Start at the top, using deep-running lures. Along the sides, use medium-running lures. Toward the base of the tree, change to shallow and surface lures.
Florida's east coast from Melbourne Beach to Fort Pierce. Fall and spring: runs of snook, the delicious saltwater gamefish that weights up to 30 pounds. Winter: surf fishing for blues, big whiting, and pompano, which many think is the best-tasting of all the saltwater catch. The nearby Indian River also provides good year round fishing with light tackle.
Face it: You've always wanted to play Ernest Hemingway for a day, your muscles straining , your face stinging from salt and sun, hair lashed by the wind, hooting and hollering in pain, exultation, and glory as you engage in mortal combat with a colossus of the deep---man versus marlin!
Fact: Offshore fishing for
big game requires the least amount of previous experience of any type of sportfishing. You don't have to rig your tackle, bait a hook, cast a line, or navigate. All you need is a good boat, a good captain, a competent crew, and a strong back!
Once known as "deep-sea fishing" (a term now only seen in a black and-white movie), offshore fishing refers to sportfishing for larger species: billfish (marlin, sailfish, and swordfish), tuna, tarpon, cobia, and shark. The US offers excellent game off all three coasts. (Shark---UGGG)
Chartering a Boat: The procedure is similar everywhere. If time permits, visit the boat docks at sunset when charters return. See what kinds of catch are being brought in. Talk with the passengers: Were their previous fishing experiences and their expectations similar to yours? Did they have a good time? Are they satisfied with their day's trip? Would they do it again?
Talk to the mates. Are they pleasant? Enthusiastic about the captain? This was the most important to me.
Next, ask to inspect the boat. Is it clean and well maintained? Does it appear to have proper radio and safety equipment? (I've seen too many Hollywood movies) smile. Naturally, a boat will not look its best on its return from a day's fishing---but are the running gear and tackle well kept? Or has tackle been stowed randomly, paint chipped, hardware corroded?
Many fishermen prefer an owner-operated boat to a vessel run by a salaried captain. In either case, check to see if the captain has been licensed by the Coast Guard. ( I keep mentioning old movies as reference)
Boats that carry six passengers or fewer are not required to pass an annual Coast Guard inspection, but they must carry mandatory safety equipment. Boats that have undergone a voluntary inspection will display a Coast Guard sticker. If you're planning to bring a child along, ask if junior-size life preservers are available for your little-ones.
(Personally I would never let this be the first time I had a conversation with G-D)
"smile".
If you expect to be able to keep your catch, check with the captain beforehand to avoid a dispute at the end of a nice trip.
$300-$400 a day for a private charter is normal, $600-$800 is not uncommon.
Variations in costs depend largely on how far the boat must travel to reach prime fishing waters. In Boothbay, Maine, for example, you may have to travel only 3 to 10 miles offshore, while from Montauk, NY., 60 or 70 miles is not bad.
Regardless of whether game are caught, it is customary to tip the mate at the end of the day (and also the captain, especially if he is salaried and not the owner of the boat). Likewise I'll tip anyone on an airline with a uniform on. (smile) The going rate is about 10% of the cost of the trip. Of course, as in any service business, a good catch and/or good service may inspire a more generous tip.
Party boats: For a less costly trip, though not necessarily a less enjoyable one, try a "party boat" or "head boat." These big, stable boats, equipped for a large number of passengers, range in cost from $15 or so for half a day to $20-$30 and up for a longer trip. These boats are a great introduction for a beginning angler or for a fisherman who is new to an area. They offer wide variety and often concentrate on "good-eating" catch. Disadvantages: The equipment may be worn from continual use. (Don't hesitate to request another pole if you don't think yours is working right.) And you can't ask to go home if you're not having a good time. (No Dorothy's here)
On the Pacific Coast, some boats offer three-day to three-week trips for about $100 a day. They fish for numerous species along the Mexican coast. You may keep your catch. (Don't forget sea-sick pills) west coast people like to party all the time.
