How to catch a fish might seem like a basic question but in reality, some species of game fish are very smart and elusive. It is those qualities that make them such popular targets among anglers of all skill levels. For those who are beginning anglers, the question of how to catch a fish is very real. This blog discusses that question and provides tips that we hope will help improve the quality of every fishing adventure for those who want to catch fish every time they drop the bait into the salty brine.
While there is no guarantee that you will catch a fish that challenge alone is part of what drives anglers to try. The following ten tips can help to improve your odds regardless of your angling skills.
1. Going fishing Is More than Just Going Fishing
Sometimes you go fishing to just get out and enjoy a quiet day on the water. Most times you go fishing it is with the goal of catching a fish.
Usually, you plan to go fishing and that planning helps the adventure become more successful. There is always the risk that you won’t catch anything but a good plan with potent information can help increase the odds of not only catching a fish, but the type of fish you want to catch. While you can just go fishing and see what happens it is often better to plan out your adventure and then adjust those plans to fit the fishing environment. We get more into the strategy of catching fish in the following tips.
2. Plan Your Adventure
Look closely at your fishing goals, especially what your goals are about catching fish. Do you have a specific type of fish in mind, or do you just want to go fishing? A good tip taken from successful anglers is to plan your fishing adventure. That means considering the type of gear you take, the weather you may encounter, the season of the year, and the availability of fish where you plan to have your fishing adventure. How to catch fish is not a static plan. The process is very dynamic because there are many variables that go into catching fish and the differences between fishing species. By planning your trip you are arming yourself for success. Consider:
Presenting the right bait
Fishing with the right method – casting, drifting, plunking, etc.
Fishing at the best time of day
Fishing in the proper depth of water
Using the right kind of gear – rod, reel, line, tackle, etc.
When you plan your fishing adventure to match the type of fish you want to catch, then you improve the odds of winning the very basic battle between angler and fish.
3. Generalist vs. Specialist
The terms – generalist or specialist – apply to both anglers and fish. When you are an angler that targets a specific species or specific group of fish, you are a specialist. That applies to each fishing adventure you undertake. Certain species of fish are also generalists – meaning they eat a wide variety of foods. Other species of fish are considered specialists, meaning that they consume a very narrow list of foods. Catfish are a good example of a generalist while most species of tuna are an example of specialists.
Catfish eat whatever they find. Tuna eat most baitfish and squid. If you want to fish for specialist species, you need to present the right types of bait. A couple of general tips for fishing for a specialist species is to understand their diet, and how their diet changes throughout the year. Then matching your bait selection to the season and the fish. In so doing, you are presenting the right type of bait at the right time of year.
There are a number of specialist species. Those include:
These three examples are some of the most requested charter boat fishing options. There are many species of fish that anglers enjoy targeting.
4. Don’t Go It Alone
If you are new to fishing or if you are new to a specific species of fish, and you want to learn how to target that species or learn how to fish then consider a guide or a charter that specializes in the type of fishing adventure about which you want to learn. Deep sea fishing is a good example. Not only will you learn about the specialized gear needed for deep sea fishing, but also the way you use it under different circumstances. A lot of times you also gain insider knowledge such as the best times of year to fish in certain spots or the types of baits that work best on certain types of fish. Using a guide or specialized charter is an excellent way to also experience that level of fishing without the huge upfront cost of buying new gear.
5. Knowledge is the Road to Success
Reading about the types of fish you want to target is one of the best ways to improve your ability to target those fish successfully. Every species of fish is different, even if those differences are minute, they still matter. For example, you might want to target big fish such as tuna, but the differences in location, bait, and rigging will vary from yellowfin tuna to little tunny albacore. We are still talking about tuna but also the differences between one species of tuna and the next.
When you go deep-sea fishing, it is important to know what is available and make a list of options to target and then prepare for those opportunities. That means learning the different types of baits, water depth, and methods – trolling or chumming – to target those fish. The reason for this is that when you get to the deep waters, you may not have a choice over which fish to target because some of those fish on your list may not be available. Knowledge allows you to take advantage of the fishing situation as it unfolds.
