Redfish are the kings of inshore fishing. Because of their vast range and fighting prowess, they remain a favorite of anglers from South Texas almost to New Jersey. Where you find redfish and how you fish them are two very interrelated attributes.
The process of targeting big bull redfish begins with your rod and reel, which we outline for you in our blog – “What Is the Best Rod and Reel for Redfish and Speckled Trout”. However, this blog focuses on lure selection for the successful fishing of redfish wherever you find them.
The Trick to Catching Redfish
Redfish are creatures of habit, and they range from deep water to crawling across muddy weed beds with hardly any water at all. Habit is a good thing to think about when targeting redfish. It is true that they will eat whatever they can find, even snakes. But to successfully fish them, you need to pay attention to what is available where you are fishing. In fly-fishing, we call this “matching the hatch”, and to do that, you pair your fly with patterns of insects that are available (hatched.) With redfish (and most others) you do the same thing. The redfish are dialed into what is available and so you need to be also.
Pay attention to what is available in the water where you fish. In the shallows, you might be looking at blue crabs on the sandy bottom near a marsh or inlet or sardines that are schooling in deep water. Redfish fishing in the in-shore can mean targeting them with crabs, shrimp, and shads. So all of these options are variables that change based on where you fish. That little factoid is important because you want to match your lure selection to what is physically available in the water where you are fishing. Thankfully, redfish lures come in a huge variety of sizes and patterns.
Our Top Saltwater Lures For Redfish
Inshore fishing
Inshore fishing you want to have a few varieties of soft plastic shrimp and crabs – these can be lures or jigs the head standers work well for bottom targets. Head standers mimic feeding shrimp and in terms of redfish lures, they are a hit. Another hot item is the shad patterns. You can find these in metal lures or soft plastics, and they work well on a variety of fish. Eel patterns are also a good option.
What you are looking for in a good inshore lure is a mimic of the life that exists in the sandy flats, rocky crevices, smaller reef structures, etc. These are the food items that redfish are dialed into and what they will strike at first and fast. You can also pay attention to seasonal changes, such as when the baitfish come inshore to spawn or when bigger fish, such as cobia are chasing baitfish into the shallows.
When you fish inshore, you would usually grab a shrimp pattern first. If you notice, there are a lot of crabs around switch to crab patterns. If you are not seeing a lot of native wildlife – shrimp, crabs, eels, then you can try a gold-tone spoon and see what that does. The best tip is to be prepared to change it up often.
Our Choice for Topwater Lures
Get ready to start speaking gibberish – As in the Skitter Walk, which is a hot topwater option for targeting redfish. The Skitter Walk by Rapala is one of the best and most versatile red drum lures, but it is not alone. The Heddon Super Spook is another option that will do an excellent job. One of the best reasons to opt for topwater lures for redfish is that red drum can present an explosive strike that launches them out of the water. THKFISH GT Popper is a third option, and they are available in many color patterns – go for the gold tones though the blue can be a hit in spring or fall.
Any of the above lures will do well in deeper water or inshore fishing, but for tidal marshes, inlets, and brackish water, you want to go a complete 360. If you are fishing along the weedy beds, you will find shrimp and crabs and those are good bets, but a perfect topwater lure is something in a mouse pattern. Think fluffy and bright like a dry fly. Small rodents are not uncommon food for big red drum fish. One of the best artificial lures for redfish is the Redfish Mariboo #10 in purple and black. The fluffy bit of flotsam is a redfish magnet.
A good tip for fishing the weedy spots is to use a weed guard. They allow you to pull your lures through the weeds with far fewer snags. Redfish love the weeds, and you can find big bull redfish in shallow water in weedy spots.
Our Choice for Best Versatile Lures for Redfish
Often when you are targeting redfish you also have the option to target speckled trout and snook too. Twitchbait options are a good choice because they will allow you to target red drum, speckled trout, and snook. The slow sinking twichbait by Yo-Zuri 3D in the mullet patterns are good options. In fact, many of the slow sinking lures, such as mullets are ideal. You can target redfish all day and increase the fishing by also enticing snook and speckled trout to pop the hook.
