Image source: Sam Carlson
Florida is a fantastic place to fish. Many people, especially those new to fishing, opt for a charter, and Finest Kind is well-known as a quality experience for fishing.
In Florida, you can fish from shore, bay fishing, and in the deep sea. In this blog, we walk you through the experience of the deep-sea fishery, the types of fish, and some seasonal information to help you plan the best time to experience fishing in the deep waters off of the Florida Coast.
What is the Meaning of Deep Sea Fishing?
How deep is deep sea fishing? Deep-sea fishing starts at about 30 meters deep, and while that may not seem like much, it is over 90 feet. What is considered deep sea? Anything over 90-100 feet deep is deep sea. At the deepest, you might hit 6,000 or more feet before you find the bottom. That is a wide breadth between the surface and the bottom. It is that depth that makes deep-sea fishing so rewarding, so exhilarating, and so addicting. It takes deep water to grow big, fat, trophy fish, drawing people to Florida to fish the depths.
Deep Sea Fishing Fish
One of the exciting aspects of deep-sea fishing off of Florida is the trophy fish. Big fish love these local waters, and the Florida Saltwater Fishing Records Prove it.
- Cobia – The record is 130.06 pounds
- Bull Shark — the record is 517.44 pounds.
- King Mackeral
- Bigeye Tuna — The record is 194.80 pounds.
- Wahoo
- Blackfin Tuna – The record is 45.50 pounds.
- Blue Martin — The record is 1,048.88 pounds — that’s just over 1/2 of a ton.
The deep waters are home to big fish, but many other fish species offer fantastic entertainment. Red snapper is one species of fish that you can catch hand-over-fist. A lovely range of options allows you to build a deep-sea fishing trip that fits your fishing desires. Do you want to target trophy fish, learn more about fishing in deep water, or experience a day of fantastic fishing with your family or friends?
Is Deep-sea Fishing Difficult?
Generally, you need to know more about fishing to successfully deep-sea fish. However, novice and first-time fishers can do just fine on a charter. Much of the success of the charter comes down to the experience and willingness of the captain and crew.
You can head to a local deep fishing area and catch plenty of fish or none at all. The difference comes down to experience.
Generally, the types of deep sea fishing allow you to target a few fish species or many kinds of fish. You can trawl or chum, depending on the fish you choose to target. Chum fishing attracts predatory fish to a specific area while trawling drags your line and lure or bait through the water. Some fish, such as tuna, are attracted to movement, while others rely on their nose to find food.
Where to deep sea fish
There are also different types of environments in deep-sea fishing: shipwrecks, reefs, canyons, mountains, the continental shelf, the bottomless canyons, and more. Each of these locations offers different types of fish, challenges, and opportunities.
Understanding the seasonality of fishing is also essential. Know when the fish you want to target are in season. Here is an excellent resource for seasons, limits, and other information about Florida Deep-sea fish species.
Opening day can be a very successful adventure. A quality captain will know where the fish are, what is available, and how to set you up to succeed. That is another reason why fishing charters are so popular — the captain will or should do all the detail work for you.
How is Deep-sea fishing different from other types of fishing in Florida?
The most significant difference is the depth of water. What that means is that with deep-sea fishing, the area in which you fish is more extensive. You can think of a fishing area as a cube. The deeper the cube, the more space and the more challenging it is to find fish.
A quality charter will offer you top gear that is well-maintained and the opportunity to successfully learn the skills to fish in deep waters.
With bay fishing, you can pretty much see the fish. Seasonality is more critical, as is the type of gear you need. It is generally easier to fish in shallow water. With deep-sea fishing, you are targeting bigger fish and more species.
Considerations for Deep-sea Fishing in Florida
Deep-sea fishing comes with some considerations. Safety is a big concern for people who are new to deep-sea fishing. Weather is a significant factor. Mechanical issues with the boat can also be an issue. Finally, the health and wellness of the people onboard can play a role in the outcome of your trip.
The Finest Kind charter has a lifeboat that is large enough to hold everyone on board safely. In addition, modern equipment allows the captain or crew to contact help, such as the Coast Guard, should issues arise. Finally, life Jackets keep you safe if someone falls overboard. The captain and crew have the training to keep you safe. Generally, though, deep-sea fishing is safe. Yes, accidents can happen, but they can happen anywhere.
Sea Sickness is a common concern. There are over-the-counter medications to help reduce or alleviate seasickness. In addition, natural products, such as ginger candy or ginger ale, can help reduce nausea.
How does deep Sea fishing work?
First, the boats are usually different, more significant, with more equipment than the boats used for bay fishing. Second, the gear is also different. With deep-sea fishing, the rods and tackler are heavier and more substantial because, in the deeper waters, the fish are generally larger. With bay fishing, the equipment is lighter.
Deep-sea Fishing is casual and Fun.
Bay fishing vs deep sea fishing — With bay fishing, you may have a friend or be by yourself. With deep-sea fishing, there is a group of you — your family or friends. It’s an adventure that is about sharing the experience. Bay fishing is often just you and the fish, whereas deep-sea fishing is more about bonding, fun, and enjoying the company of others while you fish.
Comfort is Important
One consideration is comfort. Deep-sea fishing can be an all-day event or even an overnight event. Comfort is essential because battling a big fish can be exhausting. Dress comfortably, wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water are three things you can do to increase the comfort level on your fishing adventure.
Bigger Boats, More Options
The boat is also important. It should have plenty of room for your party to spread out and fish. It should also offer air conditioning and comfortable seating areas. You may want to take a break from fishing and recover. A small lounge area is ideal for that. The Florida weather can sap your energy level quickly. Having access to cold water, ice, and shade in a temperature-controlled environment help a lot.
What You Need to Bring
- Polarized Sunglasses are a Must. The sun on the water can be blinding and cause headaches or increase nausea. Polarized sunglasses block much of the refracted light and allow you to fish longer and in more comfort.
- Know What the Charter Provides and What they Do Not Provide.
Fishing trips can be as short as 2-3 hours or as long as overnight. Make sure you have access to food. Don’t be shy about bringing food, drinks, and plenty of water. Check with the charter to see if alcohol is allowed or not. - Do You Need a Fishing License? The charter may or may not provide a fishing license for you. Be prepared as a fishing license is a requirement. You can buy a Florida Fishing License online. Charters like The Finest Kind provide fishing licenses, bait, tackle, ice and of course, Captain and Mate.
How Much Experience Do You Need?
You don’t need a lot of experience when you book a charter for deep-sea fishing. The charter should help you with rigging, fishing, and battling big fish. Some are appropriate for small children and will allow you to share the love of fishing with your entire family.
About Deep Water Fishing in Destin, Florida
Destin is a popular destination for anglers. The local waters here are rich with fish allowing visitors to experience the fishing trip of a lifetime.
How far offshore do you go? The best waters are about 20-40-miles off the coast of Destin, which can take about 1- 1 1/2 hours to reach. So, when you choose the length of your fishing adventure, keep the travel time to and from the deeper water in mind.
Deep-sea fishing in Destin, Florida, is impressive. With over 30-different species of deep-water fish, your options for creating a specific fishing adventure are good. Your odds of battling big fish are also good. If you are ready to hit the salty brine, check the availability of trips, or see what’s in season, book or give us a call at 850-837-6800!