Outdoor Blog

Inshore vs Offshore Fishing: Everything You Need to Know

Published

4 years ago

July 24, 2021

Most people think that inshore and offshore fishing are more similar than different, but that’s not true.

There are lots of differences that separate inshore and offshore fishing. Not only the location of where you are, but the type of fish and type of bait are different as well. All the differences do depend on where you are in relation to the shore.

What is Inshore Fishing?

Inshore fishing takes place between zero and nine miles away from the shore in order to be considered inshore fishing. Also, the depth of the water should be anywhere up to 100 feet deep.

Fly fishing is one of the varieties of inshore fishing.

Because of how close to the shore you are, inshore fishing is much calmer than offshore fishing. The water isn’t near as intense as it can be when offshore fishing. Inshore fishing is most popular in freshwater lakes and rivers.

What is Offshore Fishing?

Often referred to as deep-sea fishing, offshore fishing is when you’re more than nine miles away from shore. Most of the time, offshore fishing takes place about 20 or 30 miles out. When you go offshore fishing, you need to dedicate the whole day to it.

It can take anywhere between half a day to two days to reach the right area to fish it. You also need a lot more equipment to go deep-sea fishing than you do when inshore fishing.

Main Differences

Here are the main differences between inshore and offshore fishing:

Fishing boats
Type of bait
Species of fish
Weather and time of year
Expense
Equipment
Attention required

Fishing Boats

The type of boat that you will need to go offshore fishing is a big game fishing boat. You’ll need to get out deep into the sea or lake you’re on, so the boat needs lots of fuel and speed. Most people who go deep-sea fishing will charter a boat so they don’t have to buy a boat.

Most beaches have companies that will take you deep sea fishing. You shouldn’t go deep sea fishing if you get seasick easily because it can get quite rocky out there, and while the boat is bigger than regular fishing boats, it’s not big enough to not rock with the waves.

Inshore fishing boats are a little bit more lowkey than offshore fishing boats. These boats are smaller, but they are very fast. You can use a motorboat, or you can use a boat that doesn’t have a motor like a rowboat, canoe, or kayak. This usually depends on where you want to stay. A motorboat would be better for rivers because you can stay in one spot instead of going with the current.

Type of Bait

When offshore fishing, you definitely need to use heavy bait. The fish are much bigger the deeper the water is, so it’s important to have bait that suits the type of fish that you’re catching. Live bait works, but dead bait is usually best. Definitely don’t use fake bait for this type of fishing because the smell of real bait will be what attracts them.

Inshore fishing is a bit more relaxed when it comes to the kind of bait you need. You obviously can’t use super big bait because the fish won’t be as big, but light tackle is very inexpensive. You can use live or dead and real or fake. Some people even make their own fake worms using plastic resin and natural plastic. Also, you can reuse them!

Species of Fish

The types of fish that you catch are one of the biggest differences between the two types of fishing. When deep-sea fishing, you’re going to catch larger fish, like wahoo, amberjack, marlin, and tuna. You can also catch sharks! Some other fish that you might snag while offshore fishing is tarpon, kingfish, cobia, and mahi-mahi.

Flounder fish are very common catches in shallow water.

The fish you catch when inshore fishing is much smaller in size. However, you’re more likely to catch more fish when inshore fishing than you are when offshore fishing. Some fish that you’ll catch when inshore fishing is snapper, snook, redfish, flounder, and striped bass. Some other fish that you could catch are speckled trout and grouper.

Weather and Time of Year

Offshore fishing can sometimes be heavily disrupted by the weather and season. Fish behavior is much different when it’s raining or storming, so it’s much harder to gauge what the fish are going to do. Significant weather like that can also affect the sonar technology used when offshore fishing, so you should try to pick a chartering company that will work with you if the weather is rough on the day you picked.

Inshore fishing is a lot easier to do in the rain than offshore fishing. It’s also much more consistent throughout the year than deep-sea fishing. Smaller fish don’t care as much about the weather as big fish, so you don’t have to worry about them changing their patterns when the weather acts up. They also don’t care what time of year it is.

