Wondering, Where to Saltwater Fish near Me?

By Andy Whitcomb

Jul 14, 2023

Fishing in the ocean can be intimidating. Here’s how to tackle saltwater fishing and the three best locations for a chance at some great saltwater fishing action.
 

Summer is here and that means great fishing potential. If you arrive at saltwater fishing locations for vacations, the sheer size of the new area and the fact that you could catch anything can be intimidating and you may be wondering where to saltwater fish near me? Borrowing a tip from professional bass tournament anglers, start thinking of the ocean in sections or areas rather than looking at it as an entire ocean. Here are some of the best saltwater fishing spots for both beginner and experienced anglers.

Piers

Although fishing pressure can be high during the summer, piers often rank among saltwater fishing hotspots for several reasons. First, they provide access to deeper water and the chance to cross paths with some large fish such as striped bass or bluefish. Second, the structure poles and crossbeams act as habitat, providing beneficial places for crabs and small fish to hang out. And the third reason piers are some of the top saltwater fishing destinations has to do with angler comfort such as providing a stable platform (no seasickness) that is a dry, and often a fun, social gathering.

Jetties

When researching saltwater fishing tips and locations, jetties also should not be overlooked. Like piers, a jetty provides stable, deeper water access but without the casting distance reducing height. The rock and/or concrete composition make greater hiding places for prey and thus attract fish like black drum and sheepshead. Jetties also are often part of erosion control and help block current. These eddies create ambush locations for predators, and thus are known as some of the best saltwater fishing spots.

Beach

But if the surf is relatively calm and there is room to spread out, the beach is one of my favorite places where to catch saltwater fish. The fishing setup usually requires a longer rod and perhaps a special holder if using bait. If not casting lures when I have my toes in the sand, I prefer to have a finger on the line to feel the tap- or thump- of a bite, which again, could be anything.

 

Another answer for where to saltwater fish near me can be addressed simply by chartering a boat. These anglers make their living by knowing what is biting and where and every charter can be a tremendous learning experience. Or, perhaps equipped with a little info from a local tackle store, launch your boat or rental and discover some fishing action on your own. In the ocean, something is always biting!

Andy Whitcomb
Andy Whitcomb
Andy is an outdoor writer (http://www.justkeepreeling.com/) and stressed-out Dad has contributed over 380 blogs to takemefishing.org since 2011. Born in Florida, but raised on banks of Oklahoma farm ponds, he now chases pike, smallmouth bass, and steelhead in Pennsylvania. After earning a B.S. in Zoology from OSU, he worked in fish hatcheries and as a fisheries research technician at OSU, Iowa State, and Michigan State.