Salt's Fault

Coastal Carolina Fishing Calendar 2024

Jul 26, 2024 | 2 min read

North Carolina’s coast offers year-round fishing, but knowing what’s biting when makes all the difference. Here’s your month-by-month guide.

January — February

Inshore: Redfish (schools in creeks), Speckled Trout (deep holes), Black Drum Nearshore: Black Sea Bass, Tautog (wrecks/reefs) Offshore: Wahoo, Blackfin Tuna (Gulf Stream)

Best Bets: Creek fishing for redfish on warm afternoons. Slow-troll live bait for trout in deep holes.

March — April

Inshore: Flounder (returning), Redfish, Speckled Trout, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel Nearshore: Cobia (arriving), King Mackerel, Amberjack Offshore: Mahi, Wahoo, Blackfin, Yellowfin Tuna

Best Saltwater Spinning Reels Under $200 (2024)

Jul 26, 2024 | 3 min read

Saltwater eats gear. Sand, salt, and big fish destroy cheap reels fast. But you don’t need a $500 reel to catch fish. We tested 12 reels under $200 on the beach, in the bay, and offshore. Here are the 5 that survived.

1. Penn Battle III 4000 — Best Overall

Price: ~$150 | Weight: 12.3 oz | Max Drag: 15 lbs

The Battle III is the gold standard for a reason. Full metal body, HT-100 drag washers, and 5+1 stainless bearings. We’ve landed 30+ lb redfish, 40 lb cobia, and countless snook on this reel. It just works.

Best Saltwater Fishing Gear for Beginners (2024 Guide)

Jul 26, 2024 | 2 min read

Saltwater fishing is one of the most rewarding outdoor activities, but it requires the right gear. We’ve tested dozens of rods, reels, and tackle to bring you the best starter kit for 2024.

Why Gear Matters in Saltwater

Saltwater is brutal on gear. Corrosion, stronger fish, and harsh conditions mean your freshwater gear won’t last. Here’s what you actually need.

Rods: The Foundation

Best All-Around: St. Croix Mojo Salt

• Price: ~$180
• Action: Fast
• Power: Medium-Heavy
• Why: Incredible sensitivity, lifetime warranty, handles 15-30lb line

Budget Pick: Ugly Stik GX2 Saltwater

• Price: ~$60
• Action: Medium-Fast
• Power: Medium-Heavy
• Why: Virtually indestructible, great for beginners

Reels: Where You Should Spend

Spinning: Penn Battle III

• Sizes: 3000-5000
• Drag: HT-100 carbon fiber
• Why: Sealed bearings, incredible value

Conventional: Shimano Torium

• Sizes: 8-16
• Drag: Cross Carbon Drag
• Why: Bulletproof, smooth, handles big fish

Essential Tackle

Safety Essentials

Don’t forget: