Boat Charters: Fishing Reefs And Wrecks

Travel Blog

Some offshore fishing adventures involve a long ride on fishing boat charters to target big fish on remote wrecks and reefs. When you're hoping to book an adventure with fishing boat charters, it's important to remember some basic techniques to help you haul in trophy catches.

Getting Them to Bite

You can't catch big fish if you can't get them to bite. When you're targeting trophy fish on remote wrecks and reefs, you'll likely focus on a small stretch of water. If you can't get fish to bite, making small adjustments can be key.

• Drift: The direction you approach a wreck or reef on a fishing boat charter trips can make a huge difference. Several variables come into play when figuring out the optimal drifting pattern. For instance, the sub-surface current might be flowing counter to the prevailing wind direction. In this case, you may need to cast out your lure long before or after you actually drift over a wreck or reef. In most cases, you want your bait to fall adjacent to the wreck or reef to prevent snags.
• Cadence: Many fishing charter boats have their clients jig with baited hooks in the general vicinity of a wreck or reef. The easiest jigging technique involves lifting and dropping your rod tip to create a yo-yo-ing motion for your jig. If you aren't getting bites, you can experiment with slow and steady yo-yo-ing or quick, rhythmic snaps of your rod tip. The best pattern might be to stay consistent all trip or you might need to change it up if the bite dies down.

Getting Them to the Boat

Fishing boat charters specialize in helping clients catch big fish. However, no matter how great the fishing boat charter might be, you'll still need to reel the fish in yourself.

• Hook Set: When a big fish tugs at the end of your line, your natural reaction will be to tug right back. This mistake can lead to fouled hook sets, snapped leaders, and short strikes. Because most reef and wreck fishing rigs utilize circle hooks, forcefully setting the hook can actually pull the bait out of the fish's mouth. You're often better off simply "reeling into the fish." Your fishing boat charter captain can teach you the basics in a few short minutes.
• Pacing: Big fish, hooked at great depths, can lead to epically long battles. If you don't pace yourself and allow the fish to tire itself out by pulling drag, you might be too exhausted to get the fish to the boat.

Contact a boat charter company for more information. 

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3 November 2020