefamiliarwiththedifferenttypesoffishandtheregulationsforthem.
Onthefollowingpagesyouwilllearnaboutninepopularsportfish.Differentfishmeandifferentstrategies,locations,andtackle.Thelastsectionofthisbookisafishingjournal,aplacewhereyoucannoteyourcatches.Lookingbackonyournotes,you'llbeabletolearnfromyourownuniqueexperiences!
Stellwagen Bank
Boston
Cape Cod
Cape AnnN
Gulf of Maine
27
StellwagenBankNationalMarineSanctuaryisaperfectstoppingpointforallkindsofanimals.Inthemiddleofthebankisanunderwaterplateaumeasuring19milesby6milesatitswidestpart.Thesteepsidesoftheplateauforcethedeepoceancurrentstopushminerals,plankton,andfishupthesides.Thiscreatesanunderwaterbuffetforallkindsofmarineanimals!
Alongthenearly200milesofcoastline,migratingfishandshallowwaterspeciesareeasilytargetedbyanglersfromshore,pier,andboat!
Fishingregulationsareinplacetoconserve,protect,andimprovefishpopulations.Regulationsonthenumberoffishthatcanbecaughthelpkeepanglersfromtakingtoomanyfishatonetime.Sizelimitsallowmanyfishtoreachspawning(egglaying)sizebeforetheycanbekept.Fishingseasonsprotectfishduringspawning,andlimitthecatchonpopularwaters.
Fisheriesbiologistsstudyoceanhabitats.Theycollectdataonfishnumbersandthehealthoffishpopulations.Ifwelearnofaproblemwithagroupoffish,regulationsareusedtohelpkeepthefishpopulationhealthy.
Ifyoufish,it'simportantthatyouknowtherulesandregulations.Itisunacceptabletoignorefishingregulations-theyaremeanttoprotectfishandmakesurethereissharedanglingforeveryone!
What are fishing regulations?
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide
Bluefish
Cunner
Black Sea Bass
28
Season:May–SeptemberBaits: Cutsquid,clams,greencrabsTackle and tips: Bottomfishingfromaboat.Fishingforblackseabassfromashoreorpieristrickybecausetheypreferdeeperwaters.Youngblackseabassmaybefoundclosetoshoreinearlyspring,MayandJune.Fish Facts: Blackseabassallhatchasfemales,andsomewilleventuallychangetomalewhenneededforbreeding!Malescanhavebrightblueorpurplescalesandahumpontheirhead.
Season:June–midOctoberBaits: AllsmallbaitfishTackle and tips: Anglerscatchbluefishnearinlets,shoals,andripswherelargeschools(groups)ofbluefishfeed.Bluefishcanbitethroughweakline,souselineofatleast40-poundmonoorbraidwithawireleader.Jigs,spoons,spinners,flies,andsinglehooktopwaterplugswithalureallworkforattractingbluefish.Fish Facts: Bluefishlivethroughouttheworld'soceansandmigratelikebirds.Theyareswifthunterswithsharpteeth,sobecarefulwhenreleasingthem,anddonotputyourfingersintheirmouth!
Season:April-OctoberBaits: CutclamandwormsTackle and tips: Agreatstarterfish,cunner(alsoknownasbergals)areeasytofindaroundrockpiles,bridges,piers,andeelgrassbeds.Useasmallercirclehook(size2/0to4/0)andfishthebottomtoattractabite.Fish Facts: Cunnerarecloselyrelatedtotautog,andbothfisharemembersofthewrassefamily.Theirsmallmouthislinedwithseveralrowsofunevenconeshapedteeththathelpthemeatsmalllobsters,mussels,andurchins.
False Albacore
Atlantic Mackrel
Scup
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide 29
Season:LateJuly-OctoberBaits: : Stripbaits,squid,smalljigs,spoons,plugs,fliesTackle and tips: Spinninggear,baitcasting,lightboatrods,trolling,flyfishing.Fish Facts: Falsealbacoreareverysimilartobonito-fast,funandsometimesabittrickytocatch!Unlikebonito,theydon'tmakeagoodkeeperfishforeating.However,ifyouwanttofeelsomeseriousfishpoweryouwon'tbedisappointedwhenyouhookafalsealbacoreandthelinescreamsoffthereelastheyswimawayfromyou!
Season:May-SeptemberBaits: Smallbaitfish,crab,clams,seaworms,squidstrips,jigs,spoons,flies,sabikirigsTackle and tips: Trolling,jigging,castingfromshoreorboat,usinglighttackle.Fish Facts: Atlantic mackerelarefastswimmersandvoraciousfeeders,whichofferstheanglermanyoptionsforcatchingthem.Usingachumbagwithcatfoodorgroundbaitfishisgreatwaytoattractmackereltoyourboat,andit'llkeepthemtheresoyoucanfillyourlivewellorcooler!
