6 Deep Sea Fishing Tips for Beginners

Tired of fishing on the lake for bass or fly fishing for trout? Love the delicate, meatier taste of fresh saltwater fish? Then it might be time to try some blue water, deep sea fishing. Whether you have your heart set on catching Mahi Mahi, Tarpon, Shark or Wahoo, it takes more than artificial bait and patience. You have to know where to look in the vast ocean and what you’re doing!

Want to try casting in the deep blue sea? Here are six deep sea fishing tips for beginners, from using the right bait to practicing basic boating safety under the hot sun.

#1 Hire a Deep Sea Fishing Charter

If you have an interest in deep sea fishing, the very first thing you should do is try it. Hire a professional fishing charter that will teach you how to navigate the local waters. Someone with expert knowledge can steer you in the right direction on where to drop a line and what kind of gear and equipment you need to reel in some big ones.

Overall, a fishing charter can be tons of fun and a great learning experience. Make sure to bring along a camera to capture the memories and prove you really did catch that whopper (even if it didn’t make it home). Just make sure to keep it protected, along with your fishing license, wallet and other personal belongings, in a watertight case.

#2 Pick the Right Season

Choose the species of fish you want to catch and research when they make their way to your waters. If you plan on chartering, reach out to the company and ask what seasons certain fish are easier to catch and are abundant. They may only come through a certain time of the year, so inquiring in advance or doing your research can prevent disappointment.

#3 Use the Prefered Bait

Another deep sea fishing tip is to use the correct bait. Whatever you want to catch — Mahi Mahi, Blackfin Tuna or Wahoo — make sure to entice them! Deep sea fishing requires a different type of bait than those typically used in more shallow waters, like lakes or even surf fishing. Live baits might be what you need — some even chopped up into smaller pieces! Again, bait preference is something you can learn from hiring a charter.

#4 Bring a Heavy-Duty Fishing Cooler

Unless you’re sport fishing and practicing catch-and-release, you’ll need a heavy-duty fishing cooler to bring home your catch. Just be sure to pack your fishing cooler with plenty of ice to keep your fish preserved until you get back home. Luckily, Pelican coolers are built to keep ice lasting for several days and offer many convenient features like rugged wheels and watertight lids.

#5 Learn and Follow Local Deep Sea Fishing Regulations

Learn your local fishing regulations and follow them! There are reasons they are put into place! Follow the laws and regulations regarding the type of fish you are allowed to catch, where and when you are allowed to catch them and, of course, how many you can carry home. Otherwise, you can face a fine or penalty, which could even revoke your fishing license.

#6 Practice Basic Safety

Deep sea fishing requires you to be out in the middle of the ocean, where the water reflects the sun, for several hours — if not all day! That’s why it’s critical to practice some basic safety and remember to hydrate and protect yourself from harmful UV rays. Aside from your fishing cooler, bring along a personal cooler for a packed lunch and plenty of water to stay hydrated. Don’t forget to lather up with sunscreen and bring a broad-brimmed hat for your head.

If you feel motion sickness, this is a sign of dehydration, so take a break and drink some water! However, it can happen on the water to anyone at any time. If you are prone to motion sickness, prepare yourself with Dramamine or a similar over-the-counter medication, taking it an hour or so before heading out in the water. Keep your eyes on the horizon and sit in the back of the boat.