If you’re lucky enough to be heading out to the Turks & Caicos Islands in the near future, you can take it as gospel when you’re told that deep sea fishing is something you simply have to try out at least once. Not that there’s usually any such thing as heading out just once as chances are that within an hour or two of setting sail, you’ll be hooked…no pun intended!
Of course, exactly how much you enjoy the trip in general will be to some extent determined…or at least influenced…by how successful your angling antics are. Assuming this is your first time, you can’t exactly be expected to perform with the best of them or to even know one end of your rod from the other. But at the same time, it’s still a good idea to arm yourself with a few professional tips and tricks to help ensure you get the very best out of your very first taste of life on the ocean waves.
So with this in mind, here’s a quick overview of just a few helpful tips for ensuring it’s a trip to remember for all the right reasons:
Fishing Types
First of all, it’s a good idea to acknowledge the fact that there are in fact various different types of sea fishing activities and outings available to you. From bottom fishing to trolling to long-distance off-shore fishing and more, it’s a case of first deciding the types of fish you’d like to head out to catch and booking your trip accordingly. Also, some types of fishing are inherently more difficult than others, so this is something else to consider before making your booking.
In Good Company
For the sake of not only learning the ropes but also having a fantastic time, it’s in your best interests to book with a fishing charter service that caters to the needs of beginners. There will always be those who claim to work with beginners, though in reality you’ll actually find yourself surrounded by professionals who simply assume you know what to do. Suffice to say, this doesn’t make for the most enjoyable outing in any way, shape or form, which in turn means it’s a good idea to speak to your prospective service provider and find out if you’ll genuinely be in good company…as in fellow amateur company.
Gear and Tackle
If there’s one crucial tip to be followed at all times when it comes to tackle for beginners, it’s that of working with a charter service that provides everything on your behalf. Not only can it be very difficult to know what to buy if you have no prior experience, but assuming you’re only in this neck of the woods for a limited time, it really doesn’t make a great deal of sense to spend a fortune on gear you’ll maybe use a couple of times at the most. If on the other hand you do decide to buy your own tackle or to hire it from a third-party before heading out, it’s crucial to not only research exactly what you need, but also to keep things as simple as possible. The moment you start over-complicating things is the moment you’ll get confused and most likely cease enjoying yourself.
Be Realistic
If you set out on your very first deep sea fishing adventure and expect to catch the largest yellow-fin tuna the world has ever laid eyes on, you’re in for a disappointment. You have to be realistic and remember that the world’s most advanced and experienced anglers fight for decades on end to land the kinds of whoppers you’re probably dreaming of, so it’s a much better idea to set your sights on things of a slightly more modest nature. You technically should be extremely proud and happy with anything you net whatsoever – keep yourself in a realistic mind-set and you’ll have a much more enjoyable outing.
Listen…and Listen Well
Last but not least, when it comes to everything from on-board safety to casting techniques and really anything else from start to finish, treat the word of the skipper and instructor as gospel. Try not to forget that these are the kinds of people who live and breathe deep sea fishing as a lifestyle, day in and day out. So even if you do happen to have at least a little experience and may have been provided with contradicting advice or instructions elsewhere, this is no time to be ignoring the advice of the experts.
