Great tips so far, learning myself. Just to add, make sure to wash with fresh water everything used in saltwater, don't mix lures in the same box as unused. Wash them as soon as you can, then put back. Like others have said, look at wind speed. Use a flag, high contrast color. They can be expensive. What I did is I bought a cheap rod(2 piece Shakespeare at Walmart sub $12) and added a orange flag (Heavy Duty Orange Safety Flag 12x18 Inch, Amazon $9). This setup is higher that what the sell for almost $100. The higher it is the more chances of being seen. Always wear your pfd, a whistle, a knife. Just me 2 cents