What’s Biting in Destin?

by Pete Robbins | Aug 4, 2024 | All Posts

Beautiful start to the morning with Finest Kind Charters.

The area around Destin, Florida, comes by its “Emerald Coast” moniker honestly – it’s a jewel of the Gulf of Mexico, one of Florida’s most desirable beaches, with temperate weather and soothing seas, but there’s more to it than that. In this resort zone, where people from across the globe travel to enjoy rest, relaxation and miles of white sand beaches, there’s a not-so-hidden world class fishery.

So, what’s biting in Destin, you might ask?

Something’s biting all the time. In fact, there are few places in the world where there are so many different types of highly prized sportfish available throughout the calendar. Whether you’re a globe-traveling tournament angler, a first timer who wants that “hero shot” for your office, or a family looking to enjoy the great outdoors together, there are multiple options.

Choose your time of year, and whether you like to cast, troll or bottom fish, whether you’re looking for pure sport or to fill your freezer, there are more options than you can shake a line at – and often you can catch several of them in the same day.

Your dream may be a leaping marlin, the hard-pulling amberjack, or one of the highly coveted and table-worthy species of snapper, but they’re all here to be caught

Why Destin is a Premier Fishing Destination

Destin is the perfect location for the whole family to vacation, with a Jimmy Buffett vibe and the ability to “get away from it all” without getting away from any creature comforts. But its location on the Emerald Coast is also an ecological gift. There’s an amazing array of fish here, because the quick access to the deepest portions of the Gulf provide natural highways for the fish to travel. There’s a veritable buffet for all of them to eat, so whether they’re migratory or residents, there’s always something on the menu – until you put them on your menu.

Because Destin has long been known as a fishing haven, there’s also the infrastructure here to get you going, whether you own a boat or need the assistance of a charter boat. The marinas, bait shops and ancillary businesses provide a long history of fish catches and a competitive environment where there’s enough around for everyone to make a living, but substantial information to tell you who to book with and when.

Destin caters to both novice and experienced anglers, with ample information and services for both. Our friendly locals will steer you in the right direction, and if one species of fish isn’t biting, there’s almost always something else that is. Usually the biggest problem is figuring out which one of the region’s world-class fisheries to target. Don’t be surprised if you need more than a day to get it all done.

Even non-anglers will be tempted to take their shot on the fish, but if they just want to enjoy the scenery, Destin’s temperate climate, incredible coastal scenery and wealth of marine mammals make any day on the water a memorable one. Our skilled local captains, and the entire staff associated with the Finest Kind, know all of the details and lore about this region, and they’ll regale you with tales of the area while you reel in fish after fish after fish.

Types of Fish you can Target in Destin

Red snapper caught aboard the Finest Kind Charter.

So, what are you going to catch in and around Destin?

Many conversations start with snapper, including species such as gray snapper, mutton snapper, lane snapper, and the highly desirable red snapper. The latter, which fight like banshees and taste divine, grow to record proportions here. Some of the red snapper can live a few hundred feet deep, so if you want to learn about structure fishing and marine electronics (while catching one of the best-tasting fish on earth) they’re the ones you want to target.

Some other tasty fish include mahi mahi (AKA, dorado or dolphinfish), which are brightly colored, taste incredible, and reproduce multiple times a year, so there’s no harm in harvesting them. They’re lightning fast and can grow up to 80 pounds.

Grouper are another popular fish, with various types residing here. They include Black, Goliath, Nassau, gag, red, Warsaw, yellowfin and yellowmouth. The Goliath lives in gnarly wrecks and will test your physical fitness. Several others live on the bottom, but we often catch them trolling artificial lures in the winter, too.

You want to catch a billfish? We have tasty swordfish, which are best caught at night, and majestic sailfish that jump and swim like underwater cheetahs. There are also tuna and spotted seatrout and cobia, all renowned for their plate worthiness. If you time it right, you can often catch several of these in the same day.

What’s in Season?

While state and federal regulations limit what anglers can target and/or what they can keep, there’s always a good bite going on in Destin. The local charter captains stay on the fish, understand the seasonal patterns, and want you to have the day of a lifetime.

If you’re coming with the family, or for a summer vacation, you’re in luck. There’s plenty going on at this time of year. Those include a wide variety of snapper – frankly, you can catch a lot of snapper 12 months out of the year – as well as mahi mahi, wahoo, tuna, sailfish and marlin. It just depends on whether you want to drop to fish near the bottom, or troll, and what your crew is capable of handling.

