Deep sea fishing takes place where the sea has a depth of at least 30 meters. At these depths you can catch large fish that are not usually found in shallow water, such as swordfish, sharks, dolphins, tuna and marlin. In many tourist and holiday resorts there are centers specialized in deep sea fishing excursions, excellent for those who want to start practicing this sport. To practice deep sea fishing you can book an excursion or go alone. Either way you need to be prepared for the experience and know the basics to have fun safely.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare for Fishing
Step 1. Ask what you need to bring
Most of the time, the organizing center thinks of everything you need, including permits, rods and lures, life jackets. This means that you just have to show up ready to fish, with the agreed payment amount. When booking, ask if there is anything you need or recommend to bring.
- If you have never done deep sea fishing, it is best to rent a boat and book the excursion with an expert guide. Even if you have already done deep sea fishing several times, it is much easier to fish with a guide than to go it alone. Let a local guide show you where the fish are, you just think about fishing.
- If you already have a boat, you must first make sure you have all the safety equipment and the necessary authorization for fishing. Rods and reels for deep sea fishing are generally larger and stronger than cold water ones. You can rent them from many fishing shops or from other fishermen. You will also need a couple of high strength line coils.
Step 2. Dress appropriately
It is very likely that you will get wet on the boat, so it is not a good idea to wear leather loafers or the most expensive pants you have. Wear clothes that don't get damaged if they get wet, or better, a wetsuit, and bring a clean towel to dry. Sunglasses are another very important thing, since the glare of light on the surface of the water can be annoying.
- If you plan to stay out to sea until sunset or are going out to sea in cloudy weather, it's a good idea to dress in layers. It can get very cold on the high seas, depending on the season, so an old hoodie and sweatpants can come in handy.
- Don't carry your cell phone, jewelry or anything else that you don't want to lose or spoil. In case you get really wet, you will prefer not to have anything too precious with you.
Step 3. Bring sunscreen
Most excursions last several hours. Even on cloudy days, the sun reflects on the sea, making even severe sunburn possible. Apply a high-water resistant sunscreen often to protect yourself from sun damage.
Step 4. Prepare for seasickness
The ocean can rock the boat a lot. If you start to feel sick, step onto the deck, where there is fresh air and less rocking. If you already know that you suffer from seasickness or motion sickness, take a suitable remedy before boarding.
If you already know you are seasick, take one Xamamina tablet the night before and one about an hour before boarding the boat. Point your gaze to the horizon while on the boat, it helps fight motion sickness
Step 5. Bring water with you
Make sure you drink plenty of water, as the sun's rays reflecting off the surface of the sea can make the day even hotter and cause you to lose fluids quickly. Seasickness is accentuated by dehydration - drinking lots of water will help you feel better.
It is common to drink alcohol during fishing trips, but be careful to drink plenty of water in addition to any alcoholic beverages. On sunny days you get dehydrated very quickly, and if you're not careful you may wake up the next day with a hangover. Not to mention that alcohol reduces hand-eye coordination, which affects your own safety. Drink alcohol in moderation and drink plenty of water
Part 2 of 3: Look for a Boat
Step 1. Gather a large enough group
It is important that the captain and crew make the fishing trip worthwhile. Organizing fishing trips is expensive, so you need to get enough people together for the outing to be cost-effective for the captain. It is easier to find a boat if you are looking for it with many people rather than alone.
If you want to go out alone, in most cases you will have to adapt to sharing the boat with other people. Even if you have organized a group, it is very likely that you will embark with other fishermen. Get ready to socialize
Step 2. Look for local agencies
There are deep sea fishing centers in most of the holiday resorts where this sport is practiced frequently, and in most of the fishing villages located on the sea. If you're on vacation, ask the concierge at the facility you're staying at, look for flyers, or search online to find deep sea fishing centers in the area.
You can also stroll around the piers and look for signposted docking points. Even so it is more likely to run into boats for excursions and trips, it is always a starting point. Don't neglect to talk to people, chances are you will be able to find a good offer
Step 3. Book the excursion
Seats sell out quickly, so it's best to book as early as possible to make sure you get a spot. Depending on the area, it may be necessary to book days or weeks in advance, so if you want to be sure of getting a seat on the boat, contact the agency well in advance.
When you book the boat, get all the information you need for the excursion in advance. What do you have to bring? Where is the meeting point for the departure? At what time? What are the payment methods? Ask for detailed explanations of everything you feel you need to know
Step 4. Follow the instructions and ask for help
Always remember that once you get on the boat, you must obey the captain. Just because you pay doesn't mean you're the boss. On a charter boat, the crew should be knowledgeable, experienced in assisting excursion participants and made up of experienced fishermen. Ask their advice on the lure, rod and technique to use, and listen carefully to any instructions they give you.