6. Go Deep or Go Inshore
Some species of fish may be found in deep water or inshore. Cobia is an example of a fish you can find in deep water or inshore. Where you fish matters and there are differences in how you approach both even if you are targeting the same fish. For example, a cobia that is located inshore is likely hunting shrimp or smaller fish. In the deep water, they may not recognize the same types of bait you would use inshore.
It is helpful to know where you will be fishing so that you can set up your gear, bait selection, and approach to match the environment where you plan to fish – saltwater or freshwater, inshore or deep sea.
7. Fishing with the Family
More and more families enjoy fishing together and that is a very positive experience. Fishing as a family is an excellent way to spend time together, offers opportunities for parents to bond with children, and allows spouses to experience quality time as a couple. It is easier to fish as a family in freshwater but learning how to saltwater fish is a logical next step. Many charter boats are family-friendly and offer a safe way to experience saltwater fishing inshore or out in the deeper water.
Saltwater fishing offers many venues from shore fishing, to deep sea fishing to a myriad of options in between. You can learn to shark fish from shore or hit the big sharks in deep water. You can learn to fish inshore for bonefish, snapper, cobia, and other common fish, such as snook and redfish.
8 Fish the Water Column
It is important to learn how to fish the entire water column from the top to the bottom. Many fish will take bait from the water’s surface and others are only caught by bottom fishing. How you choose to fish the water column depends on the species of fish you target. That’s true for freshwater or saltwater fishing.
Learning how to catch a fish is not overly difficult, and it is often a personal journey. If you ask ten people how to catch a specific type of fish you will likely end up with several versions of the same method with tips for line, bait, and season that may overlap or be completely different. The alchemy of fishing is often made up of individual recipes for various outcomes.
What many anglers learn at their own pace is that there is a huge percentage of chance involved in fishing. The fish, the water, and the seasonal impacts are all variables that every angler must face. That is one reason why this blog offers general fishing tips on how to catch a fish.
Two of the best tips you can learn are to fish often and never let not catching a fish deter you from trying again.
Fishing pole vs. fishing rod – What’s the difference? Most anglers, today, use the two terms interchangeably, but there is a difference or two. A fishing rod has eyes or line guides and a reel seat to attach a reel to it. A fishing pole has none of those things. Before mass production, a fishing pole was referred to as a cane pole. It was a long-cut pole, likely of bamboo or other similar material. You tied the line to the end and swung the bait out into the water. A fishing rod is a casting rod with a reel attached and line guides to help manage the line. Those are the biggest differences.
What Is a Fishing Pole?
A fishing pole is a very capable way to catch many types of fish. They are simply in their design, you can make them at home, and when made correctly, they can land big fish. So, what is a fishing pole? It is a cured piece of wood or bamboo. Bamboo is an excellent material to construct a fishing pole. Keep in mind that the difference between a fishing pole and a fishing rod is that a fishing pole is not meant to cast the line. Instead, you swing the line out and drop or plunk it into the water 10–20 feet from where you stand. A fishing pole also does not have a reel or line guides.
A fishing pole is an awesome tool for targeting fish in rivers, backwater pools, deep holes, or along riffles. The pole is set up by wrapping the line around the pole’s base five or so inches above where you would hold the pole while fishing. You spiral the line up the pole to the tip and whip-finish the line in place several times from the middle of the pole to two feet below the tip.
A whip-finish tool is helpful. Whip-finish simply means that you wrap or coil the line around the pole, then bring the line down over the coil and wrap it a few more times. This binds the line to itself so that the coil cannot come undone. Then you continue to spiral the line up the pole and repeat. At the tip of the rod is the “swing” line, the amount of line that you will use to fish.
It is important that you cure the pole. To do this, pick your piece of bamboo. It needs to be around 12 feet long. Once it is dried you will trim the pole to ten feet. The dried pole will be flexible, but strong. You can use a fishing pole to target many kinds of fish, including bluegill, smallmouth bass, catfish, and crappie.
Are There Any Advantages to Using a Fishing Pole?
They are easy to use. The biggest advantage to using a traditional fishing pole is that they are just so easy to use. Swing out the line and bait and pull in the fish. The method is so simple that when you hit a pocket of hungry fish, you can fill up a bucket in no time.
Cost is another benefit. If you are the DIY type or a prepper looking for ways to survive off the land, then a DIY fishing pole is an amazing tool They will cost you the price of a roll of fishing line and a little time.