Again, the takeaway here is not so much the specific lure as the fact that it mimics something that is native to the environment. When you dial that in, the fishing becomes better.
When you set up for redfish, the lures you use are close mimics. If you are fishing inshore, the water can be murky as the tide changes. If you are fishing inlets, bays, or estuaries and marshes, you want to pay attention to the clarity of the water. Brighter tones work well in murky water and redfish seem to love the color gold. Gold and green, gold and purple, and gold and red are three options. If you want to fish with spoons, gold and green are hard to beat. The best tip to give is to be prepared to switch up your lure option often. Stock and rig your leader with swivels, so you can switch your lure with ease. In shallow water, you will often sight-fish for redfish, speckled trout, and snook. To make that process better, standard equipment should include polarized glasses.
Is saltwater fishing after a rain good or bad? It is a common question and the answer, maybe. The best time to fish is before the storm hits. The fish can sense the change in barometric pressure, and they do their best to take in as much food as possible.
The reason for this is that during a rainstorm, most fish hunker down and weather out the storm. When waters become rougher, it takes more energy to fight the current and the larger waves that come with a storm. For that reason, fish try to find places where they are less exposed and exert less energy to stay safe.
After a rainstorm, fish may become more active. They may leave their shelter and hunt for food. If the water is rough or if the rain has caused higher levels of turbidity (silt, mud, and sand) to cloud the water, the fish will have more difficulty finding food. In deeper water, the waves may remain high, but the water should not be too muddied by the storm.
Fishing after the rain can be good if you target specific fish. Those species with a high-energy need to eat constantly to maintain their speed and agility. Mackerel is an example. Tarpons are another example of fish with high energy levels. Both are excellent targets after rain. if you are fishing inshore, then try targeting snook, redfish, black drum, bluefish, and speckled trout. Even flounder will be more active and looking for smaller creatures that the rougher water has displaced.
If you are fishing in deeper waters, head for structures, such as oil rigs, wrecks, or along the shelf. These areas are where the baitfish will head during rougher waters. Once the storm passes the predatory fish – Tarpon, Cobia, Shark, Tuna, Mackerel, and Yellowtails will head to those areas also to feed on baitfish.
Before the storm, you can troll of chum for bigger fish. They will be on the prowl and anxious to feed. Like a boat, big fish are impacted by storms in aggressive ways. It is harder for them to swim and the violent nature of stormwater can cause them to sustain air bladder damage. They will try to feed heavily and then settle down to wait out the calmer waters. During the storm, they will not be present unless they are in crisis. After the storm, and when the water begins to settle down they will emerge and hunt for injured fish, smaller fish, and baitfish schools.
Water temperature also impacts how active fish are. If the weather is cold, you may want to fish in deeper water where the temperature will band in layers and the fish will find a layer of water with a temperature that suits them best. Some anglers use a fish finder tool to locate fish that stratify before or after a storm.
Fishing After Rain
Rain is a natural occurrence for animals all over the globe. As such, those that are successful have built-in tools for dealing with finding food before and after rainstorms. Fish behavior after the rain depends on how long the rain lasts and how rough the conditions get. If there is an afternoon shower, the chances are that little will change. If there is a rainstorm that lasts a few days, fish will emerge hungry and in need of food.
If the water is muddy, fish will be slower and more apt to take what presents itself rather than roaming about for food, especially for smaller fish. Often after a rainstorm that lasts for a few days, rivers pump a lot of sediment into coastal waters and the turbidity of that episode can last for weeks with the impact of staining even deeper water for a longer time.
Fishing after the rain needs to be a well-thought-out adventure. The water can be swift near spots where rivers enter the ocean, and waves can be much larger than normal. Also, expect wind and showers to follow after the main storm passes.
Pros of Fishing After a Storm
Fish are hungry but may have a harder time finding food. A good tip is to either chum or use stinky bait. Bait that leaves an oil or blood trail will be your best bet. In water that is stained, bait fishing is often the best option. Trolling can become more difficult since visual hunters will have a harder time seeing lures.
