Deep sea fishing can be one of life’s genuinely unique joys the likes of which have to be experienced to be full understood. It’s quite impossible to sum up in words alone the pure magic of taking yourself and your group out into the open ocean to soak up a little sun and try your hand at outsmarting some of the world’s most magnificent sea-dwellers. Suffice to say, it really cannot be compared to spending hour after hour freezing half to death on the muddy banks of a local river only to go home without having caught anything but a cold. With these kinds of ocean-going trips, failure isn’t an option. But even if it was, you still have the time of your life regardless!
In terms of planning that perfect trip, it’s important to realise that there’s a good deal to take into account as no two service providers tend to offer the exact same packages. You’ll need to think carefully about who’s going, what you want to do and how you want to do it – opportunities are endless so you can be as picky and particular as you please!
So, before diving in at the deep end, give thought to the following essentials and begin mapping out your perfect trip out into the big blue:
1 – Length of Trip
Never just make the assumption that the trip you choose will be appropriate in length – there are quite massive differences from one trip to the next. For example, if it’s your first time and you’re not yet 100% sure how you’ll cope with the seafaring way of life, you might want to consider a shorter excursion – maybe three to four hours. By contrast, opting for that epic 16-hour adventure might be best left until you’ve discovered your sea legs…if of course you have them!
2 – Type of Trip
There are dozens of different types of fishing trips to choose from too, so take the time to think about what you want to get from it. While some offer nothing but a simple fishing experience, others will take you to the most amazing locations for a spot of swimming or snorkeling. In addition, some trips will take just you and your group out privately, while others will take out much larger mixed groups.
3 – Tuition
The vast majority of high-end deep sea fishing excursion service providers will incorporate at least a little essential tuition and instruction, though it’s important not to take this for granted. Most acknowledge the fact that their customers may never have held a rod in their lives, but at the same time there will always be certain trips run for those who are already proficient and experienced. So, if you’re planning to head out for the first time, be sure to head out with a provider that’s happy to show you the ropes.
4 – Equipment
It’s a bit of a no-brainer to expect the excursion provider to bring along pretty much everything you’ll need to get the job done, but at the same time it’s a good idea not to take such things for granted. It’s highly unlikely you’ll be asked to bring along anything but your enthusiasm, but it’s always important to ask, just in case. And what’s more, you might want to look into the exact type and quality of equipment the provider offers during their trips as this will have a huge bearing on your success rates and your enjoyment in general.
5 – Amenities
Be sure to check out what kinds of amenities and extras are included in the deal as this again is something that differs massively from one provider to the next. While some will advise you to bring your own snacks and drinks, others offer nothing less than gourmet catering for the duration of the trip. In addition, some trips and the providers thereof are massively more disabled-friendly than other, so if any member of your group has limited mobility, you’ll need to take this into account too.
6 – Family Friendly
Last but not least, never forget that these kinds of fishing trips can be absolutely brilliant for kids of all ages but only if you opt for a service provider that actively promotes family-friendly fishing packages. So, if you’re planning to take the kids along, make sure you book with a provider with a solid reputation with families – you don’t want to run the risk of ending up on a day out where the kids feel rather left out.