They are easy to make. A good straight piece of bamboo, fishing line, and some time are all the ingredients that go into creating a quality fishing pole.
They last a lifetime. If you care for your handcrafted fishing pole, it will last a lifetime. You will need to replace the line but otherwise, the pole will remain strong and flexible. To do that, store the rod flat and in a dry, warm location.
They are perfect for anglers of all skill levels. If you want to get your kids into fishing, then teach them how to make a traditional pole. Even for younger kids, these poles are so easy to use that they don’t have to mess with a reel.
What Is a Fishing Rod?
A fishing rod is a modern approach to a fishing pole. It also enables anglers to fish in different environments. It is much more appropriate to use a fishing rod to fish in the ocean rather than a fishing pole. A side from fishing in tide pools or shallow holes on the shoreline, a fishing pole is almost useless in saltwater. For charter boat fishing, like that offered by the Finest Kind, a fishing rod is essential.
The difference is that a fishing rod is made to house a reel and uses line guides instead of coiling the line around the rod to manage the line. Fishing rods may come in one or two sections, sometimes more. They are designed for anyone who needs to cast fishing line, generally for longer distances, and also who needs to be able to retrieve the line easily.
Fishing Rod Parts
The fishing rod itself is referred to as a blank. It is made out of wood, graphite, or fiberglass. It has line guides called eyes and a reel seat where the reel attaches to the rod. It also has grips and comes in a variety of grip styles including single-handed, split grips, and two-handed. You can also choose a fishing rod that is manufactured for left- or right-handed anglers.
Advantages of Fishing Rods
Why are fishing rods so convenient and commonly chosen? There are so many anglers these days, and that’s a good thing, that having access to the components to make a fishing pole might be difficult. Fishing poles are best used in still water and for other types of water, you want a fishing rod.
Casting Long Distances – some fish are shy, and you would never get close to them with the short line on a fishing pole. To target these fish, you want to be able to cast your bait out to them.
Fishing is Moving Water – Sometimes you want to feed line out while the bait drifts, or you may need to go deeper than ten feet and for those times, a fishing rod is a better option over a fishing pole.
Handle Big, Big Fish – You would never be able to plop a big shark out of the ocean like you would a bluegill out of the stream. You would need the advantage of tiring the fish out, which comes from playing the fish and using the drag setting on the reel. That is only achieved by using a fishing rod.
Fishing rod or fishing pole, which is the best for you? Answer this question based on what kind of fish you want to target and the type of environment in which you will fish. For most of us, a fishing rod is a good choice as it allows us to fish in many environments and target many types of fish. A fishing pole is also a great way to enjoy fishing in still waters without a huge upfront cost.
Marlin vs. swordfish – many anglers consider them the same fish. Is a marlin a swordfish?
No, not at all.
They are both referred to as billfish along with sail fin fish. However, they are different fish even though they look somewhat similar. Swordfish are not related to marlin, and they come from two different families of fish. One of the big differences is that blue marlin are larger than swordfish.
The record for blue marlin in Florida is over 1000 pounds while the Florida record for the largest swordfish is under 615 pounds. That’s about a 400-pound difference and a lot of fish. [1] The maximum size for swordfish is 15 feet and around 1,400 pounds. The maximum size for blue marlin is around 12 feet and close to 2,000 pounds. That makes the blue marlin a bit stockier than the swordfish.
A federal permit is required for both if you fish in federal waters. No special permit is needed in Florida waters.
Points of Distinction
Taste
The taste of marlin vs swordfish is similar. One difference is that marlin is fatty and swordfish are leaner. Both fish have pink flesh, and both have a similar taste. If you like the strong fish-like flavor of cooked fish, then the marlin is going to be a good match for you. The swordfish is milder in taste because it is also not as oily as marlin.
Physical characteristics
The easiest way to tell a marlin from a swordfish is to look at its dorsal fins. Marlin have a dorsal fin that extends to the base of their tail. A swordfish has a dorsal fin that is short. The bill or sword on a marlin is often shorter than that of a swordfish.
Marlin have scales whereas swordfish do not. Nor do swordfish have teeth.
