News

Often an exercise in futility, successful redfish fishing depends on a small but varied tackle selection. Commonly caught in the 4 to 6-pound range, red drums or “redfish” vary from rats of 15 inches or less to the greater-sized bull redfish that can exceed sixty inches in length and weigh a staggering ninety pounds. Redfish have an “inferior” mouth, meaning their nose extends out over the mouth. Reds typically use their hard nose to root around at the bottom of the water column. These fish are opportunistic feeders, not scavengers. It is a challenge for any expert to determine the best tackle for redfish since they can be so picky on any given day. The gear you should use will depend on where you want to fish and the size of fish you anticipate catching… and how the fish are reacting that day. Best Rods and Reels for Redfish Most anglers will target reds in the 3 to 10-pound range. For this type of red drum, medium spinning and light conventional setups work the best. Alternatively, those fishing for larger bull redfish in inlets and around bridges might be better suited using stout, conventional gear. Medium spinning rods with fast action with a 3000 or 4000 series reel work incredibly well for anglers explicitly targeting redfish. Fast-action in this scenario refers to a stout rod at the butt and middle with tapering for a limber tip. As one of the best rigs for pier fishing and other inshore situations, this outfit enables a fisherman to cast light lures and baits while maintaining appropriate strength to handle decent-sized fish. Like we said, they can grow huge. Some will utilize spinning rods when fishing with lighter lures and live bait. This setup is more appropriate when fishing redfish sized thirty inches and under in open water. Choosing a Fishing Line Option Modern saltwater fishing gear providers offer three basic choices regarding fishing lines for redfish outfits. These include fluorocarbon lines, braided lines and monofilament lines. Using a braided line remains the more popular choice. It is more expensive but doesn’t stretch, offers increased sensitivity, casts further, and lasts longer. A few feet of fluoro or mono leader should be used to help hide the line from the fish's sight. Some anglers prefer the stretch and feel of the monofilament line. Although braided line may remain more popular among redfish anglers, there is no end-all best tackle for redfish. It all comes down to a matter of individual preference. Pair this with one of our redfish rigs for pier fishing, and any angler is bound to reel in some nice reds. Top Artificial Lures Both live bait and artificial lures work great when targeting redfish. The main advantage of lures over traditional live bait is fishermen can use lures to cover more water while they search for fish. Some reddish may scatter out on larger, more expansive flats, making lures the better tackle solution. A tried-and-true lure option, the spoon may very well represent the top artificial redfish lure of all time. Weedless spoons help prevent the lures from getting caught in grass flats and still serve as one of the best search baits, enabling anglers to cover a significant distance safely. Plastic, tailed jigs are one of the oldest swimming bait options and are notably effective for catching various fish species. Red drums are no exception to the allure of these artificial baits. A simple, economical, effective option, soft plastic baits come in a wide array of colors and styles. Nonetheless, lighter colors work best in clear water for catching reds, and darker colors are a better solution for murkier conditions. Top Tackle Solutions for Catching Redfish Anglers have several choices at their disposal when attempting to fill a cooler to the brim with redfish. The best tackle for redfish will vary depending on the location, tide, temperature, time of year, and other factors. Rite Angler has some of the all-time best saltwater fishing gear for catching reds. With Rite Angler you have so much at your disposal that you can try. Once you figure out what works best to catch redfish, you should have a few rigs and lures that you can return to get them repeatedly. Always try varied fishing techniques, as variety is crucial to catching any fish. Our team from Rite Angler focuses on creating durable, corrosion-resistant fishing gear for the angler who understands the importance of quality fishing tackle. To learn more about what we can do to help you start catching reds (or any fish of your choice) in no time, reach out to Rite Angler today!

Have you wanted to try saltwater fishing but don't know where to begin? Here are 12 saltwater fishing tips for beginners.

Saltwater fishing is a little more complex than casual freshwater fishing. It requires more preparation, equipment, and knowledge. One tool that is particularly handy when it comes to saltwater fishing is a cast net. Learning how to throw a cast net is an instrumental piece of knowledge for your saltwater fishing trip.

