Must-Have Fishing Gear for Saltwater Fishing

Written By: Captain Kody Michael

Saltwater fishing can be a deeply rewarding experience. No only does it offer the opportunity to connect with nature, but it also gives anglers the chance to catch a variety of inshore and offshore species.

With so much gear available, figuring out what you need on the boat can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re fishing along Florida’s coastlines or heading into deeper waters, the right saltwater setup will make sure you have the best chance of success. 

In this guide, I’ll share the must-have fishing gear I keep on my boat as a charter Captain in Key West, Florida. The gear listed in this blog has proven to be reliable and effective in the often challenging world of Florida saltwater fishing.

Live Bait Essentials: Cast Nets 

Live bait is a cornerstone of Florida saltwater fishing, so having the right tools to catch it is essential for a productive trip. 

While lures can be effective, there’s no doubt that fresh bait almost always outperforms artificial lures. Having live bait gives you the edge when targeting finicky or highly sought-after fish. Catching your own bait is not only cost-effective but also ensures you’re using the most appealing option for your target species.

Cast nets are a must-have fishing gear item for bait collection. To catch baitfish, I keep two cast nets on board at all times. 

Must Have Item #1: Large Cast Net

• 12-foot Tim Wade net with 3/8-inch mesh, perfect for larger baitfish like mullet or pilchards.
  

Must Have Item #2: Smaller Cast Net

• 12-foot Tim Wade net with 1/4-inch mesh, which works great for smaller baitfish like sardines and pinfish.

If you’re short on time, you can always purchase live bait at a local bait shop. This allows you to skip this step and focus on fishing.

Pro Tip: Practicing your throwing technique before heading out can save you time and frustration on the water. Focus on perfecting your cast, especially for areas with strong currents or limited space.

Fish Handling Tools

Landing a fish safely and efficiently requires the right tools, especially when you’re dealing with bigger species. Having the right gaffs on hand can make all the difference between landing a fish or experiencing the regret of watching it swim away. I always keep two gaffs on my boat.

Must Have Item #3: Pick Gaff

• A smaller gaff with a 2-inch hook, perfect for fish weighing between 5 and 30 pounds. I find that this size gaff is easy to use and allows for greater precision.  

Must Have Item #4: Larger Gaff

• For larger fish, I rely on a sturdier gaff with a 3-4 inch hook—a must-have for fish in the 30-100 pound range, such as Wahoo, Cobia, or Grouper. This size gaff provides the durability and leverage needed to land this size fish. 

These tools are essential parts of your saltwater setup, especially when targeting pelagic species or bigger gamefish. 

Pro Tip: When gaffing a fish, always aim for the head or shoulder area to minimize damage to the meat and ensure you can bring the fish aboard smoothly.

Rod and Reel Setup

Having the right rods and reels for your saltwater setup is essential for any fishing trip. Whether you’re targeting inshore species like snook and redfish or offshore gamefish like Marlin or Sailfish, matching your gear to your target species is key. Depending on your fishing style, you’ll need a combination of spinning and conventional setups to handle different conditions and types of fish.

Must Have Item #5: Spinning Reels

• For spinning reels, I recommend keeping 4-8 reels in the 5k-8k size range, spooled with 20-40 pound braided line. These setups are versatile and great for casting lures or live bait to inshore and nearshore species. 

Must Have Item #6: Conventional Reels

• For heavier-duty fishing, I bring along 4-6 conventional reels in the 20-50 class range, loaded with 40-100 pound braided line. These reels are perfect for bottom fishing, trolling, or battling big offshore fish like grouper or amberjack.

Pro Tip: Matching your rods, reels, and leader to your target species is critical. A balanced saltwater setup not only improves your chances of success but also reduces the risk of gear failure when you’re fighting a fish.

Terminal Tackle Must-Haves: Leaders, Hooks, & Lead

Having the right terminal tackle can make all the difference in saltwater fishing and is the backbone of any effective fishing setup. From leaders to hooks, this gear forms the connection between you and the fish, so reliability is crucial so that it can hold up under intense pressure.

Must Have Item #7: Leader

• Fluorocarbon: On my boat, I carry bulk spools of fluorocarbon leader ranging from 15 to 150-pound test, along with mono leaders for specific situations.
• Steel Leaders: For targeting certain predators like sharks or barracuda, I also keep steel leaders in the 30 to 150-pound range.

Must Have Item #8: Hooks

• Basic Hooks: As for hooks, I stock a variety of circle hooks and J-hooks in sizes ranging from 1/0 to 12/0. This ensures I’m prepared for everything from baitfish to large game fish. 

• Sabiki Rigs: I also carry Sabiki rigs in various sizes. This is an indispensable tool for quickly catching baitfish, a core part of any angler’s tackle box.

Must Have Item #9: Leads

• Have weights on board from 4-32 ounces for general use, and heavier leads (4-10 lbs) for deep-water fishing.