Size
Adult fish will vary in size, but swordfish is often leaner and marlin stockier. A marlin that is the same length as a swordfish will likely outweigh the swordfish. If it came down to targeting the marlin over the swordfish, the marlin would likely be the top choice. Both fish would be an amazing opportunity for any angler.
1560 pounds is the record for black marlin [2] and for Florida, the blue marline record is 1046 pounds [3]
1182 pounds is the world record for swordfish [4] but in Florida, the state record for swordfish is 612 pounds. [5] It might be better odds to break a Florida State by targeting swordfish over marlin.
Habitat
Marlin and swordfish are deep-water saltwater fish that have the potential to be mega-monsters. When catching a fish is not your top priority, you can dedicate a day or a week to fishing for marlin or swordfish.
You can find swordfish near the surface or as deep as 2,000 feet. Blue marlin can dive to 1,900 feet or sometimes greater depths. You can fish blue marlin on the surface or in deep water. If you plan to target swordfish vs marlin, you should fish at night. Swordfish hunt and feed at night. Marlin hunt and feed during the day.
How to Catch
The key to catching billfish is to use a captain that understands how these fish behave and where they are while you are fishing. They can be on the surface or deep down in the cooler water of the Gulf. Big marlin and swordfish are solo predators so finding them is already difficult. That is another reason why they are such a thrill to target. The odds of finding one are slim but with a skilled captain who knows the local waters and a good boat, you have a better chance.
Trolling is one of the best methods to use for both big game fish such as marlin and swordfish. Marlin prefer baitfish and small predator fish, such as bonito. They also like live bait, but dead bait also works well. The best swordfish fishing occurs at night as these are nighttime predators. You can drop bait down deep in the day and sometimes catch swordfish, but mostly they feed at night. The preferred bait for swordfish is squid. You can also set up your line and drift in a small area if you do not want to troll at night. Trolling allows you to cover more ground, but not every captain wants to troll at night.
Summary
Billfish – those fish like marlin and swordfish – with their long upper jaw are the fish of legends. In the marlin vs swordfish debate, there are no losers. Taking one of these big game fish or any of the smaller marlin – white marlin or striped marlin or one of the massive black marlin or any of the swordfish is a remarkable feat.
Does it matter which you catch while billfishing? Chances are that when you set the hook the answer to that question will be no. The rush of adrenaline will be overpowering as may the fish. Some battles between big marlin and anglers have lasted 4.5 or more hours. Big fish – swordfish or marlin – have the potential to be a record and that means fish over a thousand pounds.
It is very likely that anyone who holds a Florida state record or world record for marlin or swordfish still remembers that day every single time they go fishing. Imagine the thrill of beating your own record or making a new one.
Deep sea fishing Gulf of Mexico waters is a life-changing experience that anglers love. Thanks to the shallow waters along the continental shelf that fade into deep water, the Gulf is a natural environment that produces monster fish. The 2,000 plus shipwrecks make a habitat for many of the game fish that angler seek. Big, trophy fish use the warmer tropical waters to thrive – hunt, feed, mate, bear young – a natural cycle that builds one of the greatest fisheries in the world. People come from around the globe to target:
Sharks
Tuna
Cobia
Jacks
Sailfish
King Mackerel
And many other species of game fish.
The record for big sharks includes a 544-pound thresher shark and a 911 pounds 12 ounces Mako shark (1962.) [1] The record for blue fin tuna is 832 pounds.
While record fish off Florida are one of the main draws for deep sea fishing there is also the thrill of being able to master the environment so that you can successfully target big, trophy fish. Those include the natural geological features of the Gull of Mexico, such as the seasonal changes between water temperature as they apply to the shallow continental shelf that fades into the deeper water and the cyclical migration of fish throughout the environment. There are over 2,000 shipwrecks found within the Gulf and natural structures that provide the elements for the cycle of life that all fish must face – The nursery areas, hunting grounds, and the saltwater reefs and communities that help to produce monster fish that anglers dream of.
Deep Sea Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico
The Gulf of Mexico is a dynamic place to fish. You have miles and miles of sandy beaches, islands, lagoons, bays, river mouths, wetlands, everglades, marshes, estuaries, shallows, and then deep water, such as The Sigsbee Deep – a 3,750-meter deep hole in the Southwestern area of the Gulf. That’s deep sea fishing Gulf of Mexico at its finest.