The real joy of being able to come to the Emerald Coast in the shoulder seasons or “off seasons” (there really isn’t an offseason here, at least for fishing) is that there’s always a great bite. Come in the winter and you’ll be thrilled to chase tuna. Come in the fall, and there’s almost always a great mackerel run. During the spring, just about everything is wide open as the Gulf of Mexico jumps to life and the food chain starts in earnest.

Cobia are best in the spring, and if your goal is to catch “Jaws,” there’s always some type of toothy shark biting somewhere. All sorts of other species like triggerfish and amberjack fill out the calendar and days on the water that end all too soon. The best local charter captains have the appropriate tackle to handle multiple types of tackle onboard, so when you see them bring out a different type of gear, you’re about to experience a new and special thrill.

Planning Your Perfect Fishing Trip

Planning your perfect Destin fishing trip starts with a good attitude and a willingness to learn. Ask your charter captain and booking staff what to expect and what to bring. They’re used to dealing with all sorts of anglers, and they welcome clients from every walk of life. Make sure that your group all has the same expectations. While there are plenty of trips that are family-friendly and child-friendly, not all of them are equally suited for everyone. Gauge your companions’ aptitude, patience and interests when you book your trip.

While Destin’s local waters are typically quite calm, some people do get seasick, so consider over the counter or prescription remedies. Seasickness affects different people differently, and some not at all, but it pays to be prepared.

Of course, the weather is a huge part of fishing success and comfort. While Destin is lovely just about year-round, you need to be prepared for the heat, or the rain, or a little bit of spray. Check the weather report, and remember that you’ll be out in the elements, where everything feels al bit more extreme. Bring sunscreen, lip balm, sun protective clothing, rain gear if needed, polarized sunglasses to cut down on glare and eye fatigue, and shoes that are non-marking yet grippy, so you don’t lose your balance. Hydration is also key – so bring plenty of liquids to stay comfortable.

Ask your captain if he’ll have a cooler with ice onboard for your drinks and snacks. If not, bring your own, just nothing so big that it’ll get in the way. 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.

Also, water – whether from rain, spray running the boat, or flipping fish – tends to get into everything. Bring Ziplocs or waterproof bags to store your valuables and to protect them. That includes phones and wallets, which should be stowed away, because if they go into the drink they’re likely gone forever.

In Summary

When you charter a boat, it’s your personal adventure, so ask a lot of questions, and demand that you get what you pay for – not just an overpriced boat ride. Start with concerns about safety, then ask for duration and what’s included. You’ll want a seaworthy craft, like the Finest Kind, a 53’ G&S Sportfish. It’ll provide speed, comfort and fishability. You’ll want it to be equipped with the tools necessary to get the job done, from radar to GPS to sonar. And of course there’s the safety factor – don’t skimp there, either.

Once those prongs are met, it comes down to fishing experience and knowledge. Miss your target by a hundred yards or a mile, and even biting fish might as well not exist. You want staff that knows the Destin area and lives and breathes Emerald Coast fishing.

Questions About Your Destin Fishing Trip?

Check out our FAQ page for important information about your charter here in Destin. And of course, call us if you’ve got questions – we’re happy to help you plan your upcoming fishing trip!  We promise a day on the Finest Kind will be a memory you’ll enjoy for years to come.

How To Catch a Tuna in the Gulf of Mexico

by Captain Jason | Sep 21, 2023 | All Posts

Want to know how to catch a tuna in the Gulf of Mexico? The answer is to troll with live bait or a large chunk of cut bait. There are a handful of tuna species in the Gulf and many of the other big-game fish will rise to a nice chunk of cut bait or a larger live bait offering.

Spotting The Tuna Species

Once you hit the gulf you want to look for deep water. Water temperature also plays a big role in where tuna are located as the temperature of the water will impact where the bait fish are feeding.

