Inshore Fishing 201

There’s a bigger picture here, and you’re a part of it.

Meet your instructor for this course and the overarching inshore resource that is LAFB.

Critical instructions for shortening the learning curve and getting the most out of this course.

Let’s manage expectations so we are all on the same sheet of music.

How is Inshore Fishing 101 different from a course like this one?

What you learn here will transform you as an angler (if you are willing to practice it).

Let’s go over the “big three” of fishing line and why you should use ALL of them.

Not terribly important, but nice to know.

Understanding how mono is made gives you an insight into its characteristics.

Mono is so good for specific techniques because it possesses characteristics other fishing lines do not.

What is monofilament best used for in inshore fishing in Louisiana?

Of course the Japanese would come up with this fishing line, right?

FC is also extruded, but its chemical makeup is not identical to monofilament.

Because of its density, fluorocarbon offers advantages in certain styles of fishing that help you catch more trout and redfish.

I use fluorocarbon a lot. Here’s how it will serve you best.

Spoiler alert: no one knows.

Braided fishing line actually isn’t all the same.

Sure, it doesn’t stretch, but these other things make braid a good choice for specific applications.

Typically used as an all-purpose fishing line, braid has specific applications where it works better than other lines.

Don’t be a baitcaster hater, it’s a genuinely awesome tool that does catch more fish.

It gives you more abilities! What’s better than that?

Let’s go over all the features of a baitcaster and demystify their function.

What’s too long? Too short? Why one over the other?

The most misunderstood part of a baitcaster that, when tuned, will turn you into a casting machine.

Why bearings aren’t THAT important (and the ways in which they are).

Various spool sizes exist for a reason (bigger isn’t always better).

There are different gear ratios for different types of fishing. Here’s how to choose the one that best fits your needs!

See exactly what this is and what it does.

Drag isn’t as important as you think, but understanding how it works is key.

You don’t want a clunker, but you don’t want a reel that will break in a couple years, either.

Your hand is unique, and the shape of the reel will determine how well it performs in your hand.

These are other features to consider when finding a baitcaster that’s perfect for you.

A few baitcasters you ought to consider to get you started plus where you can buy to save your hard earned money.

Not sure what the differences are between this and a spinning rod? See them here.

We’re not building rods here, but these are the things you need to be looking at in order to make a good decision for the angler who matters: you.

Is one better than the other?

Why have a split grip?

Not all reel seats are created equally. Consider these features.

What’s the big deal with micro guides?

Another guide type you should know about.

The skinny on hook keepers, so you can find the one that best fits your needs and style of fishing.

Placement isn’t always uniform, so where should the hook keeper go?

Some recommendations to get your started.

Have something to ask or to add? Post it here.

Casting performance begins with how line is spooled. Here’s how to do it right the first time.

Everyone is unique, but palming a reel like this has its performance advantages.

You should begin learning how to use a baitcaster with the tension knob tuned like this.

Once you build your casting skill, you can loosen up that tension knob to really zing lures.

Tuning your reel’s brakes properly only improves your casting performance. Here’s how.

Preventing this inconvenience begins with understanding how it happens in the first place.

Doesn’t matter who you are, backlash is inevitable. Here’s how to quickly remove it and resume making quality casts.

Overhead casting is for the birds, this technique will enable you to get lures where a popping cork can’t go.

Not often utilized in inshore fishing, this casting technique is still good to know and practice.

Let’s describe what skipping is and how it’s important to you.

The tackle you need to begin skipping lures.

Here’s the technique of skipping, how to do it, and the finer points of gaining this skill.

Isn’t live bait better? LOL No.

These terms are used interchangeably throughout IF201 and it’s important you are intimate with their difference.

Another term you ought to know, because some artificial lures are to presented in a very particular way compared to others.

Hands down the most versatile lure for catching speckled trout and redfish.

Redfish or trout?

What are the best fishing conditions for throwing a jig?

Because the jig is so versatile, there are many ways it can be presented to fish.

You really need to do this correctly, it will count on the days fish aren’t biting so easy.

This is a style of presenting a jig that enables you to catch fish that cannot be caught with other tackle (or won’t bite).

See why fish love this presentation so much.

Step by step instructions on how to fish the Pontchartrain Pop, so easy that a caveman can do it.

Just like other baits in IF201, this one has its own special traits to create special presentations.

Do you have all three in your tackle box?

Maybe not something you want to feed to redfish.

For what conditions should you tie one on?

Hint: it’s not an idiot bait.

Remember the fishing line section? This is where it makes a difference.

Again, not an idiot bait.

You should take time to see how it responds underwater so you know what you are giving the fish (and learn what they like).

You can change how a jerkbait is presented to fish using these tips.

Swimbaits should be a staple in your tackle box, especially for Louisiana’s grassy marsh.

You definitely want to feed these to redfish!

There’s a lot out there, so here are some that are proven to catch fish.

Which swim hooks are the best? This video shows you exactly that in detail.

This is how you get the swimbait to swim correctly and not get snagged.

When should you absolutely throw a swimbait?

Here’s some suggestions on how to make that bait as appetizing as possible.

Catch more fish when you cover more water.

There are several styles, but only one rules the roost.

Believe it or not, freshwater trolling motors can be an option for inshore anglers. Here’s why.

Learn how the shape of the LU affects performance in Louisiana’s marsh.

12v, 24v or 36v?

Shop in these places to save $$$ when buying a trolling motor.