You have options when it comes to choosing a good location. The coast of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida all provide access to the Gulf of Mexico. The bottom line is that you can likely find a good captain, boat, and crew just about anywhere along the Gulf. According to an article that appeared in Forbes, Florida may be your best bet. The article discusses the fact that Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World [2] They back that up with an interesting stat – Florida issues 720K non-resident fishing licenses each year. That is an influx of nearly a million anglers coming to Florida to fish.
Destin is the best place to fish the gulf coast since it’s closest to the best deep sea fish. It is also known and the “Luckiest Fishing Village in the World.” Not only does Destin, Florida attract anglers who want to fish in the Gulf of Mexico, it has a lot to offer families and visitors. That means there is a well-rounded set of experiences available to everyone who visits. Deep sea fishing draws in many anglers to the Emerald Coast where it is a short boat ride to the deep waters and trophy fish that lurk there.
The deep water off of Destin offers many options. You can fish the underwater canyons where those fish who love cooler water will hunt. You can fish the deep water reefs and wrecks where communities of fish thrive. Florida is home to some of the biggest game fish in the Gulf. Those include great white sharks, great hammerhead sharks, thrasher sharks, marlin, sail fin, tuna, and other feisty fish such as yellowtail.
While Florida is the go-to spot for many anglers, the gulf does offer many fishing destinations throughout its rugged coast.
Finding Your Charter
The key to successful deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico is finding the charter that fits your agenda. The Gulf is a huge body of water and knowing where the fish are is challenging. Not only do you need to know how the legality of the area changes – state waters, federal waters, international waters, etc, – you also have to know how the fish migrate. At certain times of year, some deep sea species move closer to shore to deposit roe. Some migrate into international waters and may head South towards the equator where the water is warmer. Some may move to certain parts of the Gulf and its deep water trenches where they will find better hunting.
Tips for Finding a Charter for the Emerald Coast
One of the biggest issues that charter boat patrons have is that they end up not liking the captain or crew. Personalities are a big thing, especially when you are confined to a smallish space far from shore. Before you set out deep sea fishing Gulf of Mexico waters, consider these tips for finding the best charter for you.
Call around – Chat with the captain if possible and find on you like. A charter company can become a friend for life.
Read the rules – The captain will enforce the rules and those rules are there to ensure that everyone remains safe, comfortable, and feeling like they belong.
Compare prices to services offered – You want to feel like you are buying value. The experience and knowledge of the captain is a big ticket item.
Timing – You want to find a boat that leaves when are able to leave not one that makes you feel rushed to get to the boat before they leave. During the year, charters leave at different times and sometimes according to the tides.
Boat Size – the boat should be big enough to comfortably handle the number of anglers, crew, and guests. Fishing is a sport, you need the space to fish without being cramped. Shade, bathroom, rest area, cabin, and other amenities are important. When you charter fish in the Gulf of Mexico, it’s a 4-10 hour day – comfort matters.
Provisions – You will need a fishing license, tackle, gear, and equipment. Most charters will provide all of these for you. Other items that make a big difference is ice, fish filleting, and cold storage.
Maximum Number of Anglers – boat size we covered, but you also want to look at how many anglers the boat can handle. Each angler is a line in the water and the more there are, the more competition you will have for big fish.
What You Should Bring – Most boats have a list of items that you should bring. Compare that to your idea of what you should bring. Extra ice chests can be a problem, while some boats ask you to bring them.
Verify the License and Permits – Charter boats must have a license and certain permits. Check with the company to see what permits or licenses they hold. Find a boat that is fully licensed.
Family Friendly – Not all boats want children onboard. Be sure, if you are fishing with your family that the boat is child-friendly. That means safety features, attentive crew, etc.
Read the Cancelation Policy – Charters require a deposit and if you have to cancel the trip you want to understand how that will impact your deposit.
Prepare to Deep Sea Fishing Gulf of Mexico Waters
For deep sea fishing there are two options. You can chum in a spot and fish that location, or you can troll. Chumming is an easier time since you can target an area where a specific species or set of species range. You can also choose the chum to target those species of fish. Trolling is also a way to target big fish that may not investigate chum.
