Things To Bring On A Deep Sea Fishing Trip

In general, when you’ll be going on a deep sea fishing
trip, you’ll be the one to decide on how you want the
trip to go through. You can structure it with a
charter, or have the trip in a party boat, which is
also termed as "head boat" and leave everything else
to your captain’s orders.

Party Boat Plus Points

However, the most relaxing and cost-effective method
to plan a deep sea fishing trip may be considered to
be going with a party boat. This is because usually
they can already work out the details of your trip,
even before you arrive at the marina.

Here, your captain would already know where he would
want to bring the ship. All you have to do is rent a
rod, which would only take a couple of dollars; since
your tackle and bait are already included with your
admission fee. In fact, the mate would even come over
to help you if ever your line gets tangled up with
another’s!

Other Necessities

Other than bringing your basic equipment for fishing
and lunch, there are still some items that you can
bring to make sure that your trip would be
successful-provided that your boat’s captain really
knows how to find the catch! Here are some of the
critical items that you should bring on a deep sea
fishing trip.

Important Items

First off would be a fishing rod, tackle and bait.
Most fishermen are highly encouraged to have their
very own fishing supplies. However, if you are
planning to rent one from the boat, then you can do
so.

Clothing Essentials

The clothing you would be wearing is important too. It
is vital that you wear appropriate clothes if you
really want to enjoy the trip. It is advised that you
wear an old pair of sandals or sneakers, which you
don’t mind getting smelly or dirty. You mat also want
to bring a rain jacket, poncho, or windbreaker, just
in case the weather would be rough. Bringing a
sweatshirt or pullover would be good too, if ever the
wind is sharp or chilly.

Food Tips

For your lunch, having subs or other sandwiches that
are paper wrapped would be better, because other than
being healthy, they enable you to eat without having
to dirty your food. Something light on the stomach is
advised, just in case motion sickness problems occur.

For your beverages, beer would be a good fishing
companion. However, you should take note that it
should be taken in moderation and make sure that you
are of legal age. If not, soda or bottled water would
do.

Safety And Cleanliness

Safety and cleanliness is also important. Bringing an
antibacterial lotion or hand soap would be good, since
often most boat’s bathrooms don’t have soap and in
some cases even running water!

You may want to bring rags or old towels. These are
really helpful so you can wipe off of them after
baiting your hook. Additionally, you can use them
after catching a fish, as you hold on the catch and
remove its hook.

Protection

Skin protection is also important. Sun block should be
applied, especially if you’re the type that burns
easily. You can also bring sunglasses or a hat, so
that you can shield your face and eyes from scorching
rays of the sun.

Some Tips On Deep Sea Fishing At Night

Deep sea fishing is an enjoyed activity by many. The
sun, sea and the adrenaline of adventure makes a
perfect day for such kind of activity. However, for
very experienced fishermen, they would advice you that
if you really want to get a good catch, it would be
best for you to start fishing 2 hours after sunset or
2 hours even before sunrise.

This is why most experienced fishermen would rather
have a night trip than a day trip. However, due to the
difference of environment during night fishing, if you
are new to this kind of setting, then there are
certain things that you should know to make your night
trip a successful one.

Getting Started

Although it may seem difficult, waking up in the wee
hours of the day is still possible. Additionally, you
can always get the help of an alarm clock to be your
wake-up call. There are some other preparations too
that should be done other than being able to wake up,
like preparing your bait.

It would be the best if you have already set up
everything you need and have some wet-bait ready even
half an hour before sun rise. It is important to
remember that anchoring and cooking the bait should be
finished by the time sunset arrives. This is due to
the reason that cooking through your night fishing
could be very dangerous. Plus, your bait should be
able to cool off before you can use it.

The Logic Behind It

The logic behind all these waking up early and
preparations is that fish usually feed shallower
around times like this. Thus, they are easier to
catch, since they’re only about 30 feet below the
water’s surface. In fact, according to experts,
twilight minutes are very productive especially if
you’re fishing for a living.

Where’s The Light At?

If you really want to have good results at the fastest
time possible, whether it be you are fishing in fresh
or salt water, try fishing around piers, which have
some lights. This is because fish are very attracted
to light beams that pass through the water surface in
different sea depths. In general, fishing excursions
usually have a very happy ending when held around
lights on piers or buoys.

Use Something Large

It is also important that you use very large dry or
wet flies, nymphs, and oversized streamers, if you are
really interested in getting a lot of catch of those
active feeders out there.

In fact, night-feeding can be easier for you when your
bait is that large enough for the fish to locate.
Additionally, you should remember to draw your baits
gradually along the surface of the water with a
jerking motion. Doing this would help attract some
trout. Nevertheless, you should also bring some extra
live bait and always keep the lure inside your water
or boat, safely contained.

