Offshore Fishing Video Lessons | How to Catch Big Game

Offshore fishing is an exhilarating pursuit that challenges anglers to venture into the vast expanses of the open ocean in search of prized big game fish. From the powerful blue marlin to the lightning-fast wahoo, the deep waters hold treasures that beckon fishing enthusiasts from around the world. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive into the techniques, gear, and knowledge you can learn with In The Spread fishing videos. Take your knowledge of saltwater big game fishing to the next level.

The Allure of Offshore Fishing

Offshore fishing, also known as deep sea fishing, offers a unique experience that combines the thrill of the hunt with the raw beauty of the open ocean. Unlike nearshore or inshore fishing, offshore adventures take anglers far from the coastline, often to depths exceeding 100 feet. Here, in the realm of pelagic species, fishermen can test their skills against some of the most sought-after game fish in the world. Our mission at In The Spread is to equip you with the knowledge and understanding of the offshore fishing environment, so you can head out and bag the species you want with a bit more ease.

Target Offshore Species With Knowledge

When it comes to offshore fishing, several species stand out as prime targets for anglers:

1. Blue Marlin: The pinnacle species of big game fishing, known for its size and spectacular aerial displays.
2. Tuna: Various species, including yellowfin and bluefin, prized for their fight and flavor.
3. Wahoo: Renowned for their blistering speed and delicious meat.
4. Sailfish: Famous for their distinctive sail-like dorsal fin and acrobatic jumps.

Trolling: The Essential Technique for Offshore Success

Trolling is the backbone of offshore fishing techniques, particularly when targeting species like marlin, tuna, and wahoo. This method involves pulling baited lines or lures behind a moving boat, simulating the movement of prey fish. Our library of big game fishing videos teach you the intricacies of offshore fishing tactics and techniques.

Marlin Fishing

When targeting blue marlin, anglers often employ a technique called "spread fishing." This involves deploying multiple lines at varying distances behind the boat, creating a wide area of coverage. Common lures for marlin include:

• Skirted lures
• Live bait
  
• Rigged ballyhoo

Tuna Fishing

Tuna fishing for yellowfin and bluefin requires a slightly different approach. While trolling is effective, many anglers also use techniques such as:

• Chunking: Throwing pieces of bait to create a chum slick
• Bait fishing: Using live baits above and below the surface
• Lure fishing: Casting poppers and stickbaits around schools of tuna
  

Wahoo Fishing

Wahoo are known for their incredible speed, often striking lures at breakneck pace. Successful wahoo fishing often involves:

• High-speed trolling (up to 15 knots)
• Wire leaders to prevent bite-offs
• Brightly colored lures, skirted dead baits or live baits
  

Bottom Fishing and Deep Dropping

While pelagic species get much of the attention, bottom fishing for deep-water species can be equally rewarding. This technique involves lowering baited hooks or jigs to the ocean floor to target species like:

• Grouper
• Snapper
• Tilefish

Deep dropping for pelagic predators like swordfish takes this concept further, using electric reels to fish at extreme depths, sometimes exceeding 1,000 feet.

Gear and Tackle Essentials

Offshore fishing requires specialized equipment designed to handle the rigors of big game and harsh saltwater environments. Key components include:

• Rods: Heavy-duty, often bent-butt designs for maximum leverage
• Reels: Large capacity, high-speed reels with smooth drags
• Line: Heavy monofilament or braided line, often coupled with fluorocarbon leaders
• Hooks: Strong, sharp hooks capable of penetrating tough mouths
• Lures and Baits: A variety of artificial lures and natural baits to match different species and conditions

Learn Navigation and Fish Finding

Success in offshore fishing often hinges on the ability to locate productive fishing grounds. Modern technology plays a crucial role:

• GPS: For accurate positioning and waypoint marking
• Fish Finders and Sonar: To locate bait balls and target species
• Sea Surface Temperature Charts: To identify productive temperature breaks and currents

Understanding how to read these tools, combined with knowledge of fish behavior and oceanography, can dramatically increase your chances of success.

Conservation and Responsible Fishing

As stewards of the ocean, offshore anglers have a responsibility to practice sustainable fishing methods. This includes:

• Adhering to size and bag limits
• Using circle hooks to reduce mortality in catch-and-release situations
• Properly reviving and releasing fish to ensure their survival

By following these practices, we can help ensure that future generations can enjoy the thrill of offshore fishing.

The More You Know, The More You Catch

Offshore fishing for big game species is a challenging yet rewarding pursuit that combines skill, knowledge, and a touch of luck. By mastering the techniques outlined in this guide and using In The Spread videos to continuously learn from experienced anglers, you can increase your chances of success on the open water. Remember, every trip is an opportunity to learn and improve, whether you're battling a blue marlin or searching for the perfect wahoo lure.

Seth Horne In The Spread,
Creator