Regardless, you will need to know the basic topography of the area of the Gulf that you want to fish. There are many types of structures in the Gulf and fish utilize those structures in a variety of ways. They include:
Oil rigs
Underwater canyons
Deep water reefs
Wrecks
Drop-offs
As you prepare to fish in the Gulf of Mexico, you want to think about the fish you are targeting and the lay of the land.
What Fish Are in The Gulf of Mexico (And How to Catch Them)?
There are so many options throughout the Emerald Coast, but five of the top targets include:
Red Snapper – Highly targeted, great to eat – these fish can range to 30 pounds and as deep as 300 feet. Target them around bottom structures and natural reef systems. Due to their popularity, they have a limit.
Cobia – are tenacious fighters that you may encounter in groups of singularly. Expect most cobia to range from 20 to 50 pounds but do not be surprised if you hook one that is larger. They feed on bait fish and, you can cast and retrieve to target them near structures, especially high-water structures such as oil rigs.
Amberjack – Another tenacious fish that puts a lot of energy into the fight. These are mostly a reef species, and you can find them in waters that range to 400 feet deep. Like cobia, the majority will range to 50 pounds, but you can find rare trophies in the 100 pound range.
Sharks – There is a long list of sharks available and some may weigh a 1000 or more pounds. Mostly expect to tackle smaller sharks in the 100-200 pound range. Sharks are a good target for chumming. Patience is key to attracting the bigger sharks.
King Mackerel – range to around 60 pounds. They are also very popular for summer deep sea fishing Gulf of Mexico waters. They are regulated so check the limit before you go. Fish them with big cut bait or spoons.
The best tip will be to try to fish in the early morning and an hour before sunset. Those are the time when most fish are active.
Know Your Fish – Do a little research on the fish you want to target. The peak season for various species of fish are not the same. You want to plan your trip when the fish you want to target are near or at their peak season (highest populations.)
Know What’s Available Where You Will Fish – The fishing season will change throughout the Gulf of Mexico. If you are going to fish off of Florida, know the species of fish available for the time you will be there. That process helps you target fish that are in season and available.
Charter Boat Trips – Charter boats are an amazing way to introduce yourself to deep sea fishing and to fishing in the local area. The expertise of the captain will enhance your fishing trip and increase your odds of hooking trophy fish.
Be Prepared for the Deep Sea – four, eight, ten, or more hours of fishing can be tiring. Not only will the process be physical, but you will have to deal with the weather – sun, wind, rain, etc.. – and you will have to deal with the salt. Pay close attention to what the boat recommends you bring – water, sunscreen, polarized glasses, extra food, snacks, and motion sickness medication.
Know the Regulations – The fishing regulations will vary by state and by locality. Know the rules and regulations for where you will fish. If you are fishing on a charter boat, ask the captain, but also rely on your own knowledge.
Hone up on Fishing Techniques – The two most popular options for deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico are chumming and trolling. You might need to know about downriggers, types of chum, spoons, flashers, specialized leaders, and knots. If you are fishing on a charter boat, the crew will help you deal with all of these. They are also a great way to learn the ropes in case you want to deep sea fish on your own.
With the various types of fish in the Gulf of Mexico and the option to easily fish the deeper waters of the Emerald Coast, many anglers flock to the Gulf and Florida to try to target big, trophy fish. Gulf Coast fishing charters are an awesome way to experience deep sea fishing safely.
What to bring on a fishing charter is perhaps one of the most frequently asked questions. So much so that we are devoting this blog to that subject. Fishing the Emerald Coast is a dynamic adventure. Whether you are fishing the shallows or fishing in deep water, your trip will be much more enjoyable if you are prepared for what the day will bring. Here is our list of things to bring with you when you charter boat fish off Destin, Florida.
A big mistake that people make is that they try to bring too much stuff. A good tip is to pack purposefully so that you have what you need but are not burdened by a bunch of items that you will not use.
Safety Comes First
A good charter boat focuses on safety – the safety of the passengers, the safety of the captain and crew, and the safety of the boat itself. Your part of that process is to make sure that you have:
Daily Medication – If you have prescriptions, be sure to bring a three-day supply. This is one example of having more than enough is a good thing.
