3 MOST EXPENSIVE Saltwater Fishing Mistakes (Most Anglers Make)
- By: Joseph Simonds
- on
- Found In: Fishing Tips, Inshore Fishing
Luke and I used to think catching more fish was all about finding more “secret spots”, buying more tackle, or simply spending more time on the water.
But honestly… that mindset cost us a LOT of wasted trips, fuel, money, and frustration over the years.
That’s exactly why we decided to put together this NEW free fishing webinar.
This isn’t fluff, theory, or recycled generic advice.
This is decades of on-the-water experience boiled down into one of the most valuable hours of fishing advice we’ve ever shared.
Honestly, if you learn and apply what’s covered in this webinar, you’ll immediately separate yourself from the vast majority of average anglers out there.
Quick Answer
- Most anglers rely too heavily on “lucky spots” instead of understanding fish movement and feeding behavior.
- Fishing success usually comes from understanding tides, wind, bait movement, and positioning, not simply fishing harder.
- Many anglers use rod and reel setups that reduce casting distance, lure control, and sensitivity.
- The best anglers consistently put themselves in the right spot, at the right time, with the right setup.
Want help finding productive 90/10 zones faster, understanding fish movement, and shortening the learning curve?
Check out the Salt Strong Insider Club here.
What Software Helps Predict Fish Movement?
What Gear Was Mentioned In This Video?
- Rod: Slot Machine
- Reel: Otis 2500
- Lure: 2.0 Paddletails
Why Do “Lucky Spots” Stop Producing Fish?
One of the biggest mistakes anglers make is believing fish permanently live in one spot.
In reality, fish constantly move based on:
- Tides
- Wind direction
- Water temperature
- Current flow
- Bait movement
- Seasonal patterns
A spot that produced yesterday can easily go dead today if those conditions change.
That’s why successful anglers focus more on understanding fish behavior than memorizing spots.
What Is The 90/10 Rule In Saltwater Fishing?
The 90/10 rule means that roughly 90% of fish are often concentrated in only 10% of the water.
The challenge is learning how to identify:
- Current flow
- Ambush points
- Structure
- Depth changes
- Bait positioning
When anglers understand how those factors work together, finding productive water becomes much more predictable.
How Can The Wrong Rod And Reel Setup Hurt Your Fishing?
A poorly matched rod and reel setup can reduce:
- Casting distance
- Accuracy
- Sensitivity
- Lure control
Luke and I discuss how many anglers unknowingly make fishing harder by using setups that don’t properly match the lures and techniques they’re trying to fish.
The right setup helps anglers cast farther, detect more bites, and fish more efficiently throughout the day.
How Do Tides, Wind, And Weather Affect Saltwater Fish?
Redfish, trout, flounder, and snook constantly reposition in response to tides, wind direction, bait movement, and water temperature.
Wind can reposition bait.
Tides can activate feeding windows.
Water clarity can affect lure choice.
Weather changes can reposition fish entirely.
The anglers who consistently catch fish usually adapt to changing conditions instead of forcing the same approach every trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do productive fishing spots suddenly stop working?
Fish move constantly based on tides, bait, current, water temperature, and weather conditions. A productive spot one day may completely change the next.
What is the 90/10 rule in fishing?
The 90/10 rule suggests most fish are concentrated in a small percentage of available water based on feeding conditions and structure.
Does rod setup really matter in saltwater fishing?
Yes. The wrong rod and reel setup can reduce casting distance, sensitivity, lure presentation, and overall fishing efficiency.
What affects fish positioning the most?
Tides, wind direction, current flow, bait movement, seasonal changes, and water clarity all heavily influence fish positioning.
What Makes Consistent Saltwater Anglers More Successful?
The anglers who consistently catch fish usually aren’t fishing harder.
They’re simply putting themselves in the right spot, at the right time, with the right setup.
And once you start seeing how predictable fish behavior really is… everything changes.
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).
Well your right about everything but I do also believe that the more time spent on the water also builds more experience but like you said without understanding fish behavior and the wind tides as well as what makes certain spots produce in different times also helps because even after viewing you guys tips and the classes on the fishing schools as well as the coarses on the different fish species and how to pursue them properly experienced anglers always have a one up so to speak then any beginner angler ever does because with experience that’s how we all learn from our mistakes because we ALL make them and no one is except and its not just with fishing but in every sport or activity that gets better the more someone does it whether it be the best fishing guides in the world to the best athletes none of them automatically became the best at what they do unless they learned from there mistakes and learned from them thanks for your input and all you do🤔😉👍
Such great intel! Refreshing. So glad I found Salt Strong when I first started saltwater fishing. Can’t believe where it’s taken me 😉 Thank you!!!!
Thanks Mike! We appreciate you
It all sounds great
Thank you, David. Tight lines!