Season:May-OctoberBaits: Clams,stripsofsquid,seawormsTackle and tips: Light-tomedium-weighttackle,jetties,drift-fishing,piers,bridges.Fish Facts: Scupcanliveupwardsof20yearsandcangrowtoanaverageweightof3-4pounds.ThewatersofNewEnglandareimportanttoscup,whospawn(layeggs)inthesandyorweedypatchesoftheshallowsthroughoutthesummer.ScupmigratesouthfromMassachusettsinthefalltothewarmerwatersfoundsouthofNewEngland!
30 MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide
Season:April–NovemberBaits: Crabs,clams,andshellfishTackle and tips: Togareeasilyfoundalongcoastalreefsandrockyareasbyboat.Iffishingfromapier,trytolookattheunderwaterstructureduringlowtidesoyouknowwherethefishmightbehiding.Tryusingafishfinderrigsetup,usinganeggorbankonthelineandasize4/0+in-linecirclehookbaitedwithcrab.Fish Facts: Tautoghaveathicklayerofslimecoveringtheirbodytoprotectthemwhentheyhideinrockyhabitats.Becarefulhandlingandreleasingtautog;it'sdorsal(back)finhassharpspines!
Season:May–FebruaryBaits:Sandworms,bloodworms,clams,stripsofsquidTackle and tips: Iffishingfromaboat,manyanglerswillusea"chumpot",whichisasmallwirecagefilledwithclamsorfishusedtoattractfloundertoyourboat.Useasmallhookbaitedwithasandworm,andwhenyoufeelanibbleuseaquickandsmoothupwardpulltosetthehook.Fish Facts: Youngflounderhatchwithoneeyeoneachsideofitshead.Asitgrows,oneeyemovestotheotherside,sobothenduponthesamesideofitshead!Winterfloundereyesarealwaysontherightsideofthebody.
Season:MidApril–OctoberBaits: Seaworms,menhaden,eels,squid,herring,jigs,plugs,spinners,spoonsTackle and tips: Stripedbassareapopularandfunfishtocatchforallfishinglevels.Targeting"schoolies"—theyoung,firsttimemigratinggroupofstripers—atthebeginningofspringisagoodplacetostart.Castwithnaturalbaitalongtheshoreandoffpiers,jiggingasyoureelinyourlinetoenticethemtobite.Bereadytoquicklyreleaseanyundersizedfish!Fish Facts: Stripedbassspendtheiradultlivesintheocean,butspawnandhatchinfreshwaterstreamsandrivers!
Striped Bass
Tautog
Winter Flounder
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide 31
Finishing The DayYoucanexperiencealotofdifferentemotionsafteralongdayofsaltwaterfishing.Ifitsbeenagoodday,withsomeexcitingcatches,youmightbefeelinghappy,talkative,andfullofenergy!Ifthedaywasslow,ormaybeyouhadahardtimefiguringouttherightgeartouse,youmightbefeelingtired,andalittleletdown.
Nomattertheday,youspentsomegoodqualitytimewithfriendsandfamily,andyoulearnedsomethingnewtotryonyournexttrip.Thefinalstepofyourfishingdayismakingsureyourgeariscleanedandstored.Journalingyourdaywillhelpyougrowyourskillsasanangler,andkeepyoufishingforyearstocome!
Cleaning and storing your gearBefore you head home:1. Removeanyleftoverbaitfromthehooksandrinsewithfreshwater(ifyou
haveit).2. Ifyouareleavinghooksandluresontheline,hookthemontoaguideonthe
rodandgentlyreelthelineuntilitisjusttightenoughtoholdinplace.Makesurethereisnobendinyourrod.
3. Youcanuseastripofvelcroaroundtheline,orameshrodcover,tomakeitsaferfortravel.
4. Youcanalsocutthelinetoremovethehooksandlures.Attachtheendofthelinewithaloosetietotherod.Rinseinfreshwaterbeforestoring.
Cleaning and storing fishing gear:Itisimportanttocleansaltwateroffofallofyourgearattheendoftheday.5. Usingasoftrag,wipedowntherodwithfreshwaterandletdry.6. Itisimportantthatyourinseallofyourlures,hooks,swivels,andweightsin
freshwater.Laythemoutonatowelforafewhoursuntiltheyarecompletelydrybeforeputtingthemawayinyourtacklebox.
BECAREFULwhencleaningyourgear.Hookscancutorstickyou.Alwayshaveadultsupervisionwhencleaningyourgear.
7. Storeyourgearinsideasmuchaspossible.Agarage,basement,orstorageshedisagreatplacetokeepyourgearsafe.
!
32
Visitingatackleshoporoutdoorstoreisagreatwaytostartexploringthesportofsaltwaterfishing.Localshopscanrecommendplacesforbeginnerfishingandsetyouupwithgear.Itmightfeelintimidatingatfirst,butknowthatshopstaffarehappytotalkwithyouaboutthesporttheylove!YoucanfindalistoflocalshopsintheMassachusettsSaltwaterFishingGuide.CharterandHeadBoatfishingtripsareanothergoodwaytotestoutdifferentkindsofsaltwatergear,andyoucanlearnalotfromthecaptainandcrew.
