Despite the fact that we’re in a landlocked state, the Pacific sits just a half day’s ride away, waiting for you to take a weekend to enjoy it. And what better way to enjoy the ocean than to go deep sea fishing? There are a lot of fish in the sea and as long as you’re following all bag and depth limits as well as having the appropriate licensing, you’re sure to have a great time. But deep sea fishing is a little different than fishing on a lake or river. You’ll want to be taking different precautions and include extra gear to ensure your safety and that you won’t waste a day trying to figure everything out. So here at RVs and Boats for Less, we’ve provided some basic tips on preparing for a deep sea fishing outing.
If you’re interested and need a boat that will hold up on the ocean, stop by our location in Pocatello, Idaho, proudly serving Idaho Falls and Twin Falls, Idaho, as well as Salt Lake City and Logan, Utah.
Important Gear
Heading to shore is not as easy on the open ocean as it is on a lake and the environment might be a little different as well, so make sure you have everything you need when you leave the dock. Even on sunny days, you’re likely to get pretty wet out on the sea and it’s going to be much colder, so make sure you’ve dressed appropriately. We suggest wearing layers, so as temperatures and conditions fluctuate, you can add and remove layers as needed. The outermost layer should be waterproof, but does not necessarily need to be insulated unless you know it will be particularly cold that day. It might also be a good idea to pack a change of clothes, just in case you get drenched.
We also suggest bringing lots of water to avoid dehydration. Sunscreen is also a good idea, no matter how sunny it will be, as UV rays can damage your skin even on a cloudy day, especially because they’re reflected off the water. And because you’ll be fairly far from the shore, make sure you’re prepared for emergencies with a first aid kit.
Tackle
The fish in the deep sea will require different gear as well. A 6-foot medium-heavy bottom fishing rod is a great option for certain bottom fishing areas, and you’ll want a heavy-duty baitcaster reel to rein in some of the bigger fish you’ll run into. But most importantly, you’ll want to be using the right bait, as most freshwater fishing options aren’t going to cut it on the open sea. You’ll want live and artificial bait like squid, minnows, and shrimp. You’ll probably want to use a circle hook for this as they’re a little better at catching fish and releasing unwanted catches is easier when the hook is in the lip instead of the gut.
Best Places to Find Fish
Finally, once you’re completely prepared with your gear and supplies, you’ll want to find the perfect fishing spot. For this, you’ll want to consider the species you’ll be fishing for. For example, tuna often swim around dolphins, so instead of trying to spot tuna deep beneath the surface, look for pods of dolphins. If the species you’re trying to find like to hang out in protected spaces, try staying close to towers, lighthouses, rock formations, and wrecks to catch these fish as they swim in and out. Try to be flexible with your fishing locations as you may not get lucky in the first area you stop in. If you can’t seem to bag a catch, be patient and try moving to a different location.
Don’t expect to be an expert the first or second time out in deep water. Deep sea fishing is tough and takes some getting used to, but with enough experience, you’ll be a pro in no time and won’t be able to wait until your next trip to the ocean. And if you’re boat needs a little maintenance before you try out the oceans, talk to our professional mechanics at RVs and Boats for Less in Pocatello, Idaho. We welcome all boating enthusiasts from the areas of Idaho Falls and Twin Falls, Idaho, as well as Salt Lake City and Logan, Utah.
