If you grew up spending summer days at the lake with a fishing pole, then you can say you’ve always enjoyed sport fishing. This is how many big-game fishers began their love affair with the sport. However, sometimes fishing the lake loses its appeal. When you want more of a challenge, consider big-game fishing.
Big-game fishing, also known as deep-sea fishing, offshore game fishing, blue-water fishing, and offshore sport fishing, is a category of sport fishing that occurs on the open water. It requires a bit more preparation than fishing at the lake.
First, you need special fishing gear. Big-game fish, like tuna and marlin, can weigh over 1,000 pounds. If you don’t have the right equipment, you most likely won’t catch anything. In some cases, using the wrong equipment can snap a pole or damage your regular fishing gear.
Before you head out to sea, stock up on supplies for big-game fishing. It can help you to know what type of fish you plan to target. Big-game fish include smaller fish, such as wahoo, albacore, barracuda, skipjack tuna, and dolphinfish. Sailfish, swordfish, and marlin are big-game billfish. Sharks, including tiger, hammerhead, great white, and mako, and larger tuna species, such as yellowfin, bigeye, and bluefin, are popular options.
You may need to consider location, as well. Some fish are more prevalent around certain destinations. For example, the waters around the Florida Keys host sailfish and dolphinfish. Massachusetts is a good place to target bluefin tuna.
Once you have your gear, you need to determine how you’re going to get to your fishing destination. The largest catches often occur 60 to 70 miles away from port. If this is your first trip, consider chartering a tour with an experienced company.
When you transition to big-game fishing, you may find a new way to enjoy a favorite pastime.