Fish on the leeward side of objects. An object such as rocks will act as a storm block for fish and you will often find fish that hunker down behind an object so that they get a break from the stronger currents and waves. Figure out the current and then fish on the side of the object that follows the current. Use bait over lures and be patient.
Fish the Calmer Junctions – You should be able to spot these. They are the place where the deep water meets shallow shelves or where the inflow of a river is stopped by ocean water. In that junction, all of the small food will gather and fish that are successful in surviving storms will focus on those areas to consume smaller fish, crustaceans, crabs, etc., that become washed into the deeper water. your options include top-water flies, bait, and if the water is clear then lures.
What are the Cons of Fishing After a Rain?
Fishing can be more difficult due to the way rain changes fish behavior and the environment. You can overcome each. If you fish in calmer areas where the water or current is not so strong and if you use baits that attract fish even in muddy water.
The Ocean is rougher – if you are prone to seasickness, you will have a harder time dealing with the ebb and flow of post-stormwater. If you don’t succumb to seasickness, you might feel its effects in the heavier chop following rain.
There is an increased risk, especially for smaller boats, due to the heavier swells.
Fishing Before Rain
Fishing is good before a storm. Fish can feel the change in barometric pressure and the smart ones try to prepare for several days of hunkering down and not feeding. That means the fish become active and the fishing is easier. The water is clear, so hit them with lures, baits, or jigs. Most species of fish will be more willing to chance food before a storm.
Fish will have to stay in one place or within a small area for a day or more during a storm. They will only venture out if they are very hungry. If you are fishing before a storm, you will find fish on the move and hunting. Stinky baits are a good tip.
Fishing During Rain
Fishing during the rain can be miserable and cold. You can offset that experience with quality raingear by dressing in layers that help your body to maintain warmth and wick moisture away from you. When the rain begins the fish will likely already be hunkering down. The increased barometric pressure will warn them of the rain. This is the time to fish on the leeward or sheltered side of structures, in deep holes, and places where fish may find shelter from the increased current and formation of larger swells and waves.
Never fish alone in the rain. Be wary of lightning and leave the water and head home if lightning begins. Also, be wary of changes in the ocean’s condition. If the water becomes too rough it is dangerous.
How does rain affect fishing behaviors?
As the rain begins to fall, surface-feeding fish, such as sea bass and cod may try to feed. As the rain continues and the water begins to muddy and the current or wave patterns increase, fish will find shelter. That is why you fish on the sheltered side of structures during and after the rain. That’s also a good tip if you fish during the change of tides. Fish will move from one side of a structure to another as the tide moves from incoming to outgoing.
What are the pros and cons of fishing during rain?
Cons of fishing in the rain
The weather is bad, and you are likely to get wet.
The water is often rougher, and you may get seasick
It is dangerous to fish in the presence of lightning and if the water becomes too rough.
Visibility is less and tactics such as sight fishing may become worse.
Pros of Fishing in the Rain
Fish are likely still active if the water is not muddy, or the current is too strong.
Fish can be easy to find behind structures where the current is lessened.
Stinky baits may work better than lures
Fishing before, during, or after a rainstorm requires a lot of thought. The water can be rough and dangerous, the storm can produce lightning, which can be deadly, and the fishing can be miserable if you do not know how to fish the storm. It can also be a miserable experience if you do not prepare for wind, water, and rain. It is also important to understand how fish behave in storms so that you can target them. Fishing in a storm requires that your tactics be spot on otherwise, like the fish looking for food in muddy water, you are fishing blind.
Cobia is a top-ranked sports fish that is also excellent to eat. People compare it to the yellowtail kingfish in flavor, which is distinct, firm, and pleasant. Commercially, cobia is a premium fish due to the fact it is not overly bony, and you can filet it into steaks, loins, or sometimes cutlets. While cobia is good eating, it is the rodeo-like fight that draws anglers to it. When you target cobia, you are getting the best of both food and sport.