Expense

It’s very possible to rack up a big bill when planning an offshore fishing trip. Everything about them is incredibly expensive. They require very heavy-duty equipment that you might not want to buy because you don’t go deep-sea fishing super often.

So, you rent a fishing charter to take you out to sea, and those are not cheap at all. You should be careful and mindful of the price you’re paying so you’re not getting cheated out of a good experience because you spent so much money.

On the other hand, inshore fishing is a lot less expensive. You might also have to charter a boat if you don’t have one, but you could also rent kayaks or canoes. You won’t be using all of the equipment that offshore fishing uses, so you don’t need to worry about finding any of that. You can also just skip a boat altogether and fish off a pier if you wanted to.

Equipment

Many people use sonar, GPS, and fishing tracking equipment when offshore fishing. Everything about offshore fishing is just bigger than inshore fishing. The fishing poles that you need to use will have to be a lot sturdier because they need to catch bigger fish.

You can’t just use the same pole that you catch redfish with because there’s a massive difference in size. Inshore fishing is much more lowkey. You can use any kind of fishing rod that you want because the fish don’t require one that’s super thick.

You’ll still probably need to use a fish tracking device while inshore fishing because it will help you catch the most fish.

Attention Required

When deep-sea fishing, you can actually walk away from your fishing pole. This is one of the main reasons why it’s very popular for bachelor parties. Offshore fishing usually means that you catch fewer fish, therefore you don’t need to hover over your pole.

You obviously still need to be paying some attention to your pole so you don’t miss your chance on a prize marlin or shark, but you can take your eye off your fishing reel for a few minutes here and there until it’s a spinning reel. With inshore fishing, you’re more likely to be catching lots of fish.

You need to be paying lots of attention to your fishing reel. You also can’t necessarily walk away from your rod if you’re on a kayak. Fishing should probably be the main thing on your mind when inshore fishing.

Fishing Rods and Reels

There are specific fishing rods meant for saltwater fishing. If you’re interested in getting your own saltwater fishing rod, you should check out what Amazon has to offer. If you’re more interested in inshore fishing, you should get a lighter rod that has a spinning reel. You’ll also use a lighter line when inshore fishing.

Types of Fishing

The main types of fishing are:

Fly fishing
Trolling
Drifting
Still fishing
Dock fishing
Popping

Fly Fishing

Many people think of fly fishing as an art form. Everything about fly fishing depends on the variety of fish that you’re trying to catch. Fly fishing got its name because the bait used is called fly bait. There are three different kinds of flies: nymphs, streamers, and dry flies.

Dry flies are the most common kind of fly, and they sit on top of the water to imitate a fly. Nymphs mimic water invertebrates by floating just under the surface of the water. Streamers copy the behavior of leeches or other aquatic life.

Water conditions, type of fish, and location all impact which flies you should use. The final huge difference between fly fishing and regular fishing is the way that you cast the line. You should let out about a rod and a half of line by casting the rod behind you and letting go until you have the perfect length. If done correctly, the fish should think that a fly or bug has landed on the surface of the water.

Trolling

Trolling usually works best in a motorboat. When trolling, you’re essentially pulling the hooked lure behind you in a moving boat. It doesn’t matter how many lines you have in the water at a time because the point of this fishing method is to trick the fish into thinking that the bait is swimming through the water.

There are several different ways to do the trolling method. The most common type of fish that you’ll catch when trolling depends on where you’re fishing and the type of equipment you use. However, don’t be surprised if you catch barracuda, wahoo, and kingfish when saltwater fishing.

When trolling in freshwater, you’ll most likely catch sturgeon, bass, and walleye. The main thing that you should remember when trolling is that speed is of the essence.

Drifting

When drifting, you usually let the boat that you’re using move with the current of the water over different fish habitats. The depth of your bait doesn’t matter when drift fishing. Natural bait works the best when drift fishing; however, lures and jigs work just as well too.

Drifting also works best on ponds, lakes, and rivers because the water is a little bit calmer than the ocean. You don’t want to be caught up in severe waves when drifting. You’ll need to have a weight on the end of your line to ensure that it’s near the bottom of the water.

