Your Guide to Deep Sea Fishing

If you love fishing, but you want to try something that’ll get you some bigger fish and takes a little more skill, you should try deep-sea fishing for your next fishing boat trip. Deep sea fishing is where the water is at least 100 feet, which is where you’ll find fish that you can’t usually find close to shore. As a beginner, you might want to try a deep-sea fishing charter for your first couple of trips, but after that, you should consider getting your own fishing boat and applying the strategies laid out in this guide for a safe and successful fishing experience.

Gear Up

You’re going to be away from land for a while, so you’ll need to prepare for the worst before going out to fish deep in the ocean. First of all, you’re probably going to get wet, no matter how sunny of a day it is, so don’t just go out in shorts and flip-flops without packing extra clothes. You’ll want some extra layers to keep warm in case the weather changes, and you should also bring a change of clothes (or even two) in case you get soaked at some point. For basic safety, bringing water, sunscreen, and a first-aid kit is vital for any deep-sea fishing trip.

Tackle

You’re not going to be using a trout rod to reel in a tuna from your fishing boat, so if you don’t already have some, you might need to buy more tackle specifically for deep-sea fishing. A 6-foot medium-heavy bottom fishing rod is great for fishing in specific areas, and you’ll need a heavy-duty bait caster reel on that rod if you expect to control any of the larger fish you snag.

Bait for deep-sea fishing is also a little different than the stuff you use on shore, so stock up with live and artificial bait like squid, minnows, and shrimp to reel in some of those larger fish. For a hook, we recommend using a circle hook, as these usually catch more fish, and also make releasing unwanted fish easier.

Best Places to Find Fish

After you’ve got your fishing boat gear and tackle, finding the right place to find your fish is the most important step. Tuna usually like to hang with the dolphins, which are easier to see than tuna, so if you look for a group of dolphins, chances are you’ll find a great place to catch some tuna. For other species of fish, try fishing close to towers, lighthouses, rock formations, or wrecks. Try a few different places, and you’re sure to catch the fish you need to show off to friends and family!

Deep sea fishing isn’t easy, but with some knowledge and a little practice, you’ll get the hang of it in no time! For a more rewarding experience, ask the experts at Portland Marine & Electronics in Clackamas, OR. If you’re ready to get your own fishing boat, we serve the areas of Portland, OR, and Vancouver, WA, so we can set you up with the boat you need!