Saltwater vs. Freshwater Fishing Gear (Complete Guide)
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was cruising the aisles of my local bait shop last week and I got to thinking about the differences between freshwater and saltwater fishing gear. This article will dive into these differences in detail and explain the reasoning behind the design.
Saltwater fishing gear is designed for larger, more powerful fish than freshwater gear and the ability to withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater tackle. Freshwater gear doesn’t need to account for salt corrosion.
Read on for a much more detailed breakdown of the differences between these two realms of sportfishing.
Anglers invest in rods, reels, line, and other equipment. They range and vary depending on the type of water you’ll fish on.
Saltwater is corrosive and therefore, gear for this type of fishing requires to have a special casing. It is for this same reason why you can use your saltwater gear in freshwater but not the other way around. Before we proceed to the differences between the two types of fishing gear let us first define what saltwater and freshwater fishing are.
Table of Contents
Saltwater vs. Freshwater Fishing Gear
Fishing Rods
Table: Freshwater & Saltwater Rod Breakdown
| Fishing Environment | Rod Length | Action | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater | 5-7 feet | Ultra Light | Small fish, panfish, trout |
| Freshwater | 6-8 feet | Light | Bass, walleye, smaller freshwater fish |
| Freshwater | 7-9 feet | Medium | Bass, catfish, walleye |
| Freshwater | 8-10 feet | Heavy | Large catfish, carp, muskie |
| Saltwater | 6-8 feet | Medium | Inshore fish, bass, redfish |
| Saltwater | 8-10 feet | Heavy | Offshore fishing, larger sea fish |
| Saltwater | 10-14 feet | Extra Heavy | Deep sea fishing, big game fish |
| Saltwater (Big Game) | 5-7 feet | Heavy to Extra Heavy | Tuna, marlin, and other large game fish |
- Length: Longer rods allow for longer casting distances but are less sensitive. Shorter rods offer more control and better sensitivity.
- Action: This refers to how much the rod bends. A fast action rod bends near the tip, while a slow action rod bends closer to the handle. Fast action is better for larger, stronger fish and for fishing techniques that require sensitivity. Slow action rods are generally better for smaller fish and for casting lighter baits.
- Environment: Saltwater rods are generally built to withstand the corrosive nature of saltwater and often have heavier power ratings due to the size of fish typically targeted.
Fishing Reels
Table: Reel Sizing Breakdown
| Fishing Environment | Reel Type | Size Range | Typical Use | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater | Spinning Reel | 1000-3500 | Light to medium fishing, panfish, trout, bass | Versatile, easy to use, good for casting light lures |
| Freshwater | Baitcasting Reel | Low Profile / 100-300 | Bass fishing, larger freshwater fish | Better control, suitable for heavier lures, precision in casting |
| Freshwater | Spincast Reel | Light to Medium | Beginners, casual fishing | User-friendly, affordable, less prone to tangling |
| Freshwater | Fly Reel | 3-8 WT | Fly fishing for different freshwater species | Specifically designed for fly fishing, different weights for various fish sizes |
| Saltwater | Spinning Reel | 4000-8000 | Inshore fishing, lighter saltwater species | Durable, corrosion-resistant, suitable for casting at distance |
| Saltwater | Baitcasting Reel | 300-500 | Offshore fishing, larger saltwater species | High line capacity, robust drag systems, strong and durable for big fish |
| Saltwater | Conventional Reel | Varies (Medium to Large) | Deep sea fishing, big game fish | Very high line capacity, strong and built for heavy-duty fishing |
| Saltwater | Trolling Reel | Large | Trolling for big game fish like marlin, tuna | Built for trolling at depth, very large line capacity, strong drag |
| Saltwater | Fly Reel | 8-14 WT | Saltwater fly fishing for various species | Corrosion-resistant, larger and stronger to handle saltwater species, different weights |
- Size Range: The size range (e.g., 1000-3500 for freshwater spinning reels) indicates the reel’s capacity and power. Larger numbers typically mean larger, more powerful reels suitable for bigger fish.
- Match with Rod: It’s crucial to match the reel size with the appropriate rod weight and length. A mismatch can affect casting efficiency and control.
