| You and your buddy toss some rain gear and a few pieces of
equipment into the car and head out onto the highway to the
coast for a deep sea fishing excursion. You're really excited
and are looking forward to it. Deep sea fishing is done far out
in the ocean. There are many deep sea fishing grounds in the
world's oceans. Deep sea fishing excursions are best done by
charter.
Haddock
You can deep sea fish for a wide range of fish species,
including cod, wolf fish, haddock, halibut, Pollock, cusk, tuna,
shark, sailfish, swordfish, rockfish, marlin, dorado and wahoo.
For deep sea fishing you will need very heavy equipment,
including rods and reels. Reels must be able to hold up to 300
yards of line. Line should be between 12 and 30 pound-test,
depending on the targeted species. Inexperienced deep sea
fishing anglers should always use 30 pound-test line. Skilled
anglers will find that using a 12 pound-test line presents more
of a challenge. Be sure your rod, reel and line balance in size.
Hook size should run between 3.0 and 6.0. Leaders should be
between 10 and 15 feet long and be tied to a double line. All
leaders used for deep sea fishing should be between 30 and 50
pound-test.
Pollock
Live ballyhoo is a good all round bait for sailfishing. Bigger
deep sea fishing baits include speedos, blue runners and
googleyes, cut bait, dead bait rigs and lures, however live bait
is best. The best rule of thumb for bait is to present the fish
with natural prey. This is the smaller fish that the targeted
species feeds upon. Sandperch, threadfin, herring, pilchards,
hermit crabs, lugworms, mackerel, mussels, shrimp, squid,
sandeel and mullets are all good bait for deep sea fishing.
Grouper, kingfish, snapper, tuna and wahoo will all take these
baits.
Grouper
Never handle your bait after applying sunscreen without washing
your hands with non-scented soap and water. In fact, the less
you handle deep sea fishing bait, the better it is. Do not use
bait that has scales missing or if there are red spots around
the nose. Deep sea fishing baits are easily found around fish
cleaning tables, markers, bridges and docks. If you can't find
bait, watch the seabirds. They fly in tight circles and dive in
spots where bait is plentiful. If pelicans dive and immediately
bring up their heads, they've found herring or pilchards.
Seabirds can tell you where bait can be found.
Black Fin Snapper
The gear you will need will depend partially on where you are
deep sea fishing. No matter where your deep sea fishing
excursion is, be sure to take rain gear to protect you in
inclement weather. When booking your deep sea fishing excursion,
be sure to ask the charter company what you should bring along.
Most of them provide a list so that you will bring everything
you need.
Wahoo
Use caution when chartering a deep sea fishing excursion. Be
sure the company is in good standing and that they have the
proper permits and insurance. They should have been licensed at
least two years and willingly provide references. If they
hesitate, continue your search for a charter that is right for
you. Charter companies should provide safety equipment and be
fully bondable. Don't hesitate to ask for proof of licensing,
insurance and bonds. If you have trouble choosing a charter
company, ask someone who has previous experience for a
recommendation. This could be a family member, a friend, a
neighbor or a member of your angling club.
Fishing
Facts |