See The Signs

During night fishing, you should always try to be on
guard for some signs that feeding fish are in the
area. Take note that at this time, you’ll be able to
hear them feeding themselves even before you see their
splashes or swirls in the water. Don’t forget to chuck
in your lure, as soon as possible and once you hear
them breaking the surface, into the spot that you
think they are in.

Additionally, you should try making repeated casts
anywhere that you think they may be circulating, since
fish have some trouble in locating lures during the
night.

Essentials To Know For A Fun-filled Deep Sea Fishing Trip

If it’s your first time to go for a deep sea fishing
trip, there are some essential things to know to make
it a fun-filled and successful one. Here are some of
the key points when having a deep sea fishing trip.

Overlooked Things To Bring

For sure fishing equipment, food and clothing are the
ones that are always remembered by people to bring on
a deep sea fishing trip. However, there’s still some
other stuff that a lot of people overlook bringing
with them to a trip.

One good example would be a cooler. Bringing one with
some ice, icepacks or even frozen water bottles are
very important, since this is what you’ll use to
retain the freshness of your catch and keep it cold.

Another one would be spare cash. Other than being
vital for emergencies, you would need this just in
case you get the biggest fish and you would have to
get in on the pool. You also need this for mate
tipping purposes for providing you help throughout
your excursion.

Also seasickness medicine would be important too.
Dramamine is one effective solution for that problem.
For those who are already used to boats, this kind of
problem may seldom be encountered. However, it would
still be beneficial if you pack a small first aid kit.
Try to bring band-Aids, stomach medicine, tissues, and
disinfectants in the kit, just so in case minor
injuries occur during the trip.

Best Locations For A Deep Sea Fishing Trip

Some of the best locations to have a deep sea fishing
trip are: Bodega Bay and San Diego in California;
Wildwood, or Cape May in New Jersey; Boston and Cape
Cod in Massachusetts; Daytona Beach, Destin, Key West
and Miami in Florida; Freeport, Galveston and Port
Aransas in Texas; Gloucester in Maine; Ocean City in
Maryland; and Point Pleasant in New Jersey.

These spots can give you a variety of fish to catch.
They also offer you different views and experiences
with nature. Each spot can have their own pro’s and
con’s, however, one thing’s for sure they are great
deep sea fishing spots!

General Deep Sea Fishing Overview

In general, a deep-sea fishing trip could last about
four to eight hours, or more depending on how long you
want it to be. You can arrange trips with your charter
or party boast in the morning or afternoon. In fact,
if you have a special occasion, you can even schedule
evening trips. You can also do this if you’re the
night owl type that might not be back to shore even
until wee hours of the morning.

If you’re having one of these late night trips,
especially during the colder months bringing a thermos
that is full to the brim with steaming tea, hot
chocolate or coffee would be a great way to keep
yourselves alert and warm during the trip.

Freebies On The Side

The great thing with deep sea fishing is that
sometimes you can get freebies on the side. Other than
the adventure of being out in the waters, you may be
graced with the appearance of some dolphins too. There
are cases in which you can also have a glimpse of sea
birds that are chasing each other playfully. However,
the situation would not always be like this, since
factors like location, weather, time of the day and
how many people you are with on your boat could affect
whether you’d see such blessings.

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Deep Sea Fishing Trip

Deep Sea Fishing is one amazing experience that can be
a very memorable one for you and your fishing mates.
However, it is an activity that is often not
maximized. What most people don’t know is that there
is much more to deep sea fishing than fishing itself.
It’s really sad that trips like these are often not
maximized.

To not commit such a common mistake, here are some of
the ways that you can maximize your deep sea fishing
trip to make it an even more momentous and enjoyable
one!

Understand The Signs

Enjoying the sea itself and the wildlife around you is
often overlooked by deep sea trippers. Try to be
watchful of what nature around you is telling you. If
you can see birds, like gulls or other sea birds that
are hovering over a specific area of water, then heed
on it.

There is a big probability that there are smaller
fishes usually used by fishermen as bait somewhere in
that area. This could imply that there is yet another
big probability that there would be bigger fishes
beneath that area of water. Try following these simple
hints and indications and for sure you’d be having a
catch in no time!

Be Watchful

You may also want to be on the watch for snooks during
your trip. Try to look under ledges since this is one
of their favourite hiding places. In fact, they have a
similar behaviours and habits with bass.

If It’s A Full Moon, Do It The Crab Way

During full moons, crabs usually shed off their skins.
So if you’ll be deep sea fishing on a full moon night,
you could try making use of soft crab imitations as
your bait. Doing this would definitely entice the
stripers from their hiding places to go look out for
the crabs.

Want Some Tuna? Get A Dolphin!