Yellowfin Tuna – 240 pounds is the Florida Record [1]

1. Best Bait – Live bait works best, but you can do well with a whole fish carcass too. Menhaden is a top option as are mullet, and threadfin herring. While bait is important, it must be paired with the correct trolling speed. You want your bait to sit just under the water’s surface. If it is too deep the tuna may bypass it. If it is bouncing on the top of the water the tuna will likely ignore it. Trolling speeds of 4–7 knots are ideal.
2. Best Destinations – Louisiana to Florida offer some of the best tuna fishing in the Gulf. The deep water off of Destin, Florida is a big game fish haven.
3. What To Look For – Warm top water around 72° F range. Tuna feed in the top water column over deep water. Look for the correct water temperature to 300 feet deep. Visually, look for birds feeding on the surface, which indicates a surface school of baitfish. You can also look for rippled water – the tuna swim and disrupt the water’s surface as they chase baitfish. If you are in the thick of a hunt, you might even see small baitfish jumping out of the water.

Further Reading for Yellowfin

Little Tunny – The False Albacore – Record 35.3 pounds

1. Best Bait – many options work well. Live bait and cut bait are two of the best, but you can also use flies, jigs, and lures – feather lures work well.
2. Best Destinations – Coastal waters to deep waters throughout the Gulf of Mexico all the way up the Atlantic seaboard. In short, they are everywhere and as a schooling fish, you will need to see the signs of their presence to nail them.
3. What To Look For – Flocks of birds feeding -diving, calling, crying, and more diving – structures from wrecks to reefs, water temperature from 60-80° F. If you find baitfish, you will likely find little tunny.

Bluefin – Record 826.5 Pounds – Destin, Florida

1. Best Bait – Live or cut bait is your best option. Bluefin prefer herring, squid, and skipjack. Bigger baitfish will work and help you to attract larger tuna.
2. Best Destinations – Destin, Florida is one of the best due to the way the coastal waters and continental shelf slope quickly into deep water. In the sloping water is where you will find bluefin.
3. What To Look For – The margin where coastal waters become deep waters. That zone is a hunting ground for bluefin which are chasing baitfish, skipjacks, herring, etc.

Skipjack – Record 33 pounds 8 ounces

1. Best Bait – Herring is an excellent bait for skipjack – live or as cut bait. They also respond to jigs and lures, such as swimbaits and plugs.
2. Best Destinations – Skipjack tuna are all over the place. If you are looking for younger fish for bait, stay inshore near structures. If you are looking for the bigger adults, they are often mixed with yellowfin tuna on the hunt.
3. What To Look For – Baitfish balls are an excellent indicator of skipjack. These are schooling predatory tuna, and they will seek big masses of baitfish. Look for diving birds feeding on baitfish and fish near structures such as wrecks, and reefs where baitfish may seek shelter from predation.

How To Catch Tuna

April is the best spring month to fish tuna off of Florida. The next opportunity is November and December which is when the fall/winter runs peak. Tuna are present year-round, but peak season and their migratory nature mean that the best time to catch tuna is when their season peaks.

The best way to catch Tuna is by trolling with live bait or whole dead bait. Sometimes jigs and spoons or lures will work, but mostly that is species-specific. The smaller tuna can be taken with many different bait types – flies, jigs, lures, live bait, etc. If you are targeting trophy tuna, then live or whole dead bait is ideal.

Tuna Fishing Techniques

Trolling

Trolling is the act of towing your bait and hook behind the boat generally at slow speeds. There is an art to trolling, and you can learn how it works on most charter boats. The speed by which you troll will vary depending on the type of bait you use. The bait should be just under the water’s surface and not bouncing on the top of the water. The size of your bait will act differently at different trolling speeds. You can adjust the speed to keep the bait where it belongs.

Chumming

Chumming is the act of adding fish, fish juice, fish oil, or live fish to the water in hopes of attracting big game fish to your boat. You can chum for tuna and the method works well for the smaller species since they swim in schools. The big species of tuna may congregate around chum or baitfish schools and follow them. Bluefin tuna also swim in schools, and they consume a lot of fish It would take a lot of chum to keep a school of bluefin tuna near your boat. These fish are constantly moving and chasing baitfish such as herring.

Fly Fishing

Because the smaller species of tuna feed near the surface and in schools, you can fly fish for them. Pink streamers and fish mimics are two types of flies that may attract Little Tunny and Skipjack Tuna.

Tuna Fishing Tips

Bait Options

Most species of tuna will prefer live bait, and you want to size the bait to the species. For example, bluefin tuna need a larger hunk of bait than skipjack tuna. You can also use cut bait and you want to make sure that is an oily fish that will leave a trail. Some tuna will take jigs and lures. All will take live bait. If you are not catching tuna you should consider switching to another type of bait – live, dead, or artificial.