Pro Tip: Keeping your tackle box organized makes it easier to switch out rigs quickly when the action heats up.

Anchoring Systems

A reliable anchoring system is often overlooked but is absolutely essential for productive Florida saltwater fishing. Without the right anchor, staying in position over reefs, wrecks, or deep-water fishing spots becomes almost impossible. The right anchor prevents drifting and helps you stay on your fishing spot of choice. Typically I keep two anchors on board at all times.

Must Have Item #10: Reel Anchor

• For shallow reefs and rocky bottoms, I use a grapple-style anchor with 6 feet of chain and 200 feet of rope. This setup holds well in rocky or uneven bottom and allows for easy retrieval. 

Must Have Item #11: Sand Anchor

• In sandy or deeper areas, I rely on a Danforth-style anchor with about 30 feet of chain, which prevents dragging in strong currents or rough seas. This type of anchor is ideal for deeper waters and sandy seafloors.

Pro Tip: Match your anchor type to the environment to ensure your boat stays secure and keeps you fishing where the action is, without damaging habitats.

Knives, Tools, and Accessories

It’s the little things that often save the day during a fishing trip. Small tools and accessories might seem minor, but they’re absolutely essential when saltwater fishing. The right tools can make tasks like cutting line, preparing bait, or handling fish faster and safer. These items keep your workflow efficient and address unexpected challenges.

Must Have Item #12: Knives

• I always carry 2-3 knives, including one serrated blade, for cutting bait and cleaning fish. 

Must Have Item #13: Scissors

• Heavy-duty scissors are great for trimming braided line.

Must Have Item #14: Pliers

• Pliers are indispensable for removing hooks or crimping leaders. 

Must Have Item #15: Cutting Board

• A durable cutting board also makes bait prep more efficient and helps keep the workspace clean.

Pro Tip: Rinsing your tools with fresh water after every trip will help prevent rust and corrosion, extending their lifespan.

Chumming and Dehooking Tools

Chumming can be a game-changer when it comes to getting hooked up, especially in areas that are commonly fished. From my experience, this is a proven technique for attracting fish nearby your boat.

Must Have Item #16: Chum Bag

• On my boat, I always have a mesh chum bag for distributing scent and drawing fish closer to my lines. This is particularly effective for species like snapper and grouper, which are often more interested in the scent trail than the actual bait.

Pro Tip: When using a chum bag, always use a slow, steady release of chum, especially in areas with strong currents. This ensures a consistent scent trail and keeps fish interested for longer periods.

Dehooking tools are another must-have for handling fish responsibly – especially when you are releasing fish back into the ocean. 

Must Have Item #17: Regular Dehooker

• I keep at least one or two dehookers for larger fish like sharks or barracuda, or for fish that are hooked deeply and require careful handling.

Must Have Item #18: Bait Dehooker

• For baitfish, a bait dehooker makes the process quick and reduces stress on the bait. 

Pro Tip: When dehooking larger fish, use long-handled dehookers to minimize contact with the fish, especially fish with sharp teeth. This reduces injury to both the fish and yourself.

Descending Device/Venting Tool: 

If you’re bringing up deep-water fish that might be suffering from barotrauma. 

Must Have Item #19: Venting Tool

• A venting tool is essential to release them safely back into the water so they can swim down to the depth that they live. This is particularly important for ethical fishing practices and preserving fish populations.

Pro Tip: Insert the venting tool approximately one to 2 inches behind the base of the pectoral fin at a 45° angle. Insert the tool only far enough that it starts to release the trapped gases. Never insert the venting tool into the fishes belly. Here’s a video demonstrating how to properly use a venting tool. 

Measuring and Legal Compliance

Adhering to size and bag limits is essential for sustainable saltwater fishing and avoiding fines. Having the right tools on hand ensures you can measure accurately.

Must Have Item #20: Measuring Tape

• Always carry a measuring tape on your boat to ensure that you are not harvesting fish illegally. I recommend waterproof, retractable tape to quickly measure your fish to confirm legal size limits.

You’d be surprised how much you can get charged for having an undersized fish. This is something that the law takes very seriously. Claiming ignorance does not work when it comes to fishing regulations and attempting to avoid fines.

Pro Tip: Familiarize yourself with local regulations before heading out, as limits and sizes sometimes vary by species and location. You can also buy a handbook or download certain apps, such as FishRules, that work offline so that you can remain up-to-date with regulations and rules pertaining to fishing.

Conclusion

Having the right must-have fishing gear is critical for a successful saltwater fishing trip. As you prepare for your next Florida saltwater fishing adventure, consider the gear that will best serve your style of fishing and the species you’re targeting. 

From catching live bait with cast nets to using the right rods, reels, and terminal tackle, every piece of gear serves a purpose. By focusing on the must-have fishing gear outlined here, you’ll be prepared for anything the ocean throws your way. Whether you’re fishing inshore or offshore, in calm seas or rough waters, a well-equipped saltwater setup is the key to a successful fishing trip.

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