If you’ll be fishing out for tuna, especially
yellowfins, one good way to locate them is follow
where the dolphins are. Tuna usually school with
dolphins, which is why if ever you see dolphins there
is a really big probability that some tuna school
would not be that far away.

However, it is vital to take note that you should be
careful not to land on a dolphin even by accident,
because dolphins are protected species, which should
be treated with some respect.

Don’t Go Solo

Let’s face it, going solo with any kind of activity is
not that always fun. This is just the same with deep
sea fishing. So, if you really want to make something
out of your trip, such as priceless memories and
enjoyable moments, then you should try spending the
trip with some friends or family.

Battle Sea Sickness

If you have sea sickness or motion sickness, then a
fishing trip can be a not so enjoyable activity for
you. However, you should not let this hamper you from
enjoying such great experience. That is why you should
battle it.

If this is your problem, try looking at the horizon.
It might sound ironic and silly, but you should try to
stay up on deck as long as you can; doing this can
make it easier for you to adjust with the boat’s
motion. Additionally, staying away from fumes is
advisable, since they could make you feel even worse.

Deep Sea Fishing Guide To Miami Charters

If you’re going for a deep sea fishing trip, one great
destination would be Miami. This city is filled to the
brim with numerous thrilling entertainment
opportunities. Starting from its immaculate white sand
beaches up to its world class museums, Miami would
never run out of activities to cater you.

Nevertheless, one of the most popular activities in
Miami would be deep sea fishing. It is an exquisite
spot for such an activity because of the "Gulf
stream", which is a river that is part of the Atlantic
Ocean originating from the Gulf of Mexico’s warm
currents.

The slightly warmer currents of this stream are
actually utilized as a highway for different kinds of
migrating fish. You can choose from a great variety of
fishes, small or big. The most popular choices
include: pan fishes, big game fishes, kingfish, and
sailfish. These and many more are prevalent in Miami’s
turquoise waters.

Although there’s a lot of deep sea fishing charters
that are available coming from Ft. Lauderdale going to
Miami, there are those that stand out, which have
credible reputations for class, comfort and catch!

Reel Adventure Charters

First off is Reel Adventure Charters; in which you
have "Spellbound", a 56 ft charter fishing boat. It is
considered to be the number 1 charter fishing boat
around Miami Beach, for whatever kind of fishing
activity you are into; whether it be light tackle
fishing, deep sea charter to big game fishing.

From the docks of Reel Adventure Charters, you’ll be
in the Gulf Stream in no time! In fact it only takes
about 10 minutes travel time to go to the stream. This
advantage in distance makes their record for big
catches quite an impressive one.

Charters are very comfortable, usually with a maximum
of 6 people. If you’ll be having a party of 2 or 3
only, you can then arrange for "split charters". They
provide you with everything you need, except for your
drinks and food.

Sea Cross Sportfishing

If you want a charter with the best modern gadgets and
comfort, then the Sea Cross would be perfect for you.
Their Custom Rigged Hatteras Sportfishing Yacht would
definitely amaze you with all their amenities, such as
live well, outriggers, full air conditioning,
top-of-the-line tackle and rods, and state of the art
electronic gadgets. In fact, they are fully specked
and ready to travel anywhere starting from the Florida
Keys up to the Bahamas!

They can definitely make your fishing dreams true!
They have specialist personnel that have the skills
necessary for you to find exactly whatever it is you
are looking for. They specialize in all kinds of
fishing adventures, such as tarpon to sailfish. They
also provide services like long range weekend trips,
split charters, multi-boat charters, corporate
charters, and night fishing.

Free Spool Sportfishing

Situated at Miami Beach's north end, Haulover Bay, you
can find Free Spool. Their captain, a premiere fishing
guide in Miami area, has been helping people to fish
since 1986. Whether you’re interested in fishing the
reef, shallows, or off-shore, He could bring you
there.

Keys and Bahamas trips can also be arranged. However,
they do not have "split charters", meaning once you
book for the boat, you would have it all for yourself;
no more fishing with strangers. They can arrange full
or half day charters, for a maximum of 4 people. So if
you are looking for a really exquisite adventure with
an expert "old school" captain, try out Free Spool!

Deep Sea Fishing For Yellowtail

One of the most popular fish targeted when deep sea
fishing is Yellowtail. The California Yellowtail along
with the Southern Yellowtail, which is its cousin, are
Jack family members. Both are very tough customers for
reel and rod.

Where To Find Them

The Yellowtail is to be found in central California
and down south into the tropical waters. In fact, this
fish have been a staple in the Pacific fishery for a
lot of years already.

How To Fish

Just like with most other kinds of fish, you have a
variety of ways to choose from in able to fish for
yellowtail. A number of lures and baits would be
needed such as squids, sardines, mackerels and the
most preferred one, anchovy.

