If you’ve ever been on a deep-sea fishing boat, then you know it’s an adventure unlike any other. If you haven’t, let me run down the general idea for you here in this article. I highly recommend this activity to anyone who likes to fish, likes the ocean, or trying new and exciting things.
Be on time
First, be on time! The fishing boat captain doesn’t care if you have already bought your ticket and rented a pole, if you are not on the boat by the time it’s scheduled to leave, you aren’t going fishing. It’s also highly unlikely that they will issue you are refund, either, so it is in your best interest to get there when you are supposed to. I have literally jumped onto a leaving boat before when I got there in the nick of time, so I know for a fact they will leave without you. They have a schedule to keep, and you aren’t necessarily part of it.
Prepare suitable clothes for the trip
It can get very cold and wet fishing at sea, so dress accordingly! No matter what the weather is like on shore, there is absolutely no guessing as to what it will be like a few miles out to sea on the fishing boat. Make sure you bring a nice jacket and gloves at the very least. I also recommend a beanie, jeans and boots. The boats can travel at a good speed when going from spot to spot looking for fish, and cold air mixed with some ocean spray can make for a miserable time if you aren’t prepared.
Sometimes the deck has sloshing water and fish blood on it as well, so I do not recommend tennis shoes or sandals. Also, wearing heavier clothing can protect you from wayward fishhooks that have gone out of control during a cast. I also recommend wearing the gloves at all times when fishing because some of these sea fish get nasty, and you don’t want to tangle with their spines or bites. Also consider some polarized sunglasses; they can work magic when looking for fish as they cut out almost all the glare from the water.
Basic knowledge for newbies
The average half-day fishing boat will run you about $35.00 a trip. A one-day license and pole will run you another $25.00, and I recommend picking up a package of hooks at the marina when you pay. Bait is free and unlimited on the boat, but hooks are sometimes hard to come by. Consider packing yourself a lunch in a cooler as well, because food on the boat is nice and expensive. Most fishing boats also serve beer, for those inclined.
Be aware that the chance of getting seasick is very real, and if you have a weak stomach and know it, you may want to pack some seasickness pills. If you don’t know how you will react to rocking a rocking fishing boat in open seas, I highly recommend that you pick some medication up; the last place on earth you want to figure out you get ill at sea is four miles out on a tiny fishing boat that is being thrown around by some big swells.
The staff members on these fishing boats are very knowledgeable and willing to help the novice. Don’t be afraid to ask a deckhand if you are having trouble. They can help you tie a fishing knot, bait your hook, make a jig, put line on your pole, myriad other things. On the way back to shore once fishing is complete they will fillet any fish you have reeled in, as well.
Prepare the necessary fishing gear for saltwater
If you decide you love deep-sea fishing and wish to go a few times a year, I recommend purchasing your own gear. Some sea fishing rods can be had for around forty dollars, which will pay for itself in no time if you end up going out on a regular basis. Of course, more expensive units can be had, and you can always upgrade the reel at a later date.
