Beginners

Saltwater fishing looks simple from the outside: cast a line, wait, reel in dinner. But the reality is more complex — and the ocean is quick to punish inexperience. Whether you’re stepping aboard a charter for the first time or taking your own boat offshore, it’s easy to make mistakes that can cost you fish, gear, or worse.

Here are the top five mistakes new sea anglers make — and how to avoid them so you spend more time catching and less time cursing.

1. Ignoring the Tides and Currents

The Mistake:
New anglers often head out without checking the tides or current flow. They’ll fish a dead tide expecting action, or anchor in a spot with too much current for their gear to hold bottom.

Why It Matters:
Tide and current drive saltwater feeding behavior. Many species — from stripers inshore to cod offshore — bite best during moving water, especially around tide changes. Anchoring in a strong current can also be dangerous and frustrating.

How to Avoid It:
Use tide apps or local tide charts and plan your trip around the best windows. Learn to read the water: if it’s completely still or ripping too fast, it’s probably not the right time or spot. Talk to local tackle shops about how tide affects your target species in that area.

2. Bringing the Wrong Gear

The Mistake:
Using freshwater gear or undersized tackle offshore is a classic rookie move. A 3000-size spinning reel and medium rod might land a …