Offshore Fishing Tips from Scout

Offshore Fishing Tips

At Scout Boats, we love fishing. It’s part of our culture and one of the biggest reasons we started building boats in the first place. Offshore fishing is one of our favorite activities. When done right, it can be an addictive sport that brings the most impressive fish in the water.

If you’re getting started in offshore fishing, take a look at these tips and tricks. You’ll be catching more fish and having more fun when you head offshore.

Have a Clear, Uncluttered Boat

While offshore fishing, you are going to catch some strong, energetic fish, and being able to move around the boat will be essential. You’ll have to maneuver to keep the line from going under the boat or to get the best position for leverage, but if you’re boat is cluttered with tackle boxes, lifejackets, coolers, and equipment, you’re making it harder than it has to be.

Target Reefs, Wrecks, and Structures

You want to cast a line where the fish are most congregated, and in saltwater fishing, that means reefs, wrecks, and other structures. These areas are havens for fish, places where they can breed, feed, and live with a roof over their heads. Predators know this too, so they will often target these locations for dinner. There are numerous species hanging out near structure, including tarpon, goliath grouper, and barracuda.

Look for Schools of Fish

Out in the deep open waters, it can be hard to locate reefs and structures, so look for schools of baitfish. These swimming buffet tables will attract billfish like marlin, swordfish, and sailfish, which are basically built for picking apart dense schools. You can spot schools of fish by looking for dark coloring in the water, but the best technique is to keep your eye to the sky, as birds will often hover above schools that have been pushed to the top by sailfish.

Ledges Bring Excellent Fishing

Drop offs also hold populations of fish. Many species will use ledges as highways during the transitional seasons so target these areas during the fall and spring and you should be able to catch your trophy.

Hire a Guide to Get Started

It might be hard for a proud boater to hire a guide, but if you are just starting in offshore fishing, you can learn a lot by hiring a professional. These are the experts that fish everyday for a living, and they don’t stay in business for long if they don’t know how to catch a trophy. Even if you are an experienced offshore angler, learning how the professionals do things, and seeing it first hand, can greatly enhance your fishing success.

Have a Safe, Reliable Fishing Boat

The right fishing boat can make a big difference in your offshore experience. Having rod holders, live wells, and other fishing features will help you spend more time casting a line. Because you’re heading miles away from shore, your boat should also be reliable, with a strong engine and a superior design.

Understand No-Wake Zones

No wake zones are critical areas on the water where boaters are required to operate their vessels at a reduced speed, creating minimal to no wake. These zones serve as designated areas to prioritize safety, protect sensitive shorelines, and ensure a peaceful boating experience for all. See our guide to Why are “No Wake” Zones Important for Boaters to Understand? here.

Go Offshore Fishing with Scout Boats

If you have a passion for offshore fishing, make sure you have the right boat for the job. Check out the complete lineup of fishing boats from Scout to find the perfect vessel for your needs!

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