Reel Good Fishing

Planning a deep sea fishing trip is the most important part of your trip until you get on the water. In this article, we break it down to three major factors; fish, time and money. We also point out what to look for in a quality trip. Good planning assures you get the best experience and the most enjoyment from the fishing trip.

Image CC by mikebaird

The first step in planning is to identify the limiting factors. Do you have a certain species of fish you are after? How much time do you have to fish on this outing? Are you working within a certain budget? Answering these three questions will help you identify which trip is right for you. If you are after big game fish or a specific species, you will likely have to go to more remote waters. It will take you longer to get there and the trip will generally be more expensive. The length of deep sea fishing trips range from half a day to ten days. There are also 3/4 day, evening, overnight, and three-day outings. So, it’s pretty easy to figure out how long you want to fish, and if its overnight, be sure to check to see if the boat has bunks. Some do and some do not. Some of us, like me, will be working from a budget and simply expect the best fishing trip possible for the cash. Going early in the season, when the boats aren’t booked up, can save a considerable amount of money.

Once you have narrowed the requirements; you are ready to look for a quality excursion in the area you are going to embark. Search the internet for operator web sites and forums to find information about the boat and the trip. Look for the daily fish count to see who is catching fish and what species of fish they are catching. Pay close attention to the size of the boat, the number of passengers and whether there is a hot/cold galley so you can purchase food and refreshments. Find out how much it costs for gear and tackle if you do not have your own. See if there are discounts on certain days, like two-for-one or half-price. Be sure to find out what you are responsible for. You may be required to have a valid fishing license, bring your own equipment or food and drink or gratuities. Most importantly, do not forget sunscreen, hat and sunglasses.

Don’t be surprised if there are many of fishing trips that are just right for you. If you find a good one; please send in the details and we will add it to this site. If I find one: I will do the same. Take a kid fishing and have fun too.