Preparing for your saltwater fishing trip can be a little overwhelming, but being prepared is essential for a successful and satisfying day out on the sea. You've probably thought of shiny saltwater lures but may be unsure what the best saltwater fishing hooks are. If you've been looking for a comprehensive list of essentials for your fishing expedition, look no further.

There is nothing like soaking up the sun with your hook on the water, tasting the salt on your lips, and basking in the thrill of that tug on your line. If you’re a dedicated angler, you live for that moment when your line tugs you realize that you have a bite on your saltwater soft plastic lures. Of course, we assume you’re using artificial bait. If you aren’t, here is why you should be using them and some tips for using saltwater lures. Benefits of Artificial Lures When deciding on a bait to use, you need to consider the pros of what you plan on using, as well as how to negate the possible downfalls. Cost The cost of live bait can be expensive, although this will vary based on the type of bait you use per piece. Using artificial lures can be a lot more cost-effective. Because artificial lures are reusable and less likely to be eaten right off the hook, you won’t go through as much bait every time you fish. You might end up staying out longer and bringing more fish home as a result without needing to re-bait more than a few times throughout the day. Reduces Chance of Hooking Non-target Fish When using artificial lures, you want to match the type of lure to what you are trying to catch. The level of specificity needed to catch target fish will also lower the chances of you catching non-target fish. If you are trying to catch large fish and using a large artificial lure, then your chances of catching small fish are unlikely. No Special Storage If you use live bait, you have to keep it in an aerated container or livewell where it remains cool and the bait can breathe. With artificial bait, you don’t need to have any extra equipment to haul around or worry about whether they’ve died in storage. You just keep saltwater lures with all your other fishing equipment and they will be there waiting for you. Choosing Your Saltwater Lures If you decide to use an artificial lure rather than live bait, then you definitely need to know what kind of lure you want and how to pick the ones that will benefit you the most. Here are some of the factors that impact your lure choice the most. Know What You Are Trying To Catch If you don’t know what you are trying to catch when saltwater fishing, then you won’t know what kind of artificial lure you need to use. This is because you want your lures to look like food to your target fish. One example of this is snook. If your target fish is snook, then you will want to use lures that resemble their usual prey like this. Knowing what you want to catch and taking the time to select your artificial lures based on their food source will not only increase your chance of catching them but also decrease your chance of catching unwanted fish. Match Your Lure To The Conditions One of the most important things to consider when choosing your lure is the conditions of the water you plan on fishing, as well as the weather conditions. If you are fishing on a bright day in crystal clear waters, then light-colored saltwater lures are ideal. However, at night or on overcast days, you want to stick with bright or dark-colored saltwater lures. If you plan on using metallic lures, use silver for sunny and gold for gloomy days. One exception to this rule is black lures. Black lures will work in any conditions to draw a fish’s keen attention. What Lures Work Best For Saltwater Fishing Artificial lures are ideal for saltwater fishing, more so than live bait, because they are more durable. Because of the conditions that exist in bodies of saltwater, you need something that can stand up to the stronger current and the beating it can take. Saltwater soft plastics are less rigid and more able to absorb impact without breaking and becoming unusable. Types of Saltwater Lures Here are some different types of artificial saltwater lures to help you find what’s right for you. Grubs Grubs are an incredibly versatile lure and can be bought in packs. They work best when used with the right size jig head and used in fresh and saltwater. Chuggers Our pre-rigged chugger heads come in a variety of holographic colors and feature a heavy-duty skirt that reduces debris accumulation while optimizing movement. Great for trolling for Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Barracuda, Marlin, Sailfish and more.  Jiggin’ Dipper These, like the grubs, are great for saltwater and freshwater fishing. Use in saltwater to catch fish like Striped Bass, Red Snapper, Snook, and Flounder to name a few.  These are just a small example of the amazing selection we carry. A large number of our product pages offer information on the fish each lure is geared towards. So you can spend less time researching and more time doing. Saltwater Fishing Tips For Using Lures What guide would be complete without some helpful tips? Google a tide forecast before each trip. The tides play a huge role in how fish act, and how your lures move. Knowing what the tides are doing will help you plan accordingly. Try different lures. Try as many lures as you want to find what works for you. Each person has their own way of fishing and sometimes using soft bait does not work as well.  Bring extras of everything. Always bring an extra or two of your essential equipment. This means line, swivels, lures, etc. Nothing ruins a fishing trip quicker than having to turn around and go buy more line or tackle.. Chat with us. If you have questions about our products, don’t hesitate to ask. Whether you are looking for kits, nets, lures, lines, rigs, or almost anything else you may need for your next fishing adventure, Rite Angler has it. We specialize in artificial lures, including saltwater soft plastics. Visit our website to check out our specialized kits if you’re unsure what to buy to keep on your game this year.

