Open Ocean

Coastal Waters

In coastal areas, closer to shore, the ocean bottom may have sections of exposed rock. But most of it's covered with sand or sediment. Fish live at all depths in coastal water, but most stay close to the bottom. Many feed near cover, such as a rock or a coral reef, where they can ambush prey. Other fish roam, searching for an easy meal.

Most saltwater anglers fish in coastal waters because there are dozens of different fish species there. Many marine fish migrate up and down the coastline seasonally. Smart anglers monitor water temperatures to determine which species they should fish.

The Open Ocean

Because it requires big and expensive tackle and boats, most all fishing in the open ocean is done with charter boats.

If you're a sporting fisherman, not just a tourist looking for a boat ride and a fish to mount, select your charter company wisely. Tourist charters use very heavy tackle and try to 'haul in' as many fish as possible. They don't let the customer do much more than crank the reel. Sporting fish captains use lighter tackle, catch a lot less fish and use a more hands-on approach with their experienced customers.

Open ocean fishing takes place in the southern Gulf of Florida and in the Pacific Gulf, which includes the Gulf of California, the Sea of Cortez, and the Baja and Yucatan Peninsulas of Mexico.

Southern Gulf species include sailfish, marlin, swordfish, dolphin, mackerel and amberjack.

The Pacific Gulf has roosterfish, billfish, marlin and many species of tuna.