Targeting Cobia
The biggest cobia can be six feet long and weigh close to 100 pounds. Cobia is a deep-water fish and is often accessible by fishing charters that offer deep sea fishing. They like to hunt along the border between shallow water and deep water, especially if there is a shelf there or some sort of structure. You can catch cobia anywhere the bait fish swarm, from the shallows to deeper water. The waters off Destin tend to drop quickly and depending on where you fish and the number of fishermen around you may want to head into the deeper water.
Cobia is often a sight fishing target. You can spot the singles from the deck and then cast onto them. They will take a jig or live bait and BOOM it is fish-on.
They feed on many things including shrimp and crabs, and smaller fish, and will follow sharks to clean up any scraps that may be left over when the shark feeds.
Where To Catch Cobia in Florida
Cobia can be found from the State of Virginia all the way down the Eastern seaboard and into the Gulf of Mexico. Around Florida, one of the best places to fish for cobia is off of Destin, Florida, and into the Gulf.
If you are fishing for Cobia around Destin, Florida it is important to understand the behaviors of cobia and how to target them. Cobia is a migratory fish, and the local populations tend to migrate from the northern Gulf to the Southern Gulf and then back again. Generally, from March into October you find the most cobia in the Northern Gulf waters. From October or November until March or early April, you find the most cobia in the Southern waters of the Gulf.
The best Cobia Season in Florida is when the fish are in the Northern Gulf of Mexico – March through October and sometimes into November. If you are planning on fishing for longer or overnight then you can fish Cobia year-round. It takes longer to hit the Southern waters, but it is doable.
Where to find cobia in Florida
If you are fishing in early spring in Florida for Cobia, then head to the panhandle – anywhere from Levy in the east to Pensacola in the West. Inshore and along sandbars in shallow water – 15 feet depths or less. During the summer months, and when the shallow water is hotter, cobia tend to stay in the deeper water – 15 feet or deeper especially along any physical boundary between deep and shallow water.
During the fall and winter months and into the early spring months, you can often find cobia in the more southern waters of the Gulf. The farther south they migrate the warmer the water stays year-round. Cobia prefer water that is warmer than 70°F. If you are using a fish finder, use one that will tell you the water temperature.
If you are fishing off of Destin, you can be battling cobia in as little as 15-minutes from leaving the harbor. That makes the area around Destin, Florida ideal for all types of fishing. If you are heading out with a charter, then expect to be on the fish quickly.
What To Use As Bait For Cobia
What is the best bait for cobia? It is not a surprising question considering the draw cobia has on anglers. The answer is probably pinfish, which are baitfish that remain active and present a frantic behavior when cobia is present. Nothing piques the predatory instincts of cobia more than a struggling pinfish. “What do cobia eat,” is another popular question. Cobia eat many things and their diet ranges from shrimp and crabs to smaller fish, shads, and even eels. That variety of food is why you find cobia in waters from shallow to very deep.
You can use live baits or cut baits. Pinfish are good for both, squid, cigar minnows, ribbon fish, menhaden, and Spanish sardines are all options for bait for cobia. Cobia will follow sharks and eat the fringes of what remains after the shark has struck. For that reason, cut bait is also good. In addition, to live or cut baits you can also target cobia with soft plastics. Choose lures that have a longer tail and that mimic shad. One of the best bait for cobia is soft plastics with streamers.
Cobia Fishing Techniques to Hook a Cobia
Cast and Retrieve – A good technique with live bait or cut bait. Basically, you toss out your bait and retrieve it with short strokes. If there is a cobia around, they will feel the vibration of the bait and investigate. Once they strike, you will feel a sharp thump on the line you set your hook with a solid, upward jerk of the rod. With cobia, you have to set the hook hard, and you will know instantly if you’ve succeeded.
Sight Fishing – You can use live bait, cut bait, or jigs and lures when you sight fish cobia. Once you see the fish, toss out your line to it. Work the bait or lure and then allow the bait to drop. You will see the fish drop too. Open the bale and gently hold the line with your finger to the rod. Once the cobia takes the bait, you will see the line start to strip off of the reel. Flick the bale over and set the hook. You generally set the hook two or three times to really set the hook. For many fish, you only set the hook once. With cobia, set it a few times.
Florida Cobia Regulations
There are two big changes in the Cobia regulations for 2022.
