Offshore Tips

BlackSeaStriker

Hey guys i'm green horn to offshore fishing I want to experience the pleasures of fishing offshore I have done plenty reading. I was wondering what tips you guys could give me before i go out. Thanks in advanced

Alex from GA

Buddy boat.

FS Dan

invite a member from your region to go with you.

FSD

MelbourneMark

Hire a guide and learn as much as possible. They might even go on your boat.

mikenav

There is nothing like on-the-water experience with someone who knows what they're doing. Offshore is a whole lot different than bring a bucket of shrimp to the bridge and drop down a line. Everything is more complicated, including the danger. Try to get on some boats heading out that way first is what I would suggest.

bmoody

Some form of safe boating course?
Be prepared for a learning curve. A guide/capt. to take you on your boat and teach you is likely money well spent.
Invite experienced locals as your guest (don't expect them to pay for fuel/oil/insurance/etc.) to learn from them.
When posting on forums, ask more specific questions, or provide some kind of side boards for the advice. Use the regional "need crew" thread (if you have one).
Pick your days. Be ready to be skunked. Have fun anyway.

Saltygatorvet

Where are you located?

Flec

Safety first here. Make sure your boat,engine,and electronics are in good shape. Make sure you know the inlet and tide times that you are running in and out of. Inlets are typically a lot smoother when the current is coming in on high tide.
Now,,know what species you are targeting and prerig your rods before you head out. Have a couple of spinning rods always ready to throw a bait or lure at fish you might encounter while running out or in. Watch the fishing shows on TV and learn all you can.
With a few exceptions, people are typically pot luck trolling for dolphin,wahoo,sailfish,king mackerel or bottom fishing for snapper,grouper,cobia,sea bass,etc. And there are small tunas,amberjacks, and barracudas around as well. Almost forgot, sharks too!

BlackSeaStriker

Saltygatorvet said:

Where are you located?

in Amelia island right next to jaxsonvile

LouD

Join the Jacksonville Offshore Fishing Club. Get it on Facebook. Club meets every first and third Thursday at 1900 in the trailers at the south end of the Mayport boat ramps. Come down Heckshire Dr, take the ferry and the ramps are just on your left when you leave the ferry. Meeting starts with dinner, then introduction of new members, then an expert speaker, then club business and finally a raffle. Only costs about $40 per year and you can come to several club meetings and enjoy the dinner and hospitality even without paying (for a while). 
You'll get a chart of the local reefs, and a monthly newsletter of safety tips and fishing tips. You'll meet other fishermen who will be more than happy to fish with you or have you join their crews. Contact Bill Breen for more information. ([email protected])
When leaving St Marys river stay on the right in the channel. Many local reefs within 10 miles off Amelia. Get charts from Georgia Natural Resources (coastalgadnr.org)
AWAYS watch the weather. Aways fish with someone who could take over if you have trouble. Always have a VHF radio. Get weather reports from NOAA and Windfinder.com