Inshore vs Offshore Fishing: An Expert’s Guide for Beginners for 2025

Inshore vs Offshore Fishing: An Expert’s Guide for Beginners for 2025 Reading Time: 5 minutes

The ocean is a large place, and we anglers typically divide it between inshore vs offshore fishing. Both terms are part geographical reference and part divisions in fishing styles. This leads to some huge differences between fishing in these areas, although there can be some overlap… 

Photo courtesy of Pole Dancer Fishin’ Charters

In this article, I’ll talk you through the differences and similarities when it comes to techniques, gear, species, and much more. Ready to see whether you want to make a splash inshore or take a full-on dive into offshore fishing? Read on to learn about nuanced differences between these two styles of pursuing the oceans’ greatest species!

Differences Between Inshore and Offshore Fishing

The primary differences between inshore and offshore fishing are the distance and depth. In terms of distance, inshore waters are typically within 10–15 miles of the shoreline, while offshore waters are further than this distance. 

But that’s not all. When water depths exceed 30 meters, it’s also considered offshore. There are instances where deep waters run close to the shoreline, and this blurs the lines between inshore and offshore. There are also cases where long flats and shallow waters exceed the 15-mile range. In most cases, however, the 15-mile and 30-meter depth rules apply.

Watercraft Suitable for Inshore and Offshore Fishing

Photo courtesy of Common Sense Sportfishing

The watercraft used by local anglers often dictates whether they fish offshore or inshore. Pangas, skiffs, and bay boats are frequently used for inshore fishing. They’re lighter and can run shallow while using a single or dual motor system. These boats are designed for shorter distances and will stay within the normal 10–15 miles of shore.

Offshore watercraft are entirely different, with larger motors, fuel storage, and deep hull designs that can run long distances. You can cover hundreds of miles on many of these vessels, and they require advanced navigation and skill to operate in open ocean waters. These boats can also operate in nearshore waters with enough depth. It’s not uncommon to see them on deep drop-offs within sight of the shoreline, but many will also run offshore for days and weeks with full cabins.

Ultimately, whether you go inshore or offshore fishing will be dictated by the capabilities of your vessel.

Inshore vs Offshore Fishing Techniques

If you’re new to fishing, you might think that it’s all the same. But fishing techniques change between water types – although they can overlap. It all depends on where, when, and how you’re fishing. You might find a big Marlin on shallow water rigs while fishing offshore under the right circumstances. However, y might also find them inshore!

While there’s quite a bit of variability in fish migration and travel patterns, the differences between inshore vs offshore environments are often defined by the gear and techniques used. 

Casting Lures and Jigging

Photo courtesy of Off the Hook Charters – Blue Runner

Casting and retrieving lures is more common inshore, but offshore anglers will cast when bait balls and fish are visible near the surface. Jigging and vertical fishing techniques are also used in both scenarios, but the gear and rigging will vary between them. 

You can drop any weighted jig inshore to reach the bottom on regular gear. However, you’ll want a stiff rod capable of landing large fish. For offshore, getting your rigs to several hundred feet in depth calls for electric reels, heavy weights, and even lights added to the rigs. Big Grouper, Snapper, and other bottom-dwelling fish are common targets. 

The concepts remain the same for jigging and bottom fishing. You’re working to fish in a vertical manner. It’s just the rigging that changes to reach the bottom at different depths.

Trolling Techniques

Photo courtesy of BC Coastal Fishing

This is one of the most common approaches in both inshore and offshore fishing. You can troll shallow or deep, depending on the situation. Running topwater and shallow teasers to find fish is a great way to troll in fish-rich waters. Planers and downriggers are also great for reaching deeper waters.

The key to successful trolling is knowing the bottom structure and places that attract fish. Nearshore is much easier because structure is easier to find. You can troll around a barrier island, along cliffsides, and other easily identifiable structures.

For deeper trolling, rig a planer or downrigger to set depth. When a fish is hooked, the line separates from the heavy weight to allow for playing the fish. I love fishing planers because they’re simple and they allow you to easily drop bait rigs. Downriggers are also great, especially for running along a shelf or drop-off.

Inshore vs Offshore Species

Photo courtesy of Missin’ Link Outdoors

Inshore species include Snapper, Grouper, Bass, Halibut, Striped Bass, Redfish, and other species that focus on structure and tides to feed in creeks and flats. Speaking of flats, Bonefish, Tarpon, and Permit are favorites there. Barracuda, Snook, Seatrout, and Jack Crevalle also love these inshore waters. Wherever you find structure, fish also follow!

There’s an overlap in inshore and offshore fishing with species like Snapper, Grouper, and Mackerel, as with Halibut. However, these are all bottom feeders that are common enough inshore. Offshore species that you can find inshore on occasion include Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna, and even Sailfish, and these usually bite towards the top of the water column. 

Species like Tuna are generally offshore game, as are Marlin. Meanwhile, serious deep-water creatures like Swordfish and Tilefish are exclusively found offshore. You’ll need to go deep sea fishing in serious depths to hook some of those monsters! 

What’s Better – Inshore or Offshore Fishing?

Photo courtesy of Captain Mike’s – Lucky Strike

There really isn’t a better option. Offshore fishing is exciting because of the range available and the overall possibilities. It’s also more involved and expensive. You can fish inshore from a kayak on a budget, but the offshore game comes with a higher overhead in terms of electronics, vessels, fuel, and equipment.

Inshore fishing is more accessible, but that can also mean more competition for hotspots. Offshore limits the pool of other anglers, but that also comes at a cost. In my opinion, both inshore and offshore fishing are worth pursuing. It’s a life-long game of learning, exploring, and chasing new species in different waters by fishing both options.

Inshore vs Offshore Fishing FAQs

What is considered offshore and inshore?

Offshore fishing is loosely defined as casting in waters in the 10–15-mile range or greater from shore, at depths of 30 meters or more. Inshore is everything within those boundaries.

How far offshore is still inshore?

It depends on the depth and environment, but 15 miles is the general rule. If shallow waters extend past this point before dropping into the deep and are reachable by inshore watercraft, it may still be categorized as inshore.

How far will you travel offshore?

Photo courtesy of Tails Up Offshore Fishing Charters

It doesn’t matter if you’re fishing within sight of the shoreline or a hundred miles out, fishing is almost always fun! I spend most of my time inshore because it’s accessible and requires less planning to a degree. I can pop out and cruise home when the weather turns. Going offshore is more involved, but the feeling of possibility in the open ocean is hard to beat. If you love the water, take an offshore trip.

Do you prefer inshore or offshore fishing? We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments below!

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