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If you’ve tried every type of fishing there is to try from land, you might want to give deep-sea fishing a go. You can only achieve this thrilling angling experience by venturing into the deepest waters, but this style is not suitable for everyone.

Deep-sea fishing refers to fishing that takes place offshore, where waters are usually at least 100 feet deep and often a lot more. Offshore fishing, also known as big game fishing, is an outdoor adventure that aims to try and land a different group of fish and experience the depths of the ocean.

Deep-sea fishing, once exclusive to dedicated anglers, now appears accessible to everyone. Before you jump in a boat, though, check out this guide to fishing in the deep-seas and see what’s what.

What is Deep-sea Fishing?

A specific location, typically between 20 and 30 miles from the shoreline, is where deep-sea fishing takes place. In addition to being this far off shore, deep-sea fishing requires a water depth of at least 100 feet to qualify as such.

Deep-sea fishing, often known as big game fishing, aims to capture the common fish species found in these waters. The most popular fish that anglers try to land on a deep fishing expedition are swordfish, marlin, and snapper, but anything in the offshore area will do.

There’s not much required for deep-sea fishing other than a vessel to take you out there, and people can either use their own or an off-shore charter boat. You’ll need your usual rod, safety gear, tackle, and bait, and because of the deeper waters, you may have greater success with a fish finder.

What Happens During Deep-sea Fishing?

Before a deep-sea fishing trip, it’s normal to feel a little nervous, especially if you’ve never been on a chartered boat before or taken any kind of vessel far out to sea.

To eliminate any uncertainty, we have outlined the typical steps involved on a deep-sea fishing trip, should you opt for a charter.

  1. You board the ship, meet the crew, and sign in. They will direct you to the location where you store the gear and usually tell you to avoid the deck.

  2. If you have nothing on hand, the deck may ask you if you need to buy a bug for fish storage, which is a good idea.
  3. Some boats run a jackpot where all participants put in a small amount of cash, so they might ask you to be involved if you want. The person with the biggest fish at the end of the day is the winner, and they take home the jackpot as well as their impressive catch.
  4. The captain will leave the dock and typically speak to everyone on board. They will discuss all the essential details, such as safety, your destination, and the ship’s rules.

  5. While you’re traveling to the destination, the deck crew will start hiring out gear and giving basic lessons on how to use it, if needed. If you didn’t bring your own gear and are renting, you’ll want to sort this out now.
  6. Once you’ve arrived, wait for the captain to give you the go-ahead to drop your line in. The captain will assign you a specific fishing time and provide you with a warning before the day concludes. Pack up your catches in a bag, and if you entered the jackpot, now is the time to get your fish weighed.
  7. If you wish, the crew of the boat can also cut your fish for you, at a cost of just a few dollars. You can now leave the boat with your catches, and make sure to tip if it’s been worthwhile.

Essential Gear for Deep-sea Fishing

Depending on how and where you go deep-sea fishing, there’s some basic gear you’ll need.

You might receive everything if you’re using a charter, but most people have reliable supplies.

  • A fishing license is required in some states, and anyone over 16 years of age needs one.

  • On-boat purchases and tips require cash.
  • The right clothing includes layered garments, long sleeves, non-slip shoes, sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat.
  • You can use a gunny sack to transport fish and a cooler box to keep it fresh while driving home.

  • Use a camera or smartphone to record the action and capture a photo of your proudest catch.

Licenses and Regulations

Deep-sea fishing comes with some regulations, as with any type of fishing, and it’s your responsibility as an angler to know what they are. Most states in the US require a fishing license as a bare minimum, and you can easily purchase one of these online or on the phone.

If you’re booking a charter, you’ll want to check off a list of requirements to ensure that the operator is legitimate. Questions to ask include whether they have the right permits to fish in federal waters, if the captain has a valid license, and whether they have a safety plan in place.

A license is required for anyone planning to operate a charter and charge people for the use of their boat. Before chartering a boat for any kind of fishing, you must acquire a permit, and the penalties for not doing so are severe.

Do You Need to Charter a Boat?

If you’re lucky enough to own a fishing vessel of your own, there’s no need to charter a boat. However, for most people, chartering is a good way to test the waters and see what they think about deep-sea fishing before making such a large investment in a boat themselves.

During a boat charter, the best advice is to listen to the crew and leave all of your preconceived notions at home. Many individuals embark on these charters with a preconceived notion of a reality TV show they’ve watched, only to find their expectations shattered upon arrival.

There’s a chance that you might not catch anything either, as is the nature of fishing. The goal with any deep-sea fishing expedition is to enjoy yourself and experience the wonderful outdoors as far away from society as possible, and deep-sea fishing is a rewarding way to do both of those.

FAQs

Can you keep any fish you catch in the ocean?

There are different rules and laws in place regarding what you can keep after catching it in the ocean, and this includes state-specific and federal ones. In California, for example, anyone over the age of 16 that catches a fish, crustacean, or invertebrate from an ocean or bay must have a fishing license to take it home.

Is it legal for you to fish in international waters?

Countries generally control their waters for a distance of up to 12 miles out to sea, and when you’re fishing from here, you’ll need to follow the laws of that state or country. However, beyond this point, where it’s considered international waters, there are no laws about the type of fishing that can occur.

Is deep-sea fishing dangerous?

As long as you follow the rules and safety protocols on the boat you’re traveling on, there’s no reason that deep-sea fishing should be any more dangerous than regular fishing. Fishing from a boat carries risks, such as drowning and dangerous weather, but you can mitigate these risks with the right safety precautions.

Wrap-Up

There’s something magical about heading out to the middle of the ocean and casting a line down further than you’ve ever done before.

To try your hand at deep-sea fishing, there’s a bit you need to learn first, so make sure you’ve researched the safest and best way to do it before you jump on board.