Offshore fishing is a sport for professional anglers where they encounter large species of fish. For a long time, anglers around the world have shown an increased interest in this entertaining sport. If you want to experience it all, rent a boat and head to an offshore marine spot. However, although it may sound that simple, it is not. Offshore fishing takes a lot of preparation that you can't avoid. So, in this post, we will learn what is offshore fishing and how to do it safely.
Inshore Vs Offshore Fishing - Where Is The Difference?
Inshore and offshore fishing is not the same when compared. See the list of differences between these two.
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Distance From The Shore: What is considered offshore fishing? When fishing is done at a distance of more than 10 miles from the shore and a minimum depth of 30 feet, it is known as offshore fishing. At the same time, inshore fishing is done within a distance of 1 mile from the shore.
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Fish Species: In inshore fishing, you may only find small fishes such as sardines, tarpon, bonefish, etc. However, go for offshore fishing if you want to catch large fish species such as blue marlin, swordfish, or barracuda.
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Size Of The Boat: Inshore fishing requires you to hire a small boat because you don’t need to travel far away from the shore. While offshore fishing requires a bigger vessel having enough space for 4 to 5 persons.
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Level Of Preparation: Inshore fishing doesn’t require much preparation because you won’t be encountering aggressive fish species. On the other hand, offshore fishing requires a lot of preparation that is necessary for your safety.
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Risk Level: Offshore fishing involves handling large fish species. The larger species of fish are stronger and will compete when caught. They can even pull you out of your boat and injure you. You must be extremely careful when handling Blue Marlin and Swordfish. If you talk about inshore fishing, it is not at all risky.
How Do You Prepare For Offshore Fishing?
If you are now ready to go offshore fishing, see the preparation tips below on what to bring deep sea fishing.
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Offshore Fishing Gear: Gather your deep sea fishing gear. Choose the fishing rods and baits wisely. You should include a pair of pliers to cut the bait off fish after catching it. Consult a professional angler if you want a proper checklist for offshore fishing.
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Sunscreen Lotion: During your time on the boat you will remain under the sun. Apply sunscreen lotion to your skin to prevent tanning and skin burns.
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Portable Cooler: Carry a portable cooler to keep fish stock from rotting. If you do this, the fish will stay fresh till it reaches your home.
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A Pair Of Sunglasses: It would be nice to wear sunglasses. Sunglasses protect your eyes from excessive sunlight. Too much heat and light can damage the cornea. So, don't forget to bring a pair of sunglasses during your offshore fishing session.
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Food: Have enough food and snacks on board. To stay energetic, eat food at the right time. Offshore fishing is not something you can do on an empty stomach.
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Water: Summer is considered the best for offshore fishing. In summer we sweat a lot during physical activity. So, carry enough water with you to stay hydrated when you are on the boat.
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First Aid Kit: Pack your first aid kit with all necessary medical supplies. Handling large fish on a boat can invite unwanted injuries. It is important to have a first aid kit ready for such a situation.
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Clothing: Choose comfortable clothing. Avoid tight clothing as that may affect your fishing experience. It is advised to wear clothing having a breathable fabric. Because here water is involved, waterproof clothing is another option for you.
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Power Source: While you make a charter boat fishing offshore, you will be carrying several devices such as mobile phones, cameras, GPS devices, marine radar, etc. All these devices need power to operate. Therefore you need to consider your own personal power backup solution. Check out Anker solar generator 767, which is a portable power station that is combined with Anker 200W solar panels and can power all your devices at once with a max output of 2400W.
Conclusion
Offshore fishing has its challenges that you need to be mindful of. With proper preparation, you can enjoy it to the fullest. Note that offshore fishing is only for the strong. If you are not strong enough, avoid this as you may run the risk of being pulled out to sea by a bigger fish while catching. In short, we hope this guide to what is offshore fishing has shed light on the topic and cleared up some of the mysteries therein.
FAQ about What is Offshore Fishing
Is Offshore Fishing Better Than Inshore?
Well, it depends on one's preference. Inshore fishing is often more accessible and less expensive but you may have to deal with underwater plants, rocks, and other obstacles. On the other hand, offshore fishing is full of adventure, and excitement, and requires a lot more preparation than inshore fishing. But none can be said to be better than the other.
What Is The Best Time For Offshore Fishing?
If you are in the U.S., summer is the best season for deep sea fishing trips. Large fish species such as blue marlin and spearfish are most active during the early morning and evening hours. In the afternoon, fish swim deeper into cooler waters. So, it is good to go offshore fishing at the right time. The spring season is also favorable for many species of fish and crabs.
What Fish Can You Catch Offshore?
You can catch the following fish offshore.
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Blue and white marlin
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Sailfish
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Barracuda
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King Mackerel and Amberjack
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Yellowfin tuna
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Swordfish
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Sea Bass, Red Snapper, and Wahoo
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