The most common kinds of saltwater fish caught when drifting are mahi-mahi, kingfish, and redfish. If you’re in a motorboat, you can leave the motor on very low to ensure that you’re moving if the current is too weak to actually move you around the water.

Still Fishing

This is the simplest method of fishing, but it can have very good results. It’s what most people think of when they think of fishing. All you have to do is put your bait in the water and wait for a fish to bite it. It catches the most fish because it can be done from everywhere. You can still fish from a boat, jetty, shore, or dock.

You can also still fish in any depth, but it works best in shallow water or deep water. You also need to use a bobber or float to make it easier to fish in shallow water. In deeper water, you should use weights on your line to make the bait go deeper.

Dock Fishing

Dock fishing is a type of inshore fishing that doesn’t require a boat or the expenses that come with it.

Dock fishing is just like it sounds; you’re just fishing from a dock. You’ll obviously be catching inshore fish because docks don’t go out super far into the water. You’ll probably catch spotted bass, flounder, and snook.

Popping

Pop fishing is often referred to as one of the most exciting methods of fishing. You get to be more in the action of fishing. You pop fish by using a lure called a popper along the surface in quick fetching motions. The popper jumps across the water and makes a sound that pops.

You need more of a long-distance rod to pop fish correctly. You’ll definitely need the popper lure because it’s what gives the fishing method its name. The type of fish that you catch when popping is tuna, kingfish, and striped bass. There are also specific charters that specialize in pop fishing.

Conclusion

Whichever type of fishing you try, there are several differences between the two. You can try both kinds and decide which you like best. Offshore fishing is a bit more expensive and you catch less fish. However, you won’t catch a once-in-a-lifetime fish when inshore fishing. Both kinds have their advantages, so it just depends on which you enjoy the most.

Outdoor Blog

How to Take Your Own Internet to Outdoor Events

Published

2 weeks ago

October 18, 2025

Jonas Muthoni

You’ve got the permits, the lineup, the stage design, and the crowd — but when it comes to WiFi, outdoor events can turn from dream festivals to data dead zones in minutes. Reliable connectivity is now as essential as power or sound. Whether it’s a music festival streaming to TikTok, a food fair using mobile POS systems, or a corporate brand activation relying on live dashboards, the internet connection is what keeps the gears turning.

But the truth is this: counting on venue WiFi at a large outdoor event is a gamble. Hundreds of devices fighting for the same bandwidth can jam up the signal before the headliner gets on stage. Public networks only have one backhaul connection, so your production crew, security cameras, and vendors could all be fighting with concert-goers streaming YouTube in the crowd.

So, if your aspiration is to keep the event chugging along like clockwork, the genius move is to bring your own internet — designed specifically for the occasion, private, and controlled by your event staff.

Why Venue WiFi Fails When Crowds Arrive

Let’s start with the numbers. According to Cisco’s 2024 Annual Internet Report, the average person now connects four to six devices at live events — phones, wearables, tablets, scanners, and streaming gear. Multiply that by 5,000 or 50,000 people, and you’re looking at a digital traffic jam.

Outdoor locations have a very minimal amount of wired infrastructure. The majority utilize older systems or common fiber links, which were not designed for thousands of users at once. When the signal is over-stretched, latency increases, access points fail, and the network grinds to a halt.

For event organizers, this is not only inconvenient — it’s a safety and revenue gamble. POS terminals won’t work. QR ticket scanners crawl. Even backup communication programs freeze.

The Smarter Solution: Creating Your Own Network

Constructing a stand-alone network for an outside event may seem daunting, but technology has made it relatively achievable. Instead of relying on one provider or tower, professional crews now use several sources of the internet to deliver redundancy and stability.

Outdoor WiFi specialists use multi-carrier cellular bonding, satellite uplinks, and WAN smoothing to keep traffic consistent even when one source is down. It’s a lot like having several water pipes feed one tank — if one pipe gets stopped up, others keep the flow consistent.

The best configuration depends on three variables:

Location: Urban park, remote valley, rooftop, or open desert all have different signal profiles and line-of-sight challenges.
Bandwidth Demand: Are you providing power to a 50-person AV crew or streaming to a million online viewers?
Duration: A day-long music festival versus a week-long brand tour will change the way you plan power, cooling, and redundancy.