Did you know that the first ever evidence of recreational fishing goes back to the 15th century? That means that for over 600 years, people have been catching fish and perfecting the art of angling for fun! Neither recreational nor survival fishing would be what it is without the invention of fishing swivels, so here is your guide to learning more about them!  Different Types of Fishing Swivels Differences aside, a fishing swivel is basically two or more rings connected to a point of pivot. This means that when in use the ring connected to the main fishing line moves independently from the ring connected to the lure, or bait, and hook.   The major benefit of this system is that it helps prevent tangles in the line and the problems caused by a twisted line. There are different styles of swivels that are beneficial in different circumstances. Here are five of the most commonly used fishing swivels and when they can be most useful. Barrel Swivel  A Barrel Swivel is the most recognizable of the swivels available and features a simple ring-pivot-ring design. This is a great ‘standard’ swivel to use in just about any situation and what many swivels stem from design-wise.  Ball-bearing Swivels  Ball-bearing swivels are great for use with larger fish. They’re also known as load swivels and work well under large load weights. This way, when you are reeling in a big catch your line will be less likely to twist and snap. The barrel swivel and ball-bearing swivel will likely cover all of your saltwater fishing needs. Snap Swivels  While other swivels connect line-to-line, snap swivels do not. They’re great for changing out lures quickly without having to cut the previous one loose and re-tying the new one on. Because the lure attaches directly to the swivel, it allows for more movement of the bait which attracts plenty of attention from the fish! Three-way Swivels If you are an avid angler, you’ll eventually want more than one lure in the water at a time to increase the likelihood of a bite while minimizing the number of poles in the water. When using a three-way swivel, it is a good idea to stagger the two lines in the water at different lengths or depths. You’ll cover more area and the hooks will be less likely to get tangled together  Hybrid Swivels While not necessarily a ‘type’ of swivel, it is important to note that there are hybrid style swivels–like the ball-bearing snap swivel– that are great for heavier loads and quick lure changes. If one specific kind of swivel isn’t working exactly how you want, it’s worth trying out a combo swivel. Regardless of your preference, Rite Angler has a huge variety of different types of fishing swivels for you to choose from. Our products aren’t limited to just swivels! We have just about everything you need to make the most of your angling adventures. 

Artificial lures have such an interesting history. In their early stages, artificial fishing lures were made of metal in the shape of a spoon but have since evolved into what we understand as lures today. Here are our top six best fishing lures suitable for any avid angler. Lil’ Zipper Dipper Charlie’s Worms Lil’ Zipper Dipper is the perfect freshwater or saltwater soft plastics lure for largemouth bass, walleye, lake trout, musky, pike, and more. These lures rig up easy for when you’re really itching to get your line in the water. Their baitfish shape means that they move more naturally in the water to draw attention.  9” Trolling Lure Trolling is one of the most popular forms of fishing, and while some believe that it is a way of luck, that’s not entirely true. Having the right lures and getting saltwater fishing tips from your peers can give you a leg up. These 9” lures have heavy-duty skirts, life-like eye movement, and strong construction that makes them ideal for any big game fish like Mahi Mahi and Tuna. Jig Head Small but mighty, Charlie’s jig heads are one of the most customizable lures, which makes them some of the most versatile tools in an angler’s arsenal. With a simple jig head, you can liven up your live bait and make them more appealing to your target fish. You can also team them up with saltwater soft plastics that move in the water. No matter what you fish with, you should keep jig heads with you. Flash Jig This slim design flash jig is ultra attractive to fish of all kinds but works best for: Tarpon Grouper Cobia Snook Striped Bass Snapper Spanish Mackerel This flashy fish lure has a holographic ribbon and holographic details with mylar skirting and a two-tone eye pattern. If you are looking for a great all-around jig that is meant for larger target fish, then this is something you need to have on hand.  Jiggin’ Dipper This Jiggin’ Dipper is fantastic. Really, it’s the best of both worlds. It has the allure of the bucktail jig combined with the natural movement of soft bait. It works in freshwater and saltwater, but keep in mind the weight of the lure and fish accordingly. Check out our online shop for all these saltwater lures and more. If you aren’t sure what you want, or you want a variety to try, we offer fishing kits that are optimized for the type of fishing you plan on doing. Ask any questions you have and we’ll do our best to help you find what you’re looking for.