- Target Species: Choose a reel size based on the fish you are targeting. Larger, more powerful fish require larger, more robust reels.
- Environment: Saltwater reels are generally larger and built to withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater, as well as the size and power of saltwater fish.
Fishing Line
Table: Fishing Line Types
| Fishing Environment | Line Type | Size Range | Typical Use | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater | Monofilament | 2-12 lb test | Panfish, trout, bass | Stretchy, forgiving, good for casting light lures |
| Freshwater | Braided | 8-30 lb test | Bass fishing, pike, walleye | No stretch, high sensitivity, good for heavy cover and long casts |
| Freshwater | Fluorocarbon | 4-20 lb test | Bass, walleye, carp | Nearly invisible underwater, good abrasion resistance, less stretch than monofilament |
| Freshwater | Fly Line | 3-8 WT | Fly fishing for various species | Designed for fly fishing, weighted for casting flies, comes in different densities for depth control |
| Saltwater | Monofilament | 10-30 lb test | Inshore fishing, smaller saltwater species | Good for general saltwater fishing, stretchy, absorbs shocks |
| Saltwater | Braided | 20-100+ lb test | Offshore fishing, larger saltwater species | High strength, excellent for deep sea fishing and big game fish, less stretch |
| Saltwater | Fluorocarbon | 15-80 lb test | Leader material, larger saltwater species | Often used as a leader due to invisibility and abrasion resistance, less stretch |
| Saltwater | Wire Line | Varies | Toothed fish like shark and barracuda | Necessary for fish that can cut through other lines, very strong and abrasion-resistant |
- Size Range: The size range (e.g., 2-12 lb test for freshwater monofilament) indicates the strength of the line. Higher pound tests are used for larger, stronger fish.
- Line Type: Different line types offer various advantages. Monofilament is stretchy and forgiving, braided lines have high sensitivity and strength, fluorocarbon is nearly invisible and abrasion-resistant, and wire lines are essential for toothy fish.
Differences Between Freshwater Fishing & Saltwater Fishing Gear
There are a few key points of differences when comparing the two. These are the gear, techniques, variables to consider, difficulty, and catch. We’ll talk about these key points in further detail in this article.
Gear
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the gear used in saltwater fishing differs from the gear used in freshwater fishing. You can use your saltwater fishing gear in freshwater but your freshwater gear should not be exposed to saltwater.
The main difference between saltwater and freshwater gear is the ability of saltwater gear to withstand the corrosive environment it is subjected to. Saltwater is a harsh liquid and it has the ability to corrode solid metal structures.
This saltwater corrosion is what fishing gear manufacturers take into major consideration when making gear for saltwater fishing (both for open water or surf fishing).
Also, less corrosive materials such as copper and stainless steel are used to fabricate saltwater fishing gear. These non-corrosive metals offer a better chance of withstanding the harsh environment of saltwater fishing.
It doesn’t mean that it cannot be broken or destroyed, just that they last longer than any other metal when subjected to saltwater.
Freshwater gear, on the other hand, is made from your standard gear metal. They do not have a special enclosure. As such, freshwater gear is exposed to the environment.
This makes them more prone to corrode when used in saltwater fishing. Expect to buy new gear sooner than you think if you use your gear interchangeably between saltwater and freshwater fishing.
1. Rods
Saltwater rods do not differ much with freshwater rods. The materials used are the same, they can either be made from fiberglass, graphite or a combination of the two. However, there is a significant difference in the fittings that are present with the rod and the length of the rod.
Most advanced anglers would pick graphite rods over any other because it has better fighting power and is stiff enough to detect even the slightest of bite.
Both freshwater and saltwater rods are used for jigging, trolling, and casting. You can find both spinning and baitcasting options for both realms. I will admit I’ve never seen a spin casting option for saltwater angling so that seems to be exclusively freshwater.
Saltwater rods are generally thicker and heavier compared to their freshwater counterpart. For the most part, they are longer as well for longer casting.
The notable exception to this rule comes in the form ultra-heavy saltwater rod and reel combinations designed for marlin and tuna which are extremely short and powerful.
Another major difference is that saltwater rods have a special casing for the vital components to serve as protection against saltwater corrosion.
