How Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing Differ

The biggest and most obvious difference between saltwater and freshwater fishing is saltwater fishing typically refers to fighting a fish by way of fly fishing or fighting a fish from a boat or pier. Freshwater fishing is any fishing that is done in a body of water with a salinity of 0.05% or lower. These bodies of water consist of lakes, rivers, and ponds. Fishing in salt or fresh water each have unique differences in the overall experience. Saltwater fishing tends to be a much more intense sort of fishing. This fishing generally leads to an adrenaline rush and far more action than what is typically found in freshwater fishing. Freshwater fishing is perfect if you are after a more laid-back experience. If you are looking for a great way to relax alone or with friends, freshwater fishing is perfect. Freshwater fishing is also a far more cost effective hobby. Saltwater causes more wear and tear on your boat and motor, tackle, and other gear that you bring along. In a boat, freshwater tends to be much smoother and a more relaxing ride to the perfect fishing spot.

Experiencing both Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing

For some anglers the size of the catch is top priority, so saltwater and freshwater fishing could be more appealing to you for this reason alone. Saltwater fishing is the clear cut winner in the size of the catch category. Saltwater fishing is much more strenuous because not only are the fish fighting back, but they are also larger fish. The saltwater fish are larger because they simply have more room to grow and more resources to help with keeping a surplus of nutrition. The larger fish are also great for photos or when you have more people to feed. Many times, catching one saltwater fish would provide enough meat for a few people. This can be appealing to some while not worth the trade off of more work to others. Many freshwater locations have fish that use the same techniques as saltwater fish, but they are much smaller. This creates an environment where you can truly focus on your technique before you add in such levels of difficulty as a strong fish fighting for survival.

The taste differences between fresh and saltwater fish are different but not necessarily one being better than the other. Saltwater fish tend to have a lighter taste perfect for picking up seasoning and other forms of flavor. Freshwater fish are great for frying with unique flavors of their own hard to find in freshwater fish. While people will forever argue over which they prefer, one will never be better than the other.

If the view and nature around you is important to you, freshwater and saltwater fishing will definitely differ. Freshwater will be in more of a river atmosphere. You may see animals roaming about with birds chirping and sticks breaking. Saltwater fishing provides a more open view showing the vast openness of water that covers the earth.