Deep-sea fishing takes fishing to the next level. Instead of fishing for local fish on a dock or a boat, you get to journey far offshore where you can catch big game fish in the deepest waters. Here you will find tunas, sharks, marlins and more.

Deep-sea fishing is thrilling, but you also have to be prepared. Read on to learn how to get started with deep-sea fishing so you have a safe and rewarding hunt.

Bring In Someone With Experience

If you are new to deep-sea fishing, don’t attempt to fish on your own the first time. You could run into trouble on the ocean.

It is important to take someone who knows what they are doing with you for the first few times so you know what to expect. They will show you what to do and ensure that you know how to handle yourself in a variety of situations. You could bring a friend or you could hire someone.

Open water can be dangerous, especially if the weather suddenly changes.

Wear The Right Clothes

Make sure that you have all of the gear you need to spend the day on the boat. You will be on the water for hours, so you need towels, sunglasses, and you also want to dress in layers. It can get windy. Protect cameras and phones from getting wet.

Don’t forget the sunscreen either so you don’t end up getting sunburn. Bring a lot of water and make sure that you drink it. The sun and water can dry you out fast and you could get dehydrated. This will make motion sickness worse and it can leave you feeling terrible.

If you are going to be drinking beer make sure that you alternate between beer and water so you don’t get even more dehydrated.

Get The Right Boat

The boat that you choose is going to be very important. You don’t need to buy a boat if you are new to deep-sea fishing, just rent one instead. There are plenty of affordable boats that you can rent that can handle being out at sea for long periods.

Larger boats are more comfortable so you might want to consider using a larger boat so you have more room and you are safer. If you plan on going out for a day or more you definitely want a larger boat since you will have a comfortable place to sit.

Rent your boat through a local charter company. They will have the right permits and they will also have the experience you are looking for. You can also check out BoatSetter.com to find a boat near you that you can rent.

Get Your Equipment Together

When you go deep-sea fishing you need to make sure that you have the proper equipment. This is just as important as having the right boat. You are going to need a GPS and fish finder. You also need a nautical map. You don’t have to buy all of the items, you can rent them to save money.

The boat should already be equipped with rod holders. If you are planning on cooking your fresh fish on the boat make sure that it comes with a grill.

The rod that you choose is very important. Look for a high-quality offshore rod. Graphite rods are always a good choice. The reel needs a lot of torque because the fish are going to be so much heavier and harder to reel in. Downriggers allow you to get the exact depth for your bait and you might even end up with the trophy fish of your dreams. Check out Fishing Perfect’s angler resources to find the best gear for deep-sea fishing.

You will need lots of bait. The type of bait you use depends on the type of fish you want to catch. Live baits like shrimp and mackerels attract sharks. Artificial bait will work well for the smaller fish.

Choose Your Location

The last step to deep-sea fishing is choosing the right location. Many fish prefer sheltered areas so look for offshore wrecks and reefs. You can often find lots of small fish in these areas. Fish will congregate around underwater structures so look for these areas to fish in.

Deep-sea fishing is exciting and rewarding. Go out on the ocean and take your fishing to the next level. If you take the time to prepare yourself before your trip I’m confident you’ll have an amazing time.

There are also a lot of companies out there that specialize in deep-sea fishing trips. So if you’re a little wary about renting your own boat and trying to handle all of that on your own, contact a local deep-sea fishing company.

They will have the boat, the gear, and everything that you’ll need to have an amazing time out on the water.

They will end up costing you more than doing it all yourself since you’ll be hiring someone, however, for most people, this will probably be the best route to go.

Deep-sea fishing is an amazing and rewarding experience. It’s one that we’re confident you’ll never forget.

So stop waiting and get out there on the open ocean!