The breaks, drag system, bearings, and gearbox are sealed off so that salt water can’t get to them therefore, increasing the longevity of the components.
Fishing rods handle length also varies and it depends on where it is used. Surf fishing rods usually need longer handles to cast further from the shore.
The shorter handles are designed for short casting and lighter baits. So your rod handles need to match the kind of casting you are doing. Freshwater rods usually have shorter handles because most freshwater castings are short-ranged.
If you want to learn how to select the perfect rod and reel, you should read my article I wrote on this topic. I spent hours researching and compiling this information into one easy-to-digest guide.
2. Reels
In freshwater settings, anglers often employ spinning and baitcasting reels to catch fish in lakes, rivers, and swamps. Often times he or she can use the same rod/reel combo for all of these situations simply by changing the bait and presentation.
Saltwater fishermen will likely swap out gear more often. For offshore fishing, a heavy-duty, high-capacity, specialized baitcasting or spinning reel is ideal. Inshore or surf fishing situations will require a lighter spinning or baitcasting reel to catch a game.
It is not recommended for you to use your slimmer and lighter freshwater rods to fish in saltwater. It is not only due to the corrosive environment of saltwater fishing but also because a saltwater rod is not designed to withstand the sheer fighting power of saltwater fish. It is very possible for your reel to break during an intense battle like this.
3. Line, Bait, and Lures
The moment you put the saltwater and freshwater reel side by side, you will instantly see that saltwater reels are much bulkier and bigger than freshwater one.
The reason behind this is so that it can accommodate a larger amount of line and withstand heavier baits and bigger target fish.
In addition, freshwater lines are designed to only withstand the weight and fight a freshwater fish can give. You can expect line snapping and breakage if you use this line for your saltwater fishing.
Another difference worth mentioning for the lures is that there is plenty of option and a wide variety to choose from when it comes to freshwater ones. However, you’ll find a smaller selection of lures and bait for saltwater fishing.
The rule to follow is to make sure that you match your lure and bait to the type of fish you are hoping to catch. If you know that the specific fish you are aiming for to reel in have sharp teeth, then consider putting a leader line on. The color of your lure must also reflect the weather and water condition for it to be effective.
A few key tips to remember is that largemouth bass are attracted to plastic worm lures and trouts to flies. You can use a jig any time of the year and spinnerbaits can help you when your other lures get hung up. Match the size of your lure to your tackle and also to the type of fish you are fishing for.
Techniques Requiring Variations in Gear for Saltwater and Freshwater
Different techniques are used depending on the type of water you are fishing. Be sure to read each category carefully as there is some overlap between freshwater and saltwater in each method. These two categories of fishing are not as different as people make them out to be.
3 Most Popular Saltwater Methods + Required Gear
1. Trolling
This technique is used so that an angler can cover a large area in a short amount of time. It uses artificial lures, either stringers or solo, to entice the fish.
Sometimes these lures are attached with ballyhoo to increase the chance of a bite. Anglers employ this kind of technique to reach the pelagic fishes in the ocean.
For trolling in saltwater, you’ll want a strong, shorter rod spooled with at least 60-pound test mono or braid.
I would recommend a rod under 6 feet in length with a large, high-quality casting reel to be able to handle grouper, mahi-mahi, tuna, and billfish. Smaller gamefish can be trolled for as well so match your gear needed with the power of your target species.
2. Drifting
For this technique, live baits are used oftentimes with a burley or chum slick. A delivery method like large floats or kites is also utilized to keep the live bait near the surface and inside a chum slick. In saltwater, herring, mullet, squid, and mackerel chunks are very popular.
I recommend a 6-8-foot medium-action rod with a strong backbone. You’re going to need to haul large fish fast off reefs and wrecks before they can break you off. You will need something with a lot of power to accomplish this.
Go with a very heavy spinning reel or medium-heavy baitcasting reel for maximum torque. For fishing lines, I would recommend anything greater than 50-pound test mono, fluorocarbon, or braid.
3. Bottom Jigging
Many species are attracted to jigging lures because of the jerky vertical motion it makes and fishermen love it for its versatility. Saltwater fishers use this technique near a reef’s edge or when the bottom structure of the area is accessible with live bait rigs.