You'll Think Twice About Throwing This Fish Back If you fish anywhere along the east coast or the Gulf of Mexico in the summer, you’ve undoubtedly run into your share of Bonita, or Little Tunny. They run in massive schools, put up an awesome fight and make for fantastic trolling and shark baits. And, they’re a charter captain’s go-to species to delight first time anglers. But the food value is terrible, right? Well, not really. If you prepare this “trash fish” the right way, it can be just as delicious as Blackfin Tuna. And by the right way, we mean smoked and turned into fish dip. Today, we’ll show you how to turn that trash into treasure, and once you try this recipe, it’s a guarantee you keep more of them. First, you’ll need to catch Bonita. If you’re an avid angler, you know this is the easy part. In summer, just troll some lures behind your boat on the outside of the reef, or where you see birds working. Here in South Florida, we troll between 100 feet of water and about 250 to find them. They’re impossible to avoid. Once you’ve boated one, it’s very important to bleed it out. These fish have an awful lot of blood, which makes the meat taste metallic. To bleed it, you can either cut the gills with a sharp fillet or bait knife, or puncture the artery just behind the pectoral fin. Once the fish is bleeding, put it in an ice slurry so your deck doesn’t become a mess. After a bit, you can toss it into clean ice with the rest of your catch. Once you’ve gotten a few, it’s time to head back in, to the fillet table. Properly filleting Bonita is the most important part of the entire recipe. If you’ve ever filleted one, you know why… The fish is almost all purple bloodline, the reason most anglers don’t eat them. Now, get a very sharp fillet knife, we suggest using this German Steel Knife, and clean the fish like any other. But don’t remove all of the meat from the skin. Leave a few millimeters of meat to make Bonita strip trolling baits… Bonita strips are just one of the treasures this fish offers us. Now, you should have two full, skinned fillets. You’ll notice the meat that lies outside the lateral line is much more pinkish than the rest. This is the meat to eat. Carefully remove this pinker meat from the massive bloodline, wash it off and put it on ice. Now you’re ready to make the dip! If you’ve properly bled and cleaned the fish, there’s no need to soak the fillets in milk or anything else that “absorbs” the fishy flavor. In fact, you can eat the Bonita as sashimi. It’s not bad. A bit like blackfin, but somewhat “tinnier.” But the absolute best way to utilize the meat is in the smoker, bar-non. Here’s what you’ll need to make trash fish into treasure fish. Brine: 25 lbs. clean Bonita fillets 3 cups brown sugar 1 cup sea salt 2 tbs garlic powder 1 tbs black pepper 1 tsp cayenne pepper Dip: smoked Bonita (from 1.25 lbs fresh fillets) 1 lb. cream cheese 2 tsp paprika 2 tsp fresh dill 2 fresh jalapenos 4 tbs fresh green onion (scallions) 1 lemon salt and pepper to taste crackers, pita or plantain chips   Brine your fillets overnight (or at least 3 hours minimum) by mixing up all the brine ingredients in a bowl, then placing a layer on the bottom of a casserole dish. Put the fillets on top of that layer, then cover with the remaining mix and put it in the fridge. Once your fillets are ready, remove them from the now liquid brine and wash them off. Fire up your smoker, aiming at 175 degrees. You’ll want to smoke your Bonita fillets for at least two to three hours depending on thickness. The longer you smoke it, the better the flavor. Once out of the smoker, let it cool off for a bit while you start preparing your dip mix. If you have a food processor, get it out and put your soft cream cheese in. Begin mixing your cream cheese, while crumbling in your smoked Bonita. Then, add your paprika, the juice of half a lemon, salt and pepper and mix. Once well mixed, remove from the processor and put your dip in a large bowl. Here, you’ll need to mix in the fresh herbs. Add your green onion and fresh dill and fold them into the dip, adding the other half of the lemon juice. Dust the dip with some paprika… Sprinkle some fresh green onion atop… Put your dip into the fridge for an hour or so… Slice up your jalapenos and get your pita ready. You can tell your guests they’re eating smoked tuna dip. They’ll never know the difference. Enjoy!

