Deep-Sea Fishing Basics
- In This Quick Guide:
- Getting the Fish You Want
- Chartering a Boat
- Enjoying Your Fishing Trip
If you live near or will be visiting one of the coasts, a deep-sea fishing trip might be a great excursion for you and your family. The tips in this article cover the basics you need to know in order to plan the ultimate deep-sea fishing trip. Then, you’ll be ready to charter a boat, grab your bait, fishing tackle, and other equipment, and head for the ocean so you can catch “the big one.”
Getting the Fish You Want
There are many types of fish, and each one requires its own fishing game plan. Here are the three types of fishing offered by most charter boat captains, and the types of fish you can expect to catch with each:
- Bottom fishing involves dropping your line to catch the fish who swim near the sea floor. Many captains sink artificial reefs off the coast to create fish habitats and give customers a better chance of landing a catch. Bottom fishing is a good way to catch snapper, scampi, grouper, triggerfish, and amberjack.
- Trolling is a more exciting type of fishing, in which you keep your bait moving at or near the top of the water. The captain will motor the boat in a straight line at a slow speed. Fish who catch up to the bait are likely to put up a great fight. Some of the fish you might catch trolling include kingfish, mackerel, sailfish, cobia, and wahoo.
- Offshore fishing is the most “glamorous” form of the sport, and involves heading out to fish in deep ocean currents. Landing these large fish requires a great deal of effort, and the catch may be better suited for a trophy mount than the dinner table. Some of the fish you might catch in offshore fishing include blue and white marlin, dolphin, and black fin tuna.
Chartering a Boat
Charter boat captains offer a wide variety of options for fishing excursions. Call ahead and ask questions, so you can be sure you’re booking the right boat, and to avoid any nasty surprises after the boat is underway. Here are some points to consider when you’re making your choice:
- Type of trip—Will you be booking a private charter, or going with others whom you don’t know?
- Trip length—Charter boat trips typically range from four to sixteen hours, so make sure all in your party are comfortable with the time chosen.
- Age restrictions—Make sure you know age restrictions if you’re planning to bring along children.
- Boat capacity—How many people will the boat carry? This is especially important if you have a large family or group.
- Tackle—Charter boats usually provide all rods and reels, bait, and tackle that you will need, but make sure of that before you show up empty-handed.
- Electronics—Ask whether the boat is equipped with GPS, Loran, and VHF radio capabilities, to help you find precise fishing locations and to provide emergency contact capability.
- Amenities—What “extras” does the boat provide, such as air-conditioned cabins, TV, restrooms, and so on?
- Food—Ask if food will be available onboard. If not, take what you need. Most boats ask that all drinks be in plastic or metal containers, so don’t bring glass.
Enjoying Your Fishing Trip
You’ll be on the boat for some time, so you want to be certain that you have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are some things you don’t want to forget:
- Medicines—Before leaving home, be sure you have enough of your medication(s) for the duration of the trip. You also should bring along aspirin or other pain relievers.
- Seasickness remedies—Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about a seasickness remedy, such as wristbands. They are relatively inexpensive and available at most drugstores.
- Coolers—Take along two coolers, one for food and drink, the other for your catch.
- Sun protection—The sun may be intense on the water, so be sure you’re well-stocked with sunscreen and bring along a hat or cap for each person.
- Rubber-soled shoes—Boat decks can be slippery, so wear shoes that aren’t.
- I.D.—You probably will need your I.D. to confirm the rental.
- Extra cash—Most charter boat captains have helpers, called mates, who earn much of their living through tips, so be prepared to pay them for their hard work. Most docks offer services for dressing and filleting your catch. This costs extra, too.
Deep-sea fishing is a great activity for a weekend getaway or family vacation outing. Whether you’re floating calmly in your charter boat trolling for snapper, or caught in an all-out struggle with a giant tuna, marlin, or sailfish, deep-sea fishing will make your day on the waves a treat. Now that you know the basics, you’re ready to cast off and enjoy the trip.
By Keith Giddeon