Just like with drift fishing, I recommend a 6-8-foot medium-action rod with a strong backbone. You’re going to need to haul large fish fast off reefs and wrecks before they can break you off. You will need something with a lot of power to accomplish this.
Go with a very heavy spinning reel or medium-heavy baitcasting reel for maximum torque. For fishing lines, I would recommend anything greater than 50-pound test mono, fluorocarbon, or braid.
3 Most Popular Freshwater Methods + Required Gear
1. Cast and Retrieve
In this technique, you can use whatever bait you prefer but most use artificial ones. This can cover a lot of water in a short period of time.
The continuous motion of casting and retrieving allows you to keep your lure moving in the water therefore, mimicking the movements of live bait. This technique can take a while to master but once you do, you’ll be getting bites in no time.
For most freshwater fishing, a medium-heavy casting or spinning rod with 10 to 25-pound braid or mono would work well. If you are working deep crankbaits or swimbaits, you should instead opt for a slow action rod with enough force to rip along these larger, deeper baits with more force.
As far as reels are concerned, don’t settle for any reel (baitcasting or spinning) with less than 3 ball bearings. Likewise, any number over 6 will provide marginal improvements but will run you a lot bigger purchase prices. Stick between 3 and 6 ball bearings for a good, inexpensive option.
2. Bottom Jigging
If you remember, it is mentioned before that jigs are a favorite of anglers because of its versatility. The reason is, jigs can be used both in saltwater fishing and freshwater fishing. The same steps are followed and the only difference lies in the live bait used for this technique.
With freshwater jigging, focus on rods with plenty of backbone and slower action. This is because you want a rod that bends and straightens slowly.
This will allow you to force the bait through the water from the deep and also provide greater fighting power to yank big fish out of the depths and away from dangerous cover fast that could break you off. A medium or medium-heavy action rod in the 7 to 7.5 range is great.
Either spinning or baitcasting options for effective deep jigging. If you are fishing smaller fish like trout, walleye, and smallmouth bass, I recommend going with a spinning rod and reel combo.
For larger fish like lake trout, striped bass, catfish, muskies, northern pike, and drum, go with baitcasting rods as they will provide great fish-fighting power and you can spool them with stronger fishing line relative to their size than a spinning reel.
You need a larger spinning reel to accomplish the same line capacity and strength as a baitcasting reel even of small dimensions. If you are jigging for bass, a rod with good punching power is needed for flipping around cover. Go with a 7-foot heavy action rod for this occasion.
For the fishing line, I think braid is the way to go. The deeper you jig, the more imperative is to have a no-stretch fishing line. Braid will not stretch like mono will.
Also, braid will help you feel subtle bites better than braid. For bait, vertical jigging spoons, soft plastics, and even dead baitfish work really well. For bass, jig soft plastic worms, salamanders, and flukes, as well as bass jigs, tipped with a pork.
3. Trolling
Yes, trolling can also be used in freshwater fishing. This is especially useful when fishing in larger and deeper bodies of freshwater. You’ll be able to catch predator fishes that lurk in deeper waters with this technique.
For freshwater trolling, any of the above-mentioned rod and reel combinations would do well. Just as is the case with jigging, trolling will best be suited for braided line.
No stretch is the way to go to reduce stress on the line, help with fish-fighting power, and hauling baits through the water at constant speeds. Furthermore, it will better alert you to more subtle bites.
I recommend using a wire or at least braided leader for trolling. If the fish you are targeting, like pike and walleye, have teeth, always go with wire.
Medium-diving plugs, crankbaits, spinner baits, bucktails, and spoons are great lures for trolling. You can even troll full nightcrawlers on the bottom for walleye and live golden shiners along weedlines for monster largemouth bass.
Drift fishing is another very popular freshwater technique often using live or dead bait. The most used bait options for drift fishing in freshwater are worms, minnows, shiners, suckers, and frogs.