If You Love Bacon and Ceviche, This Killer Sinuglaw Recipe Is For You No matter if you’ve loaded up the freezer with yellowfin this spring, or you’re still slaying the blackfin now, this tuna Sinuglaw recipe is a must try. While it tastes best with fresh caught tuna, you can thaw out any tuna you already have to prepare this smoky, fatty, and tart dish in a jiff. But… Since there’s no replacement for fresh caught tuna, you may need to head offshore to catch some… and It’s well worth it! Here’s how we catch ‘em: We troll a five-line spread of Tuna Darts. Four lines on the riggers and one shotgun. We put the short rigger lines back 75 and 100 feet, with the long riggers out 150 and 200 feet. Our shotgun line goes waaaay back. At least 300 feet, and we troll for tuna at 6-7 kts. Keep your eyes on the skies and find the birds. Chances are, that’s where the tuna will be. Try to stay ahead of the birds (don’t run through them) and watch that shotgun line. It’s usually the first to get bit. Now, both blackfin and yellowfin tuna love to strike these Tuna Darts, so be sure your fish box is loaded with ice before you head out. Alright…  now that you’ve loaded up the box with tuna, it’s time to head in and make some Sinuglaw. What is Sinuglaw? Sinuglaw is an Asian cousin to ceviche. It’s a combination of pork belly (or thick cut bacon) and vinegar-cured fish with fresh veggies and herbs. But unlike ceviche, the addition of pork in Sinuglaw offers you a much more savory bite. While there are quite a few ingredients in Sinuglaw, you’ll see it’s actually pretty easy to make. Here’s what you’ll need to make enough for four people. ½ pound of fresh yellowfin or blackfin tuna, cut into squares ½ pound grilled pork belly or thick cut bacon ½ cup white vinegar ½ cup coconut milk 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon lime juice 2 tablespoons sliced red onion 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped 1 cup diced cucumber, skin removed ¼ cup tomatoes, cut into small pieces 1 medium avocado, peeled and diced 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger ¼ cup fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon lemon, or lime zest Sea salt and pepper to taste Since Sinuglaw is a cold dish, you’ll want to cook your pork belly first, then refrigerate it. But don’t overcook it, you’ll want plenty of that savory, salty fat to pull it all together. In a large bowl, toss your raw, fresh tuna with the white vinegar and a little bit of sea salt and pepper. Mix it up good and place it in the fridge for at least 2 to 3 hours. The longer the tuna sits in the vinegar, the more it “cooks.” As your tuna is curing in the fridge, get another bowl and stir together the coconut milk, lime juice, onion, jalapeno, fish sauce and ginger. Once your tuna is ready, remove it from the vinegar mix and add it to a serving bowl. Now pour the coconut milk mix in, and top the fish with your cooked pork belly, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, and cilantro. Toss it all together, zest with lemon or lime and enjoy! Now, if you aren’t catching enough tuna to make this dish, you’re using the wrong lures. We suggest trying our Tuna Darts, because like we said earlier, the yellowfin and blackfin can’t resist ‘em.