How Bay Fishing Differs From Open Ocean Fishing

When it comes to fishing, there are many different types and styles. If you fish yourself, you probably already know there are nearly as many ways to fish as there are people who fish. You also know that there is a difference in ocean fishing and freshwater fishing. Different types of water and different bodies of water will have different types of fish that inhabit it and will require different techniques for catching it.

In this article, we're going to take a look at two different types of fishing- bay and open ocean. We're going to talk a bit about these different types of fishing and the differing techniques that need to go into each one. This will help you better understand how they differ and how to get the most from your own fishing trips.

To fully understand how bay fishing differs from open ocean fishing, you need to understand what each of them is. Bay fishing is done in the bay waters and inlets which often connect ocean waters with fresh waters. The water is shallower here and fishing is usually done from small boats or flats, from long docks that stretch out over the bay or sometimes from the shore.

Flats are also known as skiffs and are designed for use in the shallow waters of a bay area. These are most often used for flats fishing and are great at catching fish such as redfish, snook, tarpon and bonefish. Because they can glide across the water smoothly without making waves, they don't scare off the fish the way a larger type boat would.

Bay boats are similar to flats and are a bit of a cross between that and a center console boat. They have higher gunwales that make them more versatile in bay waters. They are designed to help you go offshore in calm waters and catch bay fish such as tarpon, sharks, redfish, bonefish, grouper, snapper and more.

When fishing in the bay, you may also have to use techniques for fishing in brush or for fish species who enjoy hiding in brush that can be found in shallower waters and brushy areas. Techniques like skimming and top water fishing are sometimes needed in these areas.

Open ocean fishing explained

Open ocean fishing requires a different technique from bay fishing. Because you are fishing in deeper waters, the equipment and the technique must differ. Open ocean fishing is sometimes called deep sea fishing. You will find larger fish here in the deeper parts of the ocean.

Open ocean fishing will require different equipment- longer, heavier poles, higher weight line, etc. You may also want nets for pulling in big fish and certain electronic devices to help with locating fish in the deep, darker waters- such as "fish finders".

Open ocean fishing will yield fish such as marlin, large sea bass, shark, tuna and stripers and these are larger, heavier fish. You need to be prepared with the right equipment for bringing them in. You also need to be able to find the fish.