Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Deep Sea Fishing (But Were

Afraid to Ask) Deep sea fishing is an exciting, rewarding alternative to the comparatively mundane

world of lake and stream fishing. There are more fish to hunt out on the ocean – and

larger ones. The space and depth of the sea allows for far bigger fish than are possible in

even the deepest of lakes. For those looking to rent a boat in order to explore this world,

there are a number of important considerations to make about where to go for your

fishing excursion, what to bring, and what you need to do to be safe and have the best

possible experience out on the water. Florida is the unquestioned king of deep sea fishing locations in the United States,

although other spots such as Boston, Massachusetts in the U.S. and Prince Edward Island

in Canada have their own devotees. When deciding on where you want to go fishing, it

helps to first decide what you want to go fishing for. Tuna, swordfish, and marlin are all

popular choices because of their size, majesty, and the fight they put up when they’re

brought in. Or, you can go fishing for the apex predator of the oceans: shark. Sharks are

powerful, dangerous animals and extreme care needs to be taken when they are hunted,

both for the safety of the angler and in order to avoid overfishing. Sharks reproduce very

slowly, and it would be easy to damage their numbers; as such, the catch and release

method is the recommended approach for most shark fishing. Different equipment is needed, depending on what kind of animal you are hunting. When

hunting shark, for example, “You’re going to need a bigger boat.” Usually at least a 35 or

40-foot boat, and an 80 to 100-pound test line are required, as well as specific chum

designed for attracting the predators. Tuna, by contrast, probably only need a 24 to 30-

foot boat and a 30-lb line, as long as you’re angling for blackfin, bonita, or albacore.

Bigger tuna, such as yellowfin, may require up to 65-lb line, and bigeye and bluefin may

even require shark-strength line. For tuna bait, ballyhoo, mackerel, sardines, and squid

are the most common choices; however, some people have come to prefer using artificial

lures, which have improved in quality in recent years. Many deep-sea fishing novices find renting a boat and hiring an experienced crew to be

enormously helpful (and safer). Boat rental companies and charter finders, such as

BoatSetter, can help make sure that first-time fishermen have all the equipment and

training that they need to have a successful trip, and can often take anglers to the best

local areas to ensure that even a rookie angler can experience the thrill of bringing in one

of the most powerful animals in the ocean. It cannot be stressed enough that the first time

deep sea fisherman should not go in alone and unprepared. Part of the thrill of deep sea

fishing is that the fish put up a much bigger fight – and the sea is no gentle mistress,

either. Charter boat rentals, or go with experienced anglers, for your first few trips, before

attempting to brave it by yourself. Once you’re ready, you’ll come to understand that

there is more beneath those waves than you could ever imagine, and the sport of fishing

will never be the same to you again.