Most boats let you keep most or all of what you catch. The mate is usually happy to clean and fillet your catch for a small fee. But it is in very poor taste to ask the captain or the mate to clean your catch and then try to sell it on the dock. Take what you plan to eat and offer the rest to the boat. (I always gave my catch to the Salvation Army)
Dress appropriately. Bring extra layers of clothing even if you are in the Florida Keys. It can be a lot cooler on the water than on land, and mornings are very often chilly. Wear soft-soled boat shoes, polarized sunglasses and a hat, and bring a sunscreen. (After all, this is The Bermuda Triangle)
Take precautions against seasickness. Ask your doctor for medication ahead of time if you think you'll need it and begin to take it at least 24 hours before you leave. (This allows you to sleep off the early, drowsy part and be fully alert for your trip.) Medications for seasickness do not help if you wait until you are already queasy to take them.
Bring plenty of nonalcoholic beverages. It is easy to get dehydrated while you are on the water. Also, bring any food you may want (It's a good idea to include plenty salty snacks). Most charter boats do not supply food or drink, although many party boats have snack bars. Note: Although it is not in poor taste to enjoy a few beers over the course of a day's fishing, it is boorish, and I personally think dangerous to become drunk while on the water, after all you're already in The Bemuda Triangle!
Limit the number of passengers. Many people make the mistake of overloading a boat, hoping to split the cost. But on a charter boat with only one or two "fighting chairs," passengers take turns. The more people on board, the fewer your turns to catch actively. As a general rule, a 28- to 30- foot boat accommodates four passengers comfortably. A 35- foot or larger boat can handle six.
Listen to the instructions of your captain and mate. They have spent years studying an area, and they want you to catch game. There are many differences in tackle, bait and techniques, and your favorite walleye lure may not be appetizing to a yellowfin tuna.
If you are a novice, say so. Not only will the captain and mate appreciate your honesty, but they will best be able to help you if you LQQk out and sea Moby Dick!
Fish with an open mind. The vacation day you have for fishing may turn out to not be your day---game not feeding. Your guide isn't holding out on you.
Long-distance chartering: Many people don't have time to explore the docks of an area before they choose a boat. For recommendations by phone, try calling a local tackle shop or maby the editors of a major outdoor magazine. (Resort hotels usually limit their referrals to the guides who service the hotel.) My personal choice, there is a certain amount of security in going out with someone known by your hotel.
Several travel agencies specialize (FREE) in arranging fishing trips. Two I like are: Fishing International, Santa Rosa, CA., (707) 542-4242; PanAngling Travel Service, Chicago (312) 263-0328.
A few other pointers: Many captains will take "split charters." If you are traveling in a small group and would like to divide the cost of a charter, inquire at the dock for similar parties. It is not polite, however, to ask a captain to find five other people to share your trip.
If you plan to take children, choose a charter that is geared toward variety fishing. Try a half-day charter first, and stay away from hardcore game--
Many of the best and favorite captains are booked solid a year in advance. LQQk around early if you plan to fish in a new area.
Seasonal suggestions:
April and May: It's long-range
party-boat season in Southern California. San Diego is the biggest port. Party boats in New York and New Jersey venture out for flounder, cod, and other bottom game. Party boats and skiff guides are active in the Florida Keys.
June: Head for the Gulf Stream from the Outer Banks of North Carolina for tuna and white marlin. It's big-game billfish season offshore in the Gulf of Mexico from Louisiana to Texas.
July, August, and early September: In New York through New England, giant tuna (up to 1,000 pounds). It's peak season for white and blue marlin in North Carolina. There's excellent game in the Florida Keys (not crowded) for sailfish, bonefish, and permit. Party and charter boats fish for salmon in the Pacific Northwest through Alaska.
September and October: Catch bluefin tuna off Prince Edward Island before they migrate south.
October and November: Big game is winding down in the North and in the Gulf. But it's great for bluefish from Massachusetts through Chesapeake Bay.
September through November: For a more glamorous trip, black-marlin is tremendous off the Great Barrier Reef in Australia or New Zealand.
December and January: Winter is winter, even in the Florida Keys, but sailfish like the cold, rough seas. (Dress)
February and March: The weather is very changeable in southern waters, so allow at least three to five days for a fishing trip. There is still plenty of good game in the Caribbean even though it is not peak season. Try for marlin and billfish in the Bahamas.
November through March: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, is prime for marlin, sails, dolphin (FISH!) and roosterfish.
I'M SAVING THIS SPACE FOR OFF THE COAST OF AFRICA!!! I'll let you know what and when.
