Tips for Finding a Good Spot to Saltwater Fish from Shore

Shore fishing is one of the best types of fishing for families and beginning anglers. There are some great saltwater shore fishing spots that will consistently provide plenty of action if you know what to look for. Not sure where exactly you should drop your line? The following saltwater spot scouting tips may be useful:
 

1. Pick up a tide chart at a local tackle shop and note the levels of rising and falling tides in the shore areas that you have access to. Keep in mind that more movement is always better, so look for locations and times of day where the movement will be most pronounced. During tide changes the baitfish will be most active, so an hour before until an hour or so after a change in tide will be a good time to fish.

2. Once you get to the general shore area where you plan to fish, look for a casting spot that is just behind the breaking surf. The zone behind the breaking waves will be where baitfish (and larger predatory fish) will gather.

3. Find shore spots where there is some structure such as piers, bridges, or docks. When the current start to move around these areas, predatory fish like flounder, redfish, snook and spotted seatrout will seek out small baitfish and shrimp that hide near these types of structure. Fish your line as close to the pilings as you can or allow it to be guided by the natural flow of the current.

4. Look for rocks or jetties. Submerged rocks hold many different types of baitfish, crabs, and barnacles that the larger fish like to feed on. There also tends to be more water movement or current that flows around these types of spots.

A variety of saltwater species can be caught while fishing from these types of shore spots. By checking the tides and taking the time to select the right location, you'll have the opportunity to catch species such as pompano, sheepshead, spotted seatrout, flounder, snook and ladyfish.

Debbie Hanson

Debbie Hanson is an award-winning outdoor writer, women’s sport fishing advocate, IGFA world record holder, and freshwater guide living in Southwest Florida. Hanson’s written work has appeared in publications such as Florida Game & Fish Magazine, BoatUS Magazine, and USA Today Hunt & Fish. To learn more about her work, visit shefishes2.com or follow her on Instagram @shefishes2.