Professional crews will often pre-deploy with site surveys — gauging carrier strength, spectrum congestion, and potential sources of interference such as LED walls or nearby broadcast towers.

Lessons from the Field

Outdoor WiFi would be a niche specialty, but in today’s world it’s simply part and parcel of modern event production. In the last decade, TradeShowInternet’s teams have helped support hundreds of big outdoor festivals and corporate activations, and there have been a few hard-won lessons along the way.

There was the time crews climbed a half mile up the flank of a Santa Fe mountain with over 200 pounds of gear to put in a solar-powered relay antenna for Red Bull’s Guinness World Record truck jump. A second assignment involved digging cable trenches through snake country in Los Angeles for Christian Dior’s fashion show.

When Univision taped La Banda on the beach in Miami, technicians climbed a 20-foot truss into a lightning storm to raise antennas. These are probably war stories, but they represent reality: each outdoor location introduces its own wildcards. Wind, weather, terrain, and local RF noise all push the limits of planning.

The lesson? Experience is as important as gear. Knowing when to use additional directional antennas, when to flip to satellite failover, or how to protect a router from 100-degree heat isn’t something you can read in a manual.

The Technical Side: How Redundant Networks Keep Events Alive

This is how seasoned outdoor internet crews engineer reliability into temporary networks:

Multi-Carrier Bonding: Equipment stitches together data from multiple cellular carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) to maximize bandwidth and fill signal gaps.

WAN Smoothing: Packets are duplicated and relayed on secondary paths to prevent noticeable drops or hiccups in live streams.
Satellite Integration: Especially when out at remote sites or in mountain events where cell phone reception is spotty.
5G + LTE Hybrid Units: Combining newer high-bandwidth 5G networks with more predictable LTE offers well-rounded throughput.
Portable Mesh Access Points: Create overlapping areas of WiFi that eliminate dead spots across vast grounds or over tented locations.
Power & Weather Protection: Ranging from Pelican case enclosures to solar power solutions, all of which ensure uptime regardless of adverse weather conditions.

It’s a multi-layer strategy — not one device straining the load, but several working in tandem to handle bandwidth, robustness, and coverage.

Why Your Vendors, AV Staff, and Guests All Need Their Own Network Layer

External events normally have three distinct user communities that require the internet:

Production and AV Personnel – operation of live feeds, mixing panels, lighting, and communications programs.
Vendors and POS Devices – card transaction processing, QR menus, and inventory software.
Guests and Media – posting, uploading, or taking part in brand interaction activity.

Mixing them all on one open WiFi is risky. It provides security vulnerabilities and causes too much congestion. The preferred method is network segmentation, creating separate virtual networks that prioritize mission-critical traffic (production, POS, security cameras) and restrict non-mission-critical use like social browsing.

This is exactly how professional outdoor WiFi & Internet solution companies like TradeShowInternet build event systems. They design bespoke topologies that match the unique demands of every event, whether a food festival, marathon, or big corporate activation.

Budgeting and Planning: What Organizers Should Know

According to EventMB’s 2024 Event Technology Report, 73% of event planners say maintaining a reliable connection is important to attendee happiness, yet less than half have a standalone internet budget in place upfront while planning. That’s a recipe for last-minute scrambling.

For all to run smoothly, the network plan needs to be created alongside stage design and power planning — not an afterthought.

Some planning advice:

Start early: Conduct site surveys at least 30 days ahead of the event.
Prioritize wired backbones: Use fiber or Ethernet in production areas whenever possible.
Segregate guest WiFi: Utilize bandwidth caps or sponsored captive portals to control usage.
Redundancy: Cellular + satellite bonding is well worth the investment for mission-critical space.
Post-event review: Collect performance data to inform next year’s plan.

Real-World Use Cases

Outdoor connectivity is not just for music festivals. It’s a necessity for:

Marathons and triathlons – for timing chips, live maps, and emergency co-ordination.
Outdoor conferences or summits – where executives require office-grade internet to make presentations.
Food truck festivals and markets – all vendors need POS access.
Film and TV productions – production villages rely on low-latency connections for uploads.
Races and motorsport events – telemetry, live scoring, and media streaming.

