Deep Sea Fishing: The Angler's Guide

Deep sea fishing is a thrilling and liberating adventure! With just the right amount of risk, you delve into the depths of the sea, testing your fishing skills against the mightiest fish, all set against the backdrop of endless blue waters. 

As the name of this technique so straightforwardly says, this action and hunting take place in very deep waters, at least 100 feet deep, and demand a lot from the angler and the entire fishing boat crew! This primarily means that it is not for beginners to embark on this adventure on their own; luckily, there are plenty of options to indulge in this frenetic experience safely!

We've created this guide to give you a closer look at what you can catch and how to prepare for this fishing technique. In it, we explore the basics of deep sea fishing, including common target species, top fishing locations, and preparation tips to ensure a successful trip. We know you're interested, so let's embark on this fishing odyssey as soon as possible!

Understanding Deep Sea Fishing

Deep sea fishing, or big game fishing, is an exciting pursuit and hunt for large and often dangerous fish species in the open sea or ocean waters. This technique involves confronting undoubtedly one of the most hazardous and significant fish species, making this adventure even more magnificent. If you are lucky and skillful enough, you will meet magnificent giants such as Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Sharks, and Mahi Mahi.

Deep sea fishing requires a combination of different methods, including trolling, where bait lines are dragged behind a moving boat, and bottom fishing, which targets species that live near the ocean floor using weighted lines, when you will use which method depends on the sea terrain, i.e., whether there are underwater mountains, rocky underwater structures, coral reefs, or nearby buildings such as oil platforms. 

Deep sea fishing is a technique that is as fascinating as it is complex. Its unpredictability adds to the thrill, as no trip guarantees a catch, but it promises excitement, learning, and a unique experience.

Why Go Deep Sea Fishing

Deep sea fishing is the ultimate adventure for those seeking the open ocean's raw thrill, challenge, and beauty. It's like a one-on-one battle against powerful, large fish genuinely built for the harsh ocean life and at the top of the food chain like Marlin, Tuna, and Sailfish. 

For all those involved in fish fishing and who understand the challenge, deep sea fishing is the ultimate fishing experience, beyond which there is little. The excitement of meeting a Marlin or Kingfish is challenging to describe, and its incredible popularity evidences its uniqueness.

The technique is complex and difficult