July 2022 – the size increases for legal cobia. They must be 36″ to the forks
A vessel may only catch two cobias per day – in the past it was six cobias but in July 2022 that regulation dropped to two fish per boat per day.
Be sure to check with the Florida Fish and Wildlife unit before you fish as the regulations can change quickly. Cobia is an amazing sports fish. They are strong, fast, and smart, and when you battle them, they put on a good show and you will never know until they are on the boat if you will win that battle or not. Some anglers choose to target cobia that swim with sharks. It’s a fun opportunity, but never expect to land the fish before the shark eats your prize catch. A good tip for fishing cobia in deeper waters is to fish around structures, such as oil rigs. They will hang at oil rigs feeding on the bait fish that congregate there.
Scomberomorus cavalla or The Florida King Fish goes by many names. It is referred to as the King Mackerel. People spell the fish’s name as King fish or Kingfish, or king mackerel – they are all the same fish. These are large schooling fish that hunt in packs for herring and sardines. They are migratory and are most often a winter season target for charter boats. The record for a king mackerel caught in Florida is 90 pounds. That’s a lot of fish.
A lot of anglers come to Florida to fish for big, trophy fish and the king mackerel is one of the top choices. These are deep sea fish that prefer cooler waters. Florida has a range of fishing options, but deep sea fishing is how and where you find those bigger fish that like cool water. The inshore sports often have warmer water. To target king fish, you need to go deep sea fishing.
What is Deep Sea Fishing in Florida? Generally, it is fishing waters that are more than 100 feet deep. That’s usually about 20-miles offshore. That is not to say that you cannot catch King Fish inshore, you can.
Where To Catch Kingfish in Florida
Two things drive Kingfish. First is water temperature. They love a narrow band of cool water temperatures – usually somewhere between 75 °F and 85 °F. That temperature range can move from inshore to deep sea fishing during different times of the year. For the most part, King Mackerel fishing is a deep sea fishing adventure.
We mentioned that two things drive kingfish. The second is baitfish. King mackerel feed on schools of baitfish. These include sardines and herring and other species that school.
Kingfish Season in Florida
The actual season for king fish will vary based on where you are in Florida. The easiest way to do that is to check with the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Branch which can tell you where you can legally fish for king mackerel in Florida. The reason that the season is complicated is that there are regulations for both the Gulf of Mexico waters and the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, the waters in one area may close if the federal waters adjacent to it also close. It is best to check if the area you want to fish in is open or closed.
Peak King Fish season is March 1 – July 1 – The season is open all year long but will close when anglers land a specific number of king fish. The rules for catching king mackerel also follow the federal rules even if the Florida State rules state something different.
Targeting King Fish
Kingfish are highly mobile. They are hungry fish that are usually chasing schools of baitfish. One of the best places to find them is around structures. If you are offshore you can target the waters around oil platforms. The baitfish will ball up around structures that attract predatory fish, such as kingfish.
King fish have 30 sharp teeth in their mouth. The triangle-shaped teeth make short work of baitfish and will shred your line. A good tip for rigging to fish king mackerel is to use a steel leader.
What To Use as Bait for Kingfish
Because the primary food of king fish is baitfish, you want to use dead baits such as silver eels, sardines, and larger minnows. You can also fish minnow pattern soft plastics. Understand that king fish are visual hunters. They are looking for that silver flash from baitfish. Whatever your rig, it should look like a baitfish. An adult king fish will target larger baitfish that are between 5-6 inches long. They may target shrimp, squid, and crustaceans too. A good tip for choosing the right baitfish is to target pogies (menhaden) – You can catch these yourself with a throw net. You can also try a bait store.
Kingfish Fishing Techniques to Hook a Kingfish
Slow trolling is one of the best ways to target kingfish. Keep in mind that they are chasing baitfish and adjust the speed of the boat to match the swimming prowess of baitfish – not very fast.
You can rig with live bait, dead bait, or soft plastic baits. The key is that lovely silver shine that baitfish offer.
