Fishing Secrets
The Best Pliers for Saltwater Fishing [2023]
As someone who's spent countless hours on the water, I can confidently say that fishing pliers are an indispensable piece of saltwater gear. Names like Van Staal and Danco come up frequently in discussions about the best fishing tools, and there's a reason for that. But it's not just about having a fancy tool on hand—it's about having the right tool for the job when you're out there on the water.
Whether you're a casual weekend warrior chasing reds in the flats or a pro testing your skills against tarpon and snook, let's dive into the real reasons why you always want to have some trusty pliers stashed in your tackle box.
Ninja Tackle's Dagger Fishing Rod Strikes with Precision
Must-Have Fishing Rods for 2023
Reel Talk: 6 Types of Fishing Reels
If there's one thing I've learned from my many years spent waist-deep in river water or miles offshore, it's that fishing isn't just about how well you can cast or how patiently you can wait. It's about knowing your gear, understanding what works when, and being as familiar with your tackle as you are with the smell of your old, trusty, probably-should-have-been-thrown-out-years-ago fishing boots.
Now, speaking of things that have been around for a while, let's talk about fishing reels. There are six main types of fishing reels you should know about: spincasting, spinning, baitcasting, conventional, fly, and electric reels.
The Best Colors for Lures in Muddy or Clear Waters
Sneak Up on Your Next Catch with Ninja Tackle Rigs
Fishing Footwear FAQ: Which Shoes/Boots/Sandals to Wear?
Inshore Fishing Tackle Spotlight: Yo-Zuri Lures
Surf Fishing: Choosing a Pompano Rig
Surf fishing is an exciting and rewarding activity for both novice and experienced anglers. As you prepare to hit the beach and cast your line into the surf, one crucial aspect to consider is selecting the perfect pompano rig. Let us guide you through the process of choosing a pompano rig that suits your needs, helping you achieve surf fishing mastery.
Understanding Pompano Rigs
A pompano rig, also known as a double dropper rig or a high-low rig, is a popular setup for surf fishing. This rig typically consists of two hooks spaced out along the leader line and a weight at the bottom to hold it steady in the surf. Floats or beads are often added above the hooks to attract the fish, and the bait is then attached. Pompano rigs are designed to present the bait effectively, allowing you to catch more fish during your surf fishing adventure.
Frisky Fins Pompano Rigs

$5.99
Hand tied using 20lb fluorocarbon, 2/0 circle hooks, sparkle beads, high quality swivel and weight snap. Perfect for soaking a bait off the beach or pier.… read more
Choosing the Right Hooks and Leader Material
Selecting the right hooks and leader material is crucial for a successful Pompano rig. Hand-colored Eagle Claw circle hooks are popular among anglers because of their effectiveness in hooking fish and their minimal impact on fish survival rates.
With their near-invisibility underwater, Fluorocarbon leaders make an excellent choice as they will not spook the fish, increasing your chances of a successful catch.
Attracting Pompano with Floats and Clickers
Floats and clickers can be highly effective in attracting pompano to your rig. Custom-made floats with a UV hard coat, like those offered by Salty's Pompano Rigs, are designed to be highly visible to fish and can stimulate their curiosity. Shrimp clickers mimic the sound of shrimp, one of the pompano's favorite food sources, further increasing the chances of attracting this desirable fish species.
Salty's Pompano Rigs

$5.99
Custom made floats with UV hard coat and shrimp clickers. Includes hand colored Eagle Claw circle hooks with extra long fluorocarbon leader.… read more
Selecting the Right Bait
Choosing the right bait is an essential component of a successful pompano rig. Sand fleas and shrimp are among the most popular bait choices for pompano. Using an Angler's Fish N' Mate Sand Flea Rake, you can easily collect sand fleas from the beach, providing fresh, live bait that is irresistible to pompano. Alternatively, fresh or frozen shrimp can also be used effectively.
Get Your Gear Today
Achieving surf fishing mastery requires careful consideration and selection of the ideal pompano rig to maximize your chances of success. By understanding the various components of a pompano rig, such as the hooks, leader material, floats, clickers, and bait, you can create an effective setup tailored to your specific needs. Don't forget to explore the exclusive color options offered by Salty's Pompano Rigs only at Beach Bum Outdoors to add a unique touch to your rig. With the right pompano rig in hand, you'll be well on your way to a rewarding and successful surf fishing experience.
Why You Should Try Redbone Fishing Rods
The smell of fresh salt air, the sound of water gently lapping against the hull of your boat, and (hopefully) the thrill of a monster fish tugging on your line—there's nothing quite like a day spent fishing.