Jig Fishing Technique For Yellowtail

Jig fishing for this fish could be very fun and is
considered to be very productive by most people. The
Yo-Yo jig can be done by using a four to twelve ounce
candy-bar type of jig. Once you have the jig, drop it
to the bottom, which is usually not any deeper than
200 feet.

When you feel that you already hit the bottom, try to
lift your jig off of it for four to five feet. Repeat
this several times, then being followed by a very fast
retrieve all the way up to the surface.

It is important to remember that it doesn’t matter how
fast you are cranking, since the yellowtail would
always be much faster than you. Once you feel that
you’re bit, then there’s no mistaking it. Once this
happens, don’t set the hook and just continue reeling.
Once you feel that your catch is already swimming away
from you, then that’s the time that you should set the
hook.

Jig fishing enables you to fish using a much heavier
line than your bait. A 30 to 50 lb. test usually works
pretty well. When yellowtails are feeding on the
surface or near it, they would sometimes take surface
iron.

Surface irons are jigs weighing 4 ounces or less. They
are retrieved with a much slower speed than the other
kinds of jigs. Using a live squid is the much
preferred bait with this kind of jig. In fact, when
yellowtails feed on squid, they have the tendency to
ignore all the other baits.

Using A Fishing Squid

Using a fishing squid is quite simple. All you have to
do is either tie the hook directly to the line or make
use of a sliding sinker which is right on the bait.
However, the size of the weight you’ll be using is
usually dictated by factors and conditions like
currents and depth.

Find the pointed end of the squid and place the hook
once through it. However, take note that when fishing
with squid, even small yellowtails are able to swallow
it quickly. That is why you should not let them swim
far before you decide to set the hook.

Using Anchovies

If you’ll be using anchovy, then you should either
hook through its nose or behind its gill, specifically
on its bony collar. They are weak swimmers, which is
why you would want to make use of smaller line and
hooks.

Using Sardines

When you’ll be using sardines, you can make use of the
same rig. However, this time around, you should put
your hook through the sardine’s nose or on its bottom,
just behind its vent. Your bait would tend to swim
deeper, if you hook it on its bottom.

Deep Sea Fishing: Tips On Conserving Your Catch

So what is it exactly that you do with the fish you
catch? For some, they abide the philosophy of keeping
enough for their meal and releasing the rest. The best
fish would be the freshest ones. Even though you’re
not into cooking them yourselves, a lot of local
restaurants can offer you preparations for a fresh
catch meal. Sitting down on a meal of fish that you
just caught would be the perfect ending for one great
fishing day. Most consider it to be one of the most
satisfying things to do that anyone can accomplish!

Why Conserve?

Fish is a renewable resource. Thus, proper management
and techniques are needed to ensure their survival and
the abundance of the resource for the future
generations. In fact, overfished stocks would require
years of regulatory actions and monitoring to restore
its fishery level into one that is self-sufficient and
self-sustaining.

Additionally, for every year that passes, there seems
to be more restrictions in regards to the recreational
bags. Even size limits are imposed. All of these due
to the occurrence of overfishing which is in
consequence of improved technology.

The Solution

Practicing the habit of catch and release is actually
one of the ways in which recreational anglers like you
could help ensure the health and prosperity of the
future fisheries. In this way, you can also guarantee
everybody’s opportunity to have a fun day of deep sea
fishing that is concluded with a scrumptious and
satisfying meal.

Here are some of the ways in which you can help ensure
survival of the fish that you release and get some
satisfaction by returning your catch to its
environment.

Get Your Tackle Right

First off you should make sure that your tackle
matches the fish you’re targeting. Although it may not
seem obvious, doing this can ensure its safety once
you release it back into the waters. If your tackle is
too light, it would be exhausted by the moment you
land it. Thus due to its exhaustion, it could be a
very easy target for predators when release it back to
the waters; since it couldn’t swim that fast anymore.

Customize Your Hook

Customizing your hook is yet another way to conserve
your catch. By simply using a pair of pliers, you can
mash down your hook’s barb. Doing this would enable
you for an easier release of the catch and better
safety on its side. Another great addition to the
terminal tackle you’ll be doing would be circle hooks.
When the catch swallows the hook, all you have to do
is cut the line closely as you can to your hook, then
release your catch as quickly as you can.

Don’t Suffocate It

As much as possible, while releasing your catch leave
it in the water. If there is no choice but to handle
it out of the water, then be sure that you wet your
hands. You should do this to reduce the removal of its
protective slime layer that covers it. The removal of
this layer can make your catch susceptible to disease
once it goes back to the waters.

Hold It Right

Handling the fish is important too. You should make
sure that you don't grab it in its gills or eyes,
since these are very sensitive areas that fish need
for survival.