Chumming for Kingfish is another option. While mostly visual feeders, they will hunt by smell. The oily baitfish are best – think sardines and be sure to put out a lot of chum. Kingfish charters may offer you a choice between trolling and chum fishing. Depending on the length of your charter you may want to try both.
The King Fish Cobia Connection
Don’t be overly surprised if you attract cobia while targeting kingfish. Kingfishing Florida is a good way to meet cobia. The techniques are very similar. A slow trolling method in open water or around a structure can bring in both king fish and cobia. Live bait, dead bait, and flashy silver minnows in soft plastic will work on cobia or king fish.
Kingfish Regulations in Florida
The season for king fish changes often throughout the year. It is best to check the regulations before you head out to fish for king fish. You can do that by visiting NOAA or the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
In general:
King Fish need to be 24-inches Fork Length
You can only take three fish per person per day in Gulf Coast Waters and only two fish per day per person in the Atlantic.
Sports anglers may not use nets to catch king mackerel.
Tips for Going on Kingfish Charters
Early morning charters and twilight charters can be the best times to target kingfish. An overnight charter means that you can take six king mackerel rather than just three.
King fish fishing can be very active. You can limit out quickly, so expect to target more than kingfish if you do. Another good target is cobia, and you might also find Yellowfin around deep structures.
An 8-hour fishing charter can be a very long day if you are not comfortable. Be sure to dress in layers so that you can adjust to the changing weather throughout your charter. Wind, rain, and saltwater are going to be a common part of your day. Dress to beat the wind and stay dry. Sunscreen and polarized sunglasses are a must to beat the sun. Run through a checklist of what to bring.
Ready to get started on deep sea fishing for King Mackerel? The Finest Kind Charters offers a comfortable boat with modern equipment and all the gear you need to target king mackerel. For a family-friendly fishing adventure in Destin, Florida, set sail with the Finest Kind Charters.
Why do people book overnight fishing trips? Usually, it is because they want to take advantage of bag limits on certain species of fish. You see, when the clock strikes midnight, a new day begins, and with that new day a new limit for how many fish you can catch. For example, if you are only allowed to catch one marlin per day and can only have two for the year, you can book an overnight fishing trip, and take one marlin on day one and another on day two. Boom. You are done marlin fishing for the year.
An overnight fishing charter trip can last from 24-72 hours. These trips feature deep-sea fishing, trolling, and bottom fishing. They are ideal for the angler who wants to target fish that have single-day limits. If you fish overnight, you are allowed to catch the second limit of fish for the second day. That rule helps anglers experience trophy fish, and also target specific species of fish.
When Will You Be Going Overnight Deep Sea Fishing?
When you begin to plan your overnight deep sea fishing adventure, consider the types of fish you want to target. Plan your trip for when their presence is at its height. We call this “run times” and the run times allow you to be on the water when the fish you want to target is present. In addition, you want to consider:
The time – You choose the length of the trip – 24 hours, 48 hours, or 72 hours.
Weather – Consider the weather conditions – weather influences fish behaviors and when you fish before a storm, you may experience outstanding fishing. If you fish on a regular day, your captain will be able to help influence the types of fish you target.
Specie Specific – Specific Fishing Targets – If you want to target a specific species of fish, your captain will be able to help you determine when the best time of year is to do just that.
Seasonal Advantages – Think about seasonal changes – some fish are not available in winter either through conservation efforts from the federal or state wildlife agency, and some may migrate to warmer waters. Seasonality changes what you need to plan for. Chatting with a Charter Boat Captain is a good way to start that process. These are the people who live fishing day in and day out, and they will be able to help you choose the best times to fish, when to fish, and what you can bring. A good place to start is in the What’s Biting Section of The Finest Kind Charters.
These considerations help you dial in the best times to book an overnight deep sea fishing adventure. They allow you to pick the optimal time to target specific types of fish, especially those fish that have limits on how many you can catch. The advantage of overnight fishing is not so much fishing in the dark, which can be fun, but it allows you more time on the water to target and battle the big trophy fish you want.
Now, let’s look at what makes an overnight fishing charter successful, comfortable, and worth the time, money, and effort.