In most of the good quality centers, the crew will also take care of all the safety and legal regulations. During the hike, they should answer all your questions about which fish you will be able to catch and what size and other topics
Step 5. Find out about local regulations if you plan to go alone
Before going out to sea, contact your local sport fishing authority for a list of local laws and regulations. Usually the regulations indicate where you can fish and when, what permits are required and what quantity of the catch can be kept. If you don't follow the laws and regulations you can face penalties.
In Italy, the Ministry for Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies periodically issues additional decrees to the laws in force that regulate sport fishing. You can find the laws and decrees published online
Step 6. Safety first
Deep sea fishing can be dangerous and safety must be your top priority whenever you are in the water, whether you are an experienced fisherman or a beginner. Always listen to the captain and follow his instructions carefully. You must have a life jacket and all other necessary safety equipment. Check safety requirements with your local coast guard. The necessary safety equipment varies according to the area and size of the boat. In general, life jackets, flares, navigation lights and paddles are required.
- Look at the weather forecast. If storms are forecast, it may not be safe to get out. Make sure you will be able to navigate and keep the radio on at all times to hear the Coast Guard warnings. In addition, the position signal must be sent constantly, in case the boat capsizes.
- Handle the fish carefully. During a deep sea fishing trip, you may catch very large and strong fish, which are generally difficult to pull in a boat. Hold on tight so you don't fall off the boat. Always follow the instructions given to you for pulling fish into the boat.
Part 3 of 3: Catch the Fish
Step 1. Go to a place full of fish
Usually, the captain knows where to fish easily in the area and at the time the excursion was organized. Leave the initiative to the captain, he will guide you to the spot suitable for fishing.
- Typically drop-offs, sea trenches, and coral reefs are suitable places for fishing, depending on the region. In particular, coral reefs usually teem with aquatic life which means the fish you want to catch will be nearby.
- Tuna is usually found near schools of dolphins or under various kinds of debris.
Step 2. Choose the bait
Probably using earthworm bait, as if you were in the pond behind your house, is not a good idea. In deep sea fishing trips you can use live or artificial bait. The choice of bait depends on the type of fish you want to catch. Squid, shrimp, minnow and mackerel are often used as bait in deep sea fishing, sometimes alive and sometimes torn apart, such as when you want to attract large predators such as sharks.
Step 3. Set up a strategy
Your method depends on the area you are fishing in and the type of fish you hope to catch. The captain should suggest the proper technique. The methods can also be modified and used together, to have more chances to fish with satisfaction. Listen to the instructions and get ready for any of the following fishing techniques.
- Trolling or trolling: it is a technique that involves dragging the line to the bottom of the sea. It works well in shallow water where you can catch groupers and smaller fish, using a weighted line so that it can be dragged to the bottom.
- Baiting is used to attract larger fish. Baiting consists of leaving the lures hooked to the hook in the water, then throwing other baits in the area so as to attract the fish and encourage them to take the bait.
- Cast the line according to the current. When you see clues that there will be large fish in the area, cast a lure, drag it into the current to the area you want to fish, and wait for the fish to bite. Rewind and rewind if necessary.
- Keep the lines as straight as possible while the boat turns. Try in every way not to cross lines with anyone. If you cross lines with someone, in case a fish bites, you will probably both start rewinding the lines and it will create a very difficult tangle to untie without losing the fish.
Step 4. Change your bait regularly
Always use fresh bait when deep-sea fishing. If you don't catch anything, change your method. Listen to the advice of the captain and crew, have a little patience, but also try to change a lure that does not work.
Don't be afraid to follow your instincts, especially if you are an experienced fisherman. If you really want to try shrimp fishing, say it and do it. It's your fishing trip. Listen to advice, but also try to do what you wanted at the end of the day
Step 5. Be patient
Some deep sea fishing trips are very productive and others result in seafaring songs and an empty bag. It will still be fun, but try to temper your enthusiasm with a healthy dose of reality. You may be in the right place at the right time and still not catch anything. Don't be discouraged and try to enjoy the experience for what it is.
Step 6. Get the crew to help you haul your loot into the boat
Large fish can be difficult to pull in a boat, so it's important to listen to the instructions you are given and do what you are told. Sometimes the crew will assist in placing the bait, but then let the fisherman do the hard work; others may have a different organization. If you can't help, try to listen carefully and don't disturb.