Motion Sickness Prevention – If this is your first time on the ocean in a boat, you will want to come prepared to NOT experience motion sickness. If you know that you are prone to motion sickness, do yourself a favor and take an OTC product before you show up to the boat. Once the boat is on the water is not the time to start seasick medicine. There are many options including patches, wristbands, and OTC meds or Rx.
Bug Repellant – Mosquitoes are a big deal and the only way to encourage them to avoid you is to use a bug repellant.
Wet Wipes and Hand Sanitizer – You will want to be able to clean your hands. They will get “fishy” from the bait and fish you catch. Hand sanitizer is also a good item to have. A small bottle will go a long way. Pick a brand that is also moisturizing as the salt in the water and blown by the wind will cause irritation.
The Sunshine State
If you are wondering what to bring on a charter boat fishing trip in the Sunshine State, then think sunshine and more sunshine. Florida is the sunshine state. These items will enable you to enjoy your fishing adventure and the days that follow. Here’s a complete list of what to bring.
Sunscreen – You will need sunscreen even if you are a sun lover. The reflection and refraction of the sun’s rays on the water will bake you quickly. SPF 50 or higher is a good place to start. Waterproof is a good option also.
Sunglasses – Polarized sunglasses are a must for anglers. The glare from the water can change your fishing experience negatively. The glare can lead to headaches and fatigue. Polarized sunglasses stop the glare.
Hat for Blocking the Sun – A visored hat will not only help to keep the sun off your face and out of your eyes, but it will improve your ability to fish. When paired with polarized sunglasses you will be able to see much better and that will improve sport fishing.
Lip Balm – The sun will come at you from all angles. Protect your lips with an SPF version of lip balm. You will thank yourself at the end of the day.
Food and Drink
You will need to supply your own food and drink, though some charters may provide water. Check the provision list for each charter you book. Be prepared to bring:
Large Water Bottle – aim for 100 ounces or more of water. It can be a long day on the boat and hauling in trophy fish can wear you out. Hydrating will help you maintain your energy levels and keep you active.
Cooler – A small cooler is essential for storing food, ice, and drinks. It does not have to be huge, remember that most charter boats hold six or more anglers and nobody wants to stumble around six giant coolers. Plus, if the water gets rough those coolers will slide around.
Food & Drink – You should bring a morning snack, full lunch, and afternoon snacks, plus some additional food just in case. Fishing is active so bring a few items that will help you maintain your energy levels. Soft drinks, sports drinks, and energy drinks can be a good choice, but remember water is more important.
Protect Your Phone!
If you bring a camera or other electronic devices you will want to ensure that they stay dry. A waterproof bag such as a Ziploc or a double Ziploc bag will help keep your camera and phone dry.
Clothing
The weather is variable and one you cannot trust. It may look like clear sunny skies and then it is raining or the wind is howling. Here are some suggestions for keeping you comfortable throughout your fishing adventure.
Shoes – Non-skid soles are essential. Avoid flip-flops and aim for a water show or boat shoe.
Socks – Bring a change of socks because it is likely your feet may get wet.
Rain Gear – Quality charter boats have a cabin in which you can rest. If the rain comes up you can still fish if you have rain gear. Nylon UPF clothing will dry quickly. A waterproof jacket – light for summer, heavy for winter – will keep much of the rain off of you. Think lightweight and waterproof.
What to bring deep sea fishing will vary slightly from other types of charter boat fishing. You are farther out in the water so dress for wind, sun, rain, and more wind.
Preparing For Your Deep Sea Adventure
Generally, seasonal changes mean warm and dry and cool and wet – That is essentially a Summer vs. Winter adventure. You will want to change your rain gear to meet the seasonal changes. Remember that fishing before a storm can be the best deep-sea fishing around. Don’t be afraid to get rained on if you are hauling in fish.
There are many tactics for fishing the Gulf of Mexico. Most include trolling back and forth over the same spot. If you are prone to seasickness, then trolling might be a good option for you as the boat is moving. Chumming is another tactic that boats use a lot to draw in fish that hunt by smell. Chumming is a good way to target sharks, and big game fish, like cobia and amberjacks.
Know where you are fishing, your gear list will change slightly if you are fishing inshore or deep sea fishing. A good tip is to bring things that:
Offer comfort
Function well for you
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