What To Pack for an Overnight Fishing Charter Trip?
Plan what you need to bring – the longer the trip, the more items you might need, such as:
Clothing and rain gear – The weather can change suddenly so be prepared by dressing in layers and bring a few extra items that will help you deal with wind, sun, and rain. Pack so that you have clean clothes for each day of fishing. Because this is an overnight trip, a pair of slip-on skidproof shoes is essential, especially at night.
Medications and sea-sickness meds – A good rule of thumb is to bring enough medications for a few extra days. Some people bring twice as much and store them in separate spots, in case something happens to one supply.
Drinks, food, snacks, and freshwater – There is no place to get fresh water on an overnight fishing trip. A mix of food and snacks is a good way to keep hunger at bay. Freshwater is essential, and you can add in soft drinks. Most charters do not allow alcohol, so check with your captain before you shop for your trip. Be sure to ask the captain how much space you need. You may need to bring an ice chest with you for food.
Bedding – You may also need a sleeping bag. Keeping yourself rested is a good way to be mentally alert to battle big fish. Be sure to ask about sleeping areas. In addition to a sleeping bag or blanket, you may need a sleeping mat or inflatable mattress, etc. Earplugs are a good idea and if you cannot sleep with the light on, an eye mask to help block out any light.
Consider some hydrating lotion. The ocean air is salty, and it will begin to make you itch. Lotion can help.
Sunscreen – Sunscreen is essential. The glare from the water will redirect the sun’s rays at you causing you to burn faster. SPF 50 or better is a good bet. If you have UPF clothing, bring it. UPF is the equivalent of SPF but made for fabrics.
Polarized Sunglasses – Nothing beats the glare of the sun like polarized sunglasses, especially on the water.
Preparing For An Overnight Fishing Charter
You want to get a good night’s sleep the night before and most deep-sea charters leave early in the morning to allow for travel time to the deep sea fishing grounds. Expect to fish a lot during the voyage and more so when you hit the fishing grounds.
Bunks are available for sleeping and gear should be stowed in the cabin. The goal is always to keep the deck clear for safe passage and for all the incredible fishing you will do. If you are a light sleeper, bring earplugs to cut out the snoring, sounds, and ocean. If you are sensitive to light while you fish, bring an eye mask that will block out the light and allow you to rest. Sleeping is important as it recharges your body and sharpens your mind – you will need both when you battle big fish.
Be sure to take your seasickness medication as directed by your doctor (may be at least an hour before breakfast and again when you board the charter.
Depending on the weather and fishing conditions, night fishing can occur. Fish are generally very active at dusk and sometimes throughout the night if there is a good moon.
What to Expect on Boat Day
Be sure to arrive at the boat at least 30-minutes before departure. It is important to ask permission to come aboard both out of respect for the captain and safety reasons. The captain and crew should know you’ve boarded. They will give you safety instructions and tell you where to store your gear, bedding, and ice chest. Be sure you have a fishing license and all the appropriate stamps for specialized fish.
Once you have boarded and stored your gear, and all the other members of the charter are onboard and ready, the captain will go over the rules, and safety protocol and introduce you to the deck crew (mates). From there the fishing adventure begins.
The captain will get you where you need to go and manage the boat while you are out on the water. Your mates will become your best resource for fishing, rigging, and information. Make them your friend. Ask them all of your questions. Let them know your fishing experience and allow them to make you the best fisherman you can be.
Learn more about what’s in season, and available dates for overnight deep sea fishing by reaching out to the crew of The Finest Kind.
Is saltwater fishing after a rain good or bad? It is a common question and the answer, maybe. The best time to fish is before the storm hits. The fish can sense the change in barometric pressure, and they do their best to take in as much food as possible.
Scomberomorus cavalla or The Florida King Fish goes by many names. It is referred to as the King Mackerel. People spell the fish’s name as King fish or Kingfish, or king mackerel – they are all the same fish. These are large schooling fish that hunt in packs for herring and sardines. They are migratory and are most often a winter season target for charter boats. The record for a king mackerel caught in Florida is 90 pounds. That’s a lot of fish.