But if you're like me, you've spent countless hours at the tackle shop trying out different fishing gear, always seeking out a balance of durability, reliability, and performance. It's that never-ending quest for the right equipment that can make all the difference between an average fishing trip and a truly memorable one.
Fillet Knife vs Boning Knife: The Battle of the Blades
Alright, let's talk fishing knives. When you're out on the water, casting lines and reeling in those trophy catches, you need the right tools to clean and prep your fish.
We've all witnessed those fishing newbies who think they can make do with any old blade. Yeah, I'm talking about the ones wielding pocket knives or—even worse—butter knives. (No kidding, I've seen it all.)
So today, we’re going to tackle the differences between fillet knives and boning knives. We'll evaluate what they do best, weigh the pros and cons of each, and ultimately determine which one emerges as the true champion in the world of fishing tools.
Let’s cut to the chase—pun intended—and learn just about everything there is to know about these two contenders, as we put them to the test in our quest for the ultimate angler's companion.
Comparing NLBN Lures to Live Bait: Which One Wins?
Welcome to Beach Bum Outdoors, where we aim to inspire anglers of all ages and skill levels to Catch the Experience. We pride ourselves in providing a carefully curated range of products and services to cater to the unique needs of our customers. Today, we'll compare No Live Bait Needed (NLBN) lures to live bait to determine the winner in the ultimate fishing challenge.
As passionate anglers, we know that the right equipment can make all the difference in making the most of your fishing experience. That's why we offer a wide range of fishing tackle that is tried and tested by expert fishermen. Let's get into the details on some of the best NLBN products and their advantages over live bait.
Portable Powerhouses: St. Croix Triumph Travel Rods
If you're an angler worth your salt, you're probably painfully familiar with the age-old struggle of finding the perfect travel companion for your angling adventures away from home.
Well, ponder no more—St. Croix Triumph rods are here to save the day (and your vacation) with its 4-piece design, exceptional performance, and unbeatable value. Allow me to wax eloquent about this travel rod that'll have you reeling in triumph—puns very much intended.
Grand Opening: Beach Bum Outdoors in Gulf Shores!
Van Staal vs Shimano Stella SW: A Reel-to-Reel Comparison
Surf Fishing 101: Tackle, Rigs, and Tips for Beginners
Surf fishing is an awesome way to spend time outdoors—soaking up the sun, feeling the warm sand beneath your feet, and enjoying the sound of crashing waves while catching fish right off the shoreline or wading into the surf. If you're a fisherman who also loves hanging out at the beach, what could be better?
In this beginner’s guide, I'll cover everything you need to know to have a great day surf fishing. I’ll go over all the essential tackle you'll need to bring along, including rods, reels, and various accessories, to make sure you're well-prepared for a day of fun and excitement.
Upgrade Your Fishing Arsenal with a Van Staal Reel
The Complete Sand Flea Bait Guide: Rigging, Collecting, Storing, & Tips
A well-chosen bait can mean the difference between an uneventful day of fishing—and a memorable one filled with impressive catches. Understanding the preferences and natural diets of your target fish species is essential for maximizing your chances of success in angling.
While many anglers opt for traditional choices such as baitfish and artificial lures, there's a secret weapon among surf fishermen that deserves a bit more attention. I’m talking about sand fleas.
These small crustaceans, also known as mole crabs, are found along sandy beaches—and they’re favored by a variety of game fish.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive into the nuances of using sand fleas for bait, the types of fishing they're best for, the game fish that can't resist them, and the most effective ways to catch sand fleas—including using a sand flea rake.
Essential Apparel & Accessories for Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing offers a captivating, immersive experience of the great outdoors that attracts enthusiasts and newcomers alike. To create unforgettable memories and enjoy pleasurable moments, it's essential to sport appropriate attire and gear that cater to your needs in terms of comfort, protection, and utility.
Whether you're a seasoned angler or just dipping your toes into inshore fishing, our comprehensive exploration of various wearables and accessories ensures you are well-equipped to make the most of your aquatic adventures.
From headwear to footwear, allow us to guide you in selecting the prime items tailored specifically for your inshore fishing expedition, so you can focus on reeling in the catch of a lifetime.
Sheepshead Fishing The Jetties In Orange Beach, Alabama
Today we join Bearded Brad and AnglerUp With Brant as they fish the jetties for sheepshead at Orange Beach, Alabama. Although the trek down to the jetties can be challenging, our adventurous anglers are well-prepared with live shrimp and various rigs to maximize their chances of catching some impressive fish.
It's the perfect time of year for sheepshead to gather around the end of these jetties. Using the Frisky Fin Sheepshead Jig and Carolina Rigs, Bearded Brad and Brant cast their lines out, hoping for a successful day of fishing.