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Q:
I am going on an offshore trip out of Galveston (40 to 50 miles). I have never been fishing in the ocean before. Any advice on what to bring, things to do, or what to expect.

Question by TJ. Uploaded on July 06, 2009

Answers (11)

Top Rated
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from Elmer Fudd wrote 2 years 31 weeks ago

Get the patch or use something to help against seasickness. Wear a big hat and get sunblock.

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from CavRecon wrote 2 years 31 weeks ago

Be up front and honest with the captain and the mate. Let them know you're really excited, but need to learn a lot. If you guys are fishing downriggers, it takes awhile to get used to seeing the rods go UP when a fish hits instead of DOWN so that will help you know when to jump on a rod. Have fun, learn a lot, be careful!

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from Scott in Ohio wrote 2 years 31 weeks ago

Ditto on the big hat and sunblock, plus bring lots to drink and polarized sunglasses. It may be cooler than you'd guess from the wind in the morning if you leave early (i.e. 4 a.m.) so bring a wind shirt or light jacket to wear. Consider a cooler for any fish that you end up keeping.

And, post some photos so the rest of us can be jealous.

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from shane wrote 2 years 31 weeks ago

If you don't have a high quality pair of polarized sunglasses, go out and buy some right now. Costa del Mar, H20ptix, Orvis, Spy, and Oakley are all brands to consider.

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from Big O wrote 2 years 31 weeks ago

I'm with Mr. Fudd here. SEASICK pills/patch.
Good luck and good fishing.

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from Del in KS wrote 2 years 31 weeks ago

All of the above is good advice. If the boat does not supply tackle you will need heavier stuff than normally used in fresh water. Last time I was in Galveston planned to go out on a party boat but weather screwed that up. It was a large catamaran and the rates was pretty good. Wonder if you are going on the same boat.

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from country road wrote 2 years 31 weeks ago

Lots of good advice above. The funny looking fishing cap with the big bill and neck drape is less likely to blow off if the wind picks up. Don't go below unless absolutely necessary since this promotes sea sickness and I know this for a fact since I ran a charter boat in the Gulf of Mexico for fifteen years. Unless you're on a head boat, include the captain and mate in your food and drink. Don't forget to tip the mate. Good fishing.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from DakotaMan wrote 2 years 31 weeks ago

If you are going bottom fishing, bring circle hooks... they will increase your catch by triple. A lot of charter captains still don't use them because they are little more expensive. When using them, don't jerk the rod to set the hook... just start cranking and they will hook themselves. If you are trolling, test your knots and lines... those fish can swim at 40 mph and will break weak knots like candy. Also test your hooks for sharpness so they sink into a fish's jaw bone when they hit. Too many people lose fish because the hook was too dull to really connect on those bigger fish. Good luck!

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from TonyK wrote 2 years 30 weeks ago

Lots and lots of sunblock, PB&J, and a good attitude because you get to go deep sea fishing!

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from hunter99 wrote 2 years 30 weeks ago

be spicific on what you want, have fun,youlll be shocked and be ready to have the time of your life catching fish and even just enjoying the ocean.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from rudyglove27 wrote 1 year 30 weeks ago

Agreed with CavRecon and + 1 for you sir!!!

+1 Good Comment? | | Report

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from CavRecon wrote 2 years 31 weeks ago

Be up front and honest with the captain and the mate. Let them know you're really excited, but need to learn a lot. If you guys are fishing downriggers, it takes awhile to get used to seeing the rods go UP when a fish hits instead of DOWN so that will help you know when to jump on a rod. Have fun, learn a lot, be careful!

+4 Good Comment? | | Report
from Elmer Fudd wrote 2 years 31 weeks ago

Get the patch or use something to help against seasickness. Wear a big hat and get sunblock.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Scott in Ohio wrote 2 years 31 weeks ago

Ditto on the big hat and sunblock, plus bring lots to drink and polarized sunglasses. It may be cooler than you'd guess from the wind in the morning if you leave early (i.e. 4 a.m.) so bring a wind shirt or light jacket to wear. Consider a cooler for any fish that you end up keeping.

And, post some photos so the rest of us can be jealous.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from shane wrote 2 years 31 weeks ago

If you don't have a high quality pair of polarized sunglasses, go out and buy some right now. Costa del Mar, H20ptix, Orvis, Spy, and Oakley are all brands to consider.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Big O wrote 2 years 31 weeks ago

I'm with Mr. Fudd here. SEASICK pills/patch.
Good luck and good fishing.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from Del in KS wrote 2 years 31 weeks ago

All of the above is good advice. If the boat does not supply tackle you will need heavier stuff than normally used in fresh water. Last time I was in Galveston planned to go out on a party boat but weather screwed that up. It was a large catamaran and the rates was pretty good. Wonder if you are going on the same boat.

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from DakotaMan wrote 2 years 31 weeks ago

If you are going bottom fishing, bring circle hooks... they will increase your catch by triple. A lot of charter captains still don't use them because they are little more expensive. When using them, don't jerk the rod to set the hook... just start cranking and they will hook themselves. If you are trolling, test your knots and lines... those fish can swim at 40 mph and will break weak knots like candy. Also test your hooks for sharpness so they sink into a fish's jaw bone when they hit. Too many people lose fish because the hook was too dull to really connect on those bigger fish. Good luck!

+2 Good Comment? | | Report
from country road wrote 2 years 31 weeks ago

Lots of good advice above. The funny looking fishing cap with the big bill and neck drape is less likely to blow off if the wind picks up. Don't go below unless absolutely necessary since this promotes sea sickness and I know this for a fact since I ran a charter boat in the Gulf of Mexico for fifteen years. Unless you're on a head boat, include the captain and mate in your food and drink. Don't forget to tip the mate. Good fishing.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from TonyK wrote 2 years 30 weeks ago

Lots and lots of sunblock, PB&J, and a good attitude because you get to go deep sea fishing!

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from hunter99 wrote 2 years 30 weeks ago

be spicific on what you want, have fun,youlll be shocked and be ready to have the time of your life catching fish and even just enjoying the ocean.

+1 Good Comment? | | Report
from rudyglove27 wrote 1 year 30 weeks ago

Agreed with CavRecon and + 1 for you sir!!!

+1 Good Comment? | | Report

Post an Answer