Each of these environments needs a different trade-off among coverage area, upload speed, and mobility.

Why Experience Matters for Outdoor Internet Installations

Each outdoor location is unique. Trees, humidity, metal buildings, even bodies of water can affect wireless performance. Having individuals who’ve done hundreds of installations means fewer surprises and faster repairs when something unexpected happens.

That’s where TradeShowInternet, a leading outdoor WiFi & Internet solution company, comes in. The company has built up networks on deserts, beaches, helipads, mountain ridges, and pop-up brand villages — keeping organizers, vendors, and AV teams connected wherever the event is hosted.

Outdoor Blog

Outdoor Event WiFi: The New Backbone of Open-Air Experiences

Published

2 weeks ago

October 17, 2025

Jonas Muthoni

A concert in the canyon. A film night under desert stars. A bustling waterfront food festival with 10,000 guests. Across the country, outdoor events are turning parks, coastlines, forests, and fields into memorable destinations. But there’s one service now as essential as power, permits, and porta-potties: outdoor event WiFi.

Whether for ticket scanning, mobile POS systems, sponsor activations, or live-streaming performances, WiFi for outdoor events has become the invisible support that keeps everything running. Without it, payments stall, communication falters, and digital engagement stops.

Why Outdoor Event WiFi Is Mission-Critical

The outdoor events sector, from farmers’ markets to endurance races, is growing quickly. Allied Market Research predicts global festival revenues will exceed $50B by 2030. These venues offer unique charm, but they also pose a challenge: a lack of built-in internet infrastructure.

“Outside doesn’t mean offline,” says Emma Castillo, a production manager for festivals, film nights, and open-air corporate launches. “We rely on temporary internet for outdoor events to manage our security communications, allow vendors to keep selling, and ensure our livestreams don’t drop.”

Cellular service can struggle with the demands of thousands of devices. Some remote locations may not have any service at all. That’s where outdoor event WiFi solutions come in—portable, scalable, and designed for unpredictable weather.

How Outdoor Internet Keeps Events Moving

Today’s outdoor events rely on connectivity in ways that go far beyond letting guests post on social media:

Mobile POS & Cashless Payments – No signal means lost revenue for vendors.
RFID & Access Control – Real-time validation at gates and VIP areas.
Streaming & Social Content – From TikTok reels to sponsor livestreams.
Sponsor Engagement – QR contests, AR activations, and digital signage updates.
Safety & Logistics – Staff communication, emergency alerts, GPS tracking.

A recent Event Manager Blog study found 63% of sponsors now require guaranteed internet access before committing. Attendees want it too; more than half say connectivity is a key factor in their event satisfaction.

Outdoor Event WiFi Solutions in Action: “Lights on the Lake”

In June, the lakeside town of Lakeshore hosted a three-day open-air film festival. The views were stunning, but no wired internet was available, and mobile service barely worked.

The technical crew set up:

Multi-carrier 5G bonding for vendor and guest networks
Long-range weatherproof access points covering the pier and food court
A private secure network for organizers and emergency staff
A satellite uplink for backup

The festival processed thousands of transactions, streamed Q&A sessions with international filmmakers, and even operated a live voting app without a single connectivity failure.

Industry Perspective: Connectivity as a Core Utility

According to WiFit founder Matt Cicek, changes in event technology priorities have been significant:

“Five years ago, internet at an outdoor event was seen as a nice-to-have. Now, it’s as essential as running water and electricity. From safety coordination to sponsor returns, there’s too much at stake to leave it to chance.”

The Future of Temporary Internet for Outdoor Events

As events become more complex, WiFi for outdoor events from service providers like WiFit will play an even larger role. Expect advancements like:

Solar-powered network kits for sustainable operations
AI-managed bandwidth that adjusts to real-time crowd size
Edge computing for instant AR and interactive attractions

For event planners, the message is clear: the quality of your internet connection is as important as your stage, lighting, or sound system. The next time you’re booking a venue, remember—the crowd may be watching the performers, but they’re also looking at their screens. They expect both to work perfectly.