Trolling Speeds

Presenting bait to tuna is an equal part of bait selection and boat speed. Trolling for tuna is one of the most effective ways to catch them. To do that effectively, you need to keep the bait swimming just under the water’s surface. If you troll too quickly the bait will bounce along the top of the water and tuna will have a difficult time taking it. If the speed is too slow the live bait will swim all over the place and make it difficult for the tuna to take it. If you use dead, whole fish for bait, the swim nature of the fish in the wake, will be gentle and easy for the tuna to take it. Under 7 knots is generally a good place to start.

The Right Gear

Rods – The fishing rod needs to be stout. Many anglers prefer rods in the 5′ 6″ to 6-foot length. You want the rod to be able to clear the boat but also provide enough leverage to tire out the fish.

Reels – A 4,000 series reel is a good middle ground. If your options include a pound number aim for a 130-pound reel. Charter boats will have all the gear dialed in and ready to go.

Line – Some anglers prefer braided line, but mono has been the standard for big fish for a while.

Lures – Fishing for tuna is a big industry, and you will find lures specific to tuna. Most are mimics of live bait, such as flying fish lures, squid lures, herring lures, etc. When choosing a lure keep it simple and try to match the food sources that tuna naturally consume. These are big, predatory fish that have honed the art of eating into a very streamlined set of instincts. Mimic what tuna eat naturally.

Clothing – Dress to be comfortable – warm, dry, cool – the weather will be variable, wet, windy, salty, and hot all at the same time. The three most important pieces of clothing for tuna fishing are:

1. Skid-proof shoes
2. Polarized sunglasses
3. A hat with a brim

Fill in the rest with safety and comfort in mind.

Gulf Coast Laws

Fishing regulations change from one day to the next. Be sure to stay up to date on current regulations by visiting the Fish and Game Authority site for the state in which you fish. In addition, you will need to not only pay attention to state regulations but also to federal regulations too.

Currently – 2023

Skipjack and Albacore have no size restriction.

Yellowfin must be 27″ or longer from the nose to the tail fork with three yellowfin being the bag limit per trip.

Bluefin – Federal regulations are currently not permitting the targeting of bluefin tuna in the Gulf since it is an area where they spawn. This rule may be subject to change based on current conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Big Does a Tuna Fish Get? – Bluefin is the largest of the tuna species and a giant fish can be 13 feet long and weigh 2,000 pounds.
2. Where Can You Catch Tuna? – Tuna fish are available in all tropical and subtropical waters. The Gulf of Mexico is a natural area for tuna and one of the world’s top destinations includes the Gulf waters off of Florida.
3. What Do Tuna Fish Eat? – Tuna feed on baitfish, shrimp, squid, and some crustaceans. The biggest part of their diet is small fish, such as herring, menhaden, Cigar minnows, etc.

Sources for World Record Fish:
Yellowfin Tuna – Florida Sportsman
World Record Saltwater Fish (Complete Chart)

How Long Does Fishing Line Last?

by Captain Jason | Sep 10, 2023 | All Posts

Fishing line can last for several years to a single season or less. How long the fishing line lasts depends on the type of fishing line you use. Braided line lasts the longest – up to several years. Monofilament and fluorocarbon fishing lines last the shortest amount of time and many need replacing after a single season or even sooner. How you store and care for your fishing gear, also makes a big difference in the durability of fishing line.

Fishing Line Basics

Fishing is one of the most important parts of fishing gear. There are three main types of fishing line which include:

• Monofilament line – mono fishing line is a single nylon fiber produced by extruding liquid nylon into a solid and strong fiber or line. It is produced similarly as is metal wires.
• Fluorocarbon fishing line – is made of fluoride resin which is extruded into a single fiber and line.
• Braided fishing line – A braid of fibers such as nylon or Dacron – tiny filaments of nylon or Dacron is braided together to make a finished fishing line.

“Which type of line is the best fishing line,” is a common question and the answer can start a heated debate. For big trophy fishing, such as marlin or sailfish fishing, monofilament is often used. Over the last decade, braided line has become the go-to fishing line for many anglers, simply because it lasts the longest and is highly advertised. Fluorocarbon is also a go-to type of line because it offers the highest invisibility in the water. Mono has been around forever, and it is often the cheapest choice, but it is hard to beat mono even though it has drawbacks. In fact, all three types of fishing lines have drawbacks, and many are chosen by top anglers based on the type of fishing those anglers are pursuing.