Price Differences: Saltwater vs. Freshwater
| Fishing Environment | Gear Type | Basic ($) | Mid-Range ($$$) | High-End ($$$$$) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshwater | Rod | 20-50 | 50-150 | 150-500+ | Basic rods are often sufficient for casual fishing. |
| Reel | 20-50 | 50-150 | 150-500+ | Higher prices usually offer better durability and features. | |
| Line | 5-15 | 15-40 | 40-100+ | Price depends on type (mono, braid, fluoro) and brand. | |
| Saltwater | Rod | 30-80 | 80-200 | 200-600+ | Saltwater rods are typically more expensive due to the need for corrosion resistance. |
| Reel | 30-100 | 100-300 | 300-1000+ | Higher-end reels are more durable and suitable for larger fish. | |
| Line | 10-25 | 25-50 | 50-150+ | Saltwater line tends to be more expensive due to larger sizes and special coatings. |
- Basic Gear: Suitable for beginners or casual anglers. Generally functional but may lack advanced features.
- Mid-Range Gear: Offers a balance between cost and quality, suitable for regular anglers who fish frequently.
- High-End Gear: Designed for serious anglers and professionals. High durability, advanced features, and better materials.
- Brand and Quality: Brand reputation and build quality significantly influence the price.
- Specialization: Specialty gear (like deep-sea fishing rods and reels) can be more expensive.
We’ve come to the most awaited difference between the two, the price. The freshwater gear costs way less than the saltwater ones.
The number one reason why saltwater fishing gear is expensive is that the parts are sealed off. Materials used in saltwater gear are ones that are tough enough to withstand the harsh environment of the sea and the corrosive power of saltwater.
Freshwater gear, on the other hand, does have sealed off components available too. This is not a standard practice which means that sealing off the components is not really necessary especially if you will only be using it for freshwater fishing.
You are better off buying a saltwater rod rather than buying a sealed off freshwater rod to use interchangeably between saltwater and freshwater fishing.
These tough materials cost way more than the ones used for freshwater gear. As a general rule, saltwater gear is more of a monetary investment than freshwater gear.
Related Questions
Can I just rinse my freshwater gear with tap water to wash off the saltwater?
Yes, you can but this would really not rinse off all of the saltwater that seeped into your gear. The mere fact that you already exposed your rod and gear to the saltwater means that your rod and reels will experience some form of corrosion.
Washing can help but if you continue to use your freshwater fishing rod in saltwater then expect it to breakdown sooner than expected.
What do you need for saltwater fishing?
There is plenty of stuff you need before you go saltwater fishing. The basics would be a knife for cutting the fish or anything that needs to be cut, long nose pliers to remove hooks on fish or cut lines, a good pair of gloves to protect your hands, tackles, bait, and lures.
Make sure that you have access to drinking water, some sunscreen would also be nice, lubricant for your gear, soap, bleach, a license, and a VHF radio if you are in a boat.
Conclusion
Just a quick recap of the whole article, freshwater fishing gear and saltwater fishing gear differ in many aspects. Although the materials used for the rods are the same the reel and other components of the rod are constructed differently. All saltwater fishing rod components are sealed in casings to keep out saltwater.
Saltwater is a corrosive liquid that will basically destroy any metallic substance it comes in contact with. Freshwater rods and reels are not designed to withstand saltwater’s corrosiveness because they lack that seal that almost all saltwater fishing gear have.
Also, gear depends on the type of technique you plan to use during fishing and the techniques vary depending on the body of water you are fishing. And lastly, freshwater gear is cheaper than saltwater fishing gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use freshwater reels in saltwater?
Yes, freshwater reels can generally be used in saltwater, but they may not be as effective or durable. Exposure to saltwater can cause corrosion over time, so it’s important to clean and maintain the reel regularly. To ensure longevity, it’s advisable to invest in a saltwater-specific reel for optimal performance in that environment.
Saltwater vs. Freshwater Reels
When comparing saltwater vs freshwater reels, there are a few key differences to consider. Saltwater reels are specially designed to withstand the corrosive nature of saltwater, with features like sealed bearings and corrosion-resistant materials. Freshwater reels, on the other hand, are typically designed for lighter use and may not have the same level of durability.
Saltwater vs. Freshwater Fishing Rods
When comparing saltwater vs freshwater fishing rods, it’s important to consider their specific characteristics. Saltwater rods are usually more durable, corrosion-resistant, and designed to handle larger fish and harsher conditions. Freshwater rods, on the other hand, are lighter and more sensitive, making them ideal for smaller fish and finesse techniques.