Outdoor Blog

Gear You Should Snag for the Great Outdoors This Season

Published

1 year ago

September 25, 2024

Caleb Cole

Outdoor enthusiasts know that having the right gear can make all the difference. Whether you’re hiking, camping, hunting, or engaging in any other outdoor activity, quality equipment ensures not only safety but also a better overall experience. As we head into a new season, it’s time to refresh your gear collection with essential items that will enhance your adventures. In this article, we’ll explore five pieces of must-have outdoor gear, focusing on both practicality and comfort.

Shooting Glasses Are Essential for Outdoor Adventures

If you’re heading out for a shooting range session or a hunting trip, investing in a quality pair of shooting glasses is non-negotiable. Eye protection is critical when engaging in any activity involving firearms, and shooting glasses are designed to keep your eyes safe from potential hazards like debris, shell casings, and even harmful UV rays.

Shooting glasses are a key safety measure that helps shield your eyes from impact and glare. The lenses are typically made from high-impact resistant materials that can endure tough conditions, making them a must-have for hunters, target shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Beyond safety, these glasses often come with polarized lenses to improve visibility in various lighting conditions. By incorporating shooting glasses into your outdoor gear, you’re ensuring not only better safety but also improved performance during your time in the wilderness.

What Should You Look For During Black Friday Hunting Gear Deals?

One of the best times to stock up on essential outdoor gear is during Black Friday. Black Friday hunting gear deals provide an opportunity for hunters to snag high-quality items at significantly reduced prices. Whether you’re after apparel, backpacks, or specialized equipment, Black Friday sales often feature steep discounts on top brands that every outdoor enthusiast should take advantage of.

This sale season is ideal for upgrading your hunting wardrobe and stocking up on essential gear that may normally be out of your price range. From weather-resistant jackets to durable boots and base layers, hunting gear can be pricey, and Black Friday is the perfect time to invest in the best equipment. By keeping an eye out for deals during this shopping period, you can save money while ensuring you’re well-prepared for your next big adventure.

Multi-Tools Are a Must-Have

Want to know the most versatile pieces of gear you can carry? It is a multi-tool. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or hunting, having a tool that can serve multiple functions is a game-changer. Multi-tools come equipped with a variety of features such as knives, screwdrivers, pliers, and scissors, all compactly housed in a single device that easily fits in your pocket or pack.

The practicality of a multi-tool is hard to beat. It allows you to tackle unexpected tasks, from cutting rope to repairing gear, all without needing to carry a full toolbox. When you’re out in the wild, you want to be prepared for anything, and a multi-tool ensures you’re ready to handle small emergencies or make quick fixes with ease.

Insulated Water Bottles Can Improve Your Outdoor Experience

Staying hydrated is one of the most important aspects of any outdoor activity. Whether you’re embarking on a long hike or spending hours in a hunting blind, having an insulated water bottle can make a difference. Insulated bottles have features that help to keep your drinks at the desired temperature for a long time, which is especially useful during extreme weather conditions.

These bottles maintain the temperature of your beverage—whether cold or hot—so you can enjoy refreshing water in the summer or a warm drink during chilly morning hunts. Insulated water bottles are also typically made from durable materials, meaning they can withstand the rigors of outdoor use without breaking or leaking. Investing in a high-quality insulated bottle ensures that you stay hydrated and comfortable throughout your outdoor excursions.

Durable Backpacks Can Enhance Your Outdoor Experience

A good backpack is the cornerstone of any successful outdoor trip. When you’re out in nature, you need a reliable, durable pack to carry all of your gear comfortably. Look for backpacks that are built to withstand harsh conditions, provide ample storage, and have ergonomic designs that distribute weight evenly to prevent strain on your back and shoulders.

Modern outdoor backpacks come equipped with multiple compartments to help you stay organized, as well as specialized features like hydration bladder compatibility, rain covers, and reinforced straps. By investing in a durable, well-designed backpack, you’ll have the capacity to carry everything you need—whether it’s extra clothing, food, or hunting gear—while maintaining comfort during long treks.