To make it more confusing, anglers can combine fishing line types, such as using a braided line with a mono or fluorocarbon leader.

Saltwater vs Freshwater Line

Many anglers believe that saltwater and freshwater fishing lines are the same. In fact, they are made of the same materials, but the saltwater fishing line is often thinner in diameter than freshwater fishing line. Is there such as thing as freshwater and saltwater fishing lines? No, not really. The difference is that anglers can choose the diameter of the lines based on the type of fishing they do.

Saltwater is denser than freshwater and that means that heavier objects have an easier time floating. That’s important if you are fishing topwater in a saltwater setting. A thinner diameter fishing line will float more easily in a saltwater setting than in freshwater.

Braided line has become very popular for both freshwater and saltwater fishing because it offers the same pound-test rating in a thinner diameter line.

The thinner diameter of the saltwater fishing line also means that it has less drag when it is windy, and it is often windy when you fish the briny deep. We mentioned the three types of fishing and still recommend mono as your first choice. Not only is mono less expensive than either fluorocarbon or braided line, but it is also remarkably durable in saltwater.

Mono line offers thinner diameters and strength. It also has remarkable knot strength and is mostly invisible in water. It is not as invisible as the fluorocarbon line, but it is more durable. It is not as strong as a braided line when compared to the same diameter, but it is remarkably strong when matched in a pound test to the fish you target.

Types of Saltwater Fishing Lines

1. Monofilament – Fairly rugged. Mono fishing line is the go-to standard. It is affordable, holds up well, and works well for both saltwater and freshwater fishing.
2. Fluorocarbon – Stronger than mono but also more brittle. Fluorocarbon fishing line is prized because it is almost invisible in water. That means it works well on fish that are visual hunters and that might be put off if they see the line. One problem with the fluorocarbon fishing line is that it can nick and then becomes weak in that spot.
3. Braided – is the gold standard of fishing lines because it is stronger than either mono or fluorocarbon fishing lines and in a thinner diameter per pound test. For example, a 20-pound-test fishing line in braid will be much thinner than either mono or fluorocarbon fishing line. One of the drawbacks of a braided line is that it is highly visible in the water and that means you have to pair it with a mono fishing line leader or one made from fluorocarbon line.

How Long Does It Take to Wear Out

Both mono fishing line and fluorocarbon fishing line should be replaced at least annually. When you replace the fishing line on your rods depends on how you care for the line. If you leave the reel with line spooled on them in the sun they deteriorate quickly. If you do not clean the line, and it has sand or dirt on it, it will degrade.

Some anglers change mono and fluorocarbon lines seasonally. It is always advisable to change the line on your reels before a special trip. The line is literally the difference between the one that got away and the trophy you take home.

The braided line is becoming very popular because it lasts for years without the need to replace it. So long as the braid is in good repair, it will retain its strength and durability. You replace braided line when it begins to fray or has visible damage. That process can take a year to three years to occur.

What are the top-trusted makers/brands of saltwater fishing lines?

There are many brands of fishing line and some of the best include Suffix, Trilene, and Seaguar. The prices range between brands, but the quality is consistent.

Does it Really Matter?

The quality and condition of your fishing line matter a lot. Not only will poor quality and fishing line in poor repair cost you, but it can also ruin your fishing adventure. At the least, you will lose lures, hooks, bait, and leader material. At the worst, you will hook a trophy fish and battle it only to be left with a floppy end of line thanks to a line breakage. It is bad enough when you have a “One That Got Away” scenario, but it is made worse when the reason the fish got away is that you did not care enough to maintain or replace the fishing line on your reel. Okay, now you know. 🙂

Tuna Fish Sizes: How Big Can Tuna Get?

by Captain Jason | Aug 26, 2023 | All Posts

In terms of the biggest tuna ever caught, you are looking at a monster that weighed 1496 pounds. The beast was a bluefin tuna and was nabbed off the coast of Nova Scotia. How big do tuna get? Well, they grow huge, but the maximum size will depend on the species of tuna and the Gulf of Mexico is a haven for tuna of all sizes. [1]

A Nice Tuna Catch

Tuna Species of the Gulf of Mexico

Tuna fish size ranges from the smaller Tunny and Skipjack to the massive bluefin and yellowfin.