TIP: Ifyou'relearninghowtofishalongsideafriendorfamilymember,askaboutentrylevelfishingrodsyoucanshare.Thiswillsavemoney(splittingthecost)andallowsyoutolearnwithlesscommitment.Youcanalsoaskifshopsoffergeartrialsorloanprograms.
1. Doyouknowofanylocalfishingspotsthataregoodforbeginners?2. Arethereanytoolsortackleyouthinkanglersshouldalwayshavewiththem
onafishingtrip?3. Iaminterestedincatchingonmynextfishingtrip.
Whatkindoftackledoyousuggestforbeginnerstargetingthissaltwaterfish?4. ArethereanylocalfishingshowscomingupIcanvisit?5. Howarebaitandluresdifferent?Howdoyouchoosewhentousethem?
Visiting a tackle shop
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide
Tackle shops don't have to be intimidating. The more time you spend exploring, the more comfortable you'll be with finding and choosing your gear!
(saltwater fish)
Here are some questions you can ask in a tackle shop:
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide 33
Date:
Location:
Weather:
Species:
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NotesontheDay:
Length:
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My Fishing Logbook
34 MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide
Date:
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MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide 35
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MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide36
Date:
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MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide 37
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MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide38
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MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide 39
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40
GlossaryAngler:apersonwhofisheswitharodandline
Outfit: theequipmentandrodandreelsetupusedbyangerswhenfishing
Bait:liveordeadanimalmaterialusedtoattractfishtoahookBaitfish: afishusedasbaittocatchalargerfish,likeherringandsilversidesBraid:astrong,thickbraidedfishinglinewithnostretch
Plug: aluredesignedtoimitateasmallfishoraquaticanimal
Rod: afishingpole,usedtoextendthedistanceananglercancastaline
Rod power: theweightthattherodcanlift,fromlighttoextraheavySandbar: aridgeofsandbuiltupunderwaterbycurrentsSinkers: aweightusedtoholdterminaltacklebelowthesurfaceofthewater
Spoon:alurethatwobblesandfluttersasitispulledthroughthewater
Terminal Tackle: thecombinationoftackleusedattheendofafishingline
Suds: foamyorfrothywater
Tackle:fishinggear
Tide:theriseandfallofsealevelTrough: achannelofwaterbetweenwavebreaks
Dehooker: adeviceforremovingahookfromafish
Fly: anartificialluredesignedtolooklikeabaitfish;commonlyusedwhenflyfishingHook: abentpieceofmetalattheendofafishingline(usuallybaited)usedforattractingfishImproved clinch knot: aknotusedforattachingahookorluretotheendofafishinglineJigging: fishingwithajiglure,ortheactofmovingyourlureorbaitupanddowninajerkingmotiontoattractfish
Mono: athin,stretchy,oftenclear,fish-inglinethatiseasytotie,butcanloopandholdontoitsround,spoolshape.
Lure: anartificialbaitusedforattract-ingandcatchingfish
Fishing line: thin,strong,usuallyclear,cordusedtoattachtackletoafishingreel
Pier: astructure(oftenmadeofwoodandmetal)usedforwalkingoutoverwaterforfishingandsightseeingPliers: apincertoolthatisusedforholdingsmallobjectsorforbendingandcuttingwireandhooks
Reel: apieceoftackleusedtoholdfishinglineandtoassistincastingandretrievinglineRip current: powerful,narrowchannelsoffast-movingwater
Rod action: howmuchoftherodbendswhenyouputpressureonthetip,fromfast(bendsmoreattop)toslow(bendsequallyalongthelength)
Fillet knife: athin,flexiblebladeknifeusedforcuttingpiecesoffishtocook
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries•TakeMeSaltwaterFishingFieldGuide
GlossaryFor more information visit our website:http://www.mass.gov/marinefisheries
http://mass.gov/service-details/take-me-saltwater-fishing
Author:ChristineCassidy
Content Editors: MattAyer,JohnBoardman,KimFine,RossKessler
Graphic Design: ChristineCassidy
Illustrators: ChristineCassidy,MeganJames-ShieldsDesignStudio
Thankyoutoallofthemembersofthecommunityforyourcontinuedinterestandenthusiamforsaltwaterfishingeducationandpromotion.
Published2021
MassachusettsDivisionofMarineFisheries251CausewayStreet,Suite400Boston,Massachusetts02114
The Sport Fish Restoration Program (SFR) provides grant funds to the states, the District of Columbia and insular areas fish and wildlife agencies for fishery projects, boating access and aquatic education.
The Program is authorized by the Sport Fish Restoration Act (Dingell-Johnson DJ) of 1950.