The #1 Rule Every Beginner Saltwater Angler Needs to Know
- By: Luke Simonds
- on
- Found In: Fishing Tips, Inshore Fishing, Weekly Newsletter: 08-03-25
If you’re brand new to inshore saltwater fishing, this might be the single most important tip I can give you:
90% of the fish are in just 10% of the water.
This lesson is pulled straight from our Fishing School Beginner Series, and it’s all about helping new anglers find that magic zone where the fish actually live.
Because most of the time, you’re not catching fish simply because you’re in the wrong spot—not because of your lure, rod, or reel.
So how do you find that magical 10%?
Watch this essential video below to see how you can find and catch fish consistently (no fancy boat or gear needed)!
Equipment Used In This Video:
- Real Shrimp: Texas Rigged Shrimp
- Lure: The Prawn Jr rigged on 1/2 oz Weedless Football Jighead
Need any of the essential gear for your next trip? Get stocked up at fishstrong.com where everything is tested and guaranteed to work (plus insiders save 20-30% on almost everything on site)
Here’s what you’ll learn in the video:
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The core 90/10 principle every beginner needs to know
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Where and why fish stack near bridges
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How to rig live shrimp to avoid snags
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What “pecks” really mean—and when to set the hook
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Why feeling the bottom is everything
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Real-time catches on both live shrimp and shrimp lures
Want more beginner content to fast-track your fishing game? Go through the full beginner fishing school here.
Ready for the next level? Check out the Intermediate and Advanced Fish-Finding Lessons!
Are you a beginner angler looking for a guaranteed way to find the hottest fishing spots and save hundreds on tackle?
👉 Click here to become a Salt Strong Insider today.
You’ll get Smart Fishing Spots, weekend game plans, 20% off our tackle, and more.
Tight lines,
Luke Simonds
Chief Fishing Addict
Related categories:
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish ever trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
Great video, fellas! Simple and straightforward.
Thanks for that info. I will try this technique out next time I’m out
Great video Joe and Luke also very informative…. !!
Every one that fishes needs tó see this video and take notes
Are frozen shrimp almost as effective as live or not even close?
Live shrimp is almost always better because it stays on the look longer and arguably gives off better scent. But frozen shrimp can still work well for many species.
Great video, by the way. Great job breaking down the essentials and eliminating the distractions.
Thanks for making time to post the nice comment.
Great video! If your gonna do it right ya really need a boat
You’re absolutely right, Greg. I fish from a kayak, and if the fish aren’t near where I launched, I can’t pick up and move out of the 90% where the fish aren’t. Sometimes wade fishing is more practical—much easier to jump in your car and move to different spots than trying to load a kayak and all the required equipment back on the car and move. Wade fishing takes a lot of expertise—Wader Dave and Perdido Blaine are two guides who work with Salt Strong and have a lifetime of experience to share.