Yellowfin – Fish with Baitfish, Squid, or Crustaceans

Yellowfin are found the world over, they are one of the most targeted tuna with around 12 million pounds caught by rod and reel around the world. [2] Yellowfin can grow to six feet in length and over 400 pounds.

Bluefin – The Biggest of the Tuna Species

If you are looking for a monster game fish, the bluefin tuna is likely a good target. They can grow to 13 feet in length and weigh upwards of 2000 pounds. That’s a ton of fish that is as long as two NBA basketball players. The record for a pole-caught blue tuna is 1495 pounds.

Blackfin – A Smaller, but Fun Tuna

Blackfin tuna reach a size of 39 inches and a weight of 46 pounds. Most anglers would rather target yellowfin or the elusive bluefin tuna, but the blackfin tuna is a strong fighter and very good to eat.

Little Tunny – A smaller variety with Trophies in the 30-37 pound range

Little tunny is a schooling tuna that feed on baitfish and crustaceans. You find them in open waters and along the coastal waters. Fishing little tunny is a big sport because while they are smaller tuna, they are strong, and they fight hard. You can also use little tunny as live or cut bait for bigger tuna and shark fishing. [3]

Skipjack – A Trophy is 25-33 Pounds

Skipjack is similar to little tunny in that they stay small and are schooling fish. You can target them with herring or baitfish, and you will find them in coastal and deep waters off of Florida and around the Gulf. These are not the biggest tuna, but they put up an amazing fight. Even at 20 pounds, they will bend the rod and fight.

Albacore – Thunnus alalunga – A True Tuna

A big albacore is going to be around 39 inches though as a species they can reach lengths upward of 51 inches. Unlike many tuna, you find albacore in schools without other species of tuna. By nature, these are highly migratory fish, and finding them may mean focusing on baitfish. April and May and Late fall are the best times to target albacore. [4]

Bigeye – A bigger version of Yellowfin

A trophy bigeye tuna will approach 5 feet in length. According to Sport Fishing Magazine, the record for bigeye tuna is 392 pounds six ounces. Bigeye are often found near the surface where they feed on baitfish, but they can also be deep at over 800 feet. [5]

Some of The Top Tuna Species Caught in the Gulf of Mexico

The holy grail of tuna fishing is the bluefin tuna. They are elusive fish that seem to be on everyone’s bucket list of big fish. In truth, the blackfin is likely to be a bigger fish. Yellowfin are another top tuna species for anglers who want to battle big fish.

In comparison, the world record for yellowfin is 388 pounds 12 ounces but in Florida, the record is 240 pounds. [6] According to American Oceans, the biggest bluefin tuna is 1496 pounds. [7] That is a massive difference in size which is why almost everyone wants to battle a bluefin. Our list of top tuna includes:

• Bluefin
• Blackfin
• Yellowfin
• Bigeye

What’s the biggest tuna ever caught?

The biggest tuna ever caught was the 1496-pound bluefin. In the Gulf of Mexico, the biggest tuna ever caught is thought to be the bluefin tuna caught by Ron Roland off the coast of Louisiana. It topped the scales at 1152 pounds. Both of these catches tell us why bluefin tuna is on everyone’s fishing bucket list. [8]

Conclusion

If you are wondering how to catch a tuna, the options are fairly simple – deep sea fishing while trolling with live or cut bait. One of the problems with fishing tuna in the Gulf is that the geologic structure of the Gulf is diverse. You need a captain that understands the topography of the deep water and the location of deep structures.

Tuna – all species – are highly migratory. So, fishing them requires that you know where they are right now as their location is not static. Many species of tuna range from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and elsewhere in the tropical waters of the globe. Even smaller species of tuna or small fish will put you on par with some of the best game fish on the globe.

Silver salmon, for example, is one of the most sought-after fighting fish around, and they weigh around 20 pounds. They do not compare in fight and strength to a small tuna. That is why tuna fishing is so popular. Not only do they fight hard, but they also taste good too.

While tuna is available all year long, April and May are great months to target tuna off the coast of Florida. November and December can also be peak months for tuna fishing in the Gulf while the summer months are busy for tuna anglers. What do you do between April and November? You fish for tuna or other big fish. A charter boat is probably going to be one of the best options you have to fish tuna during their peak season and also during the off-season.

How To Catch a Fish

by Captain Jason | Aug 14, 2023 | All Posts

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:

• Tuna
• Sailfish
• Sharks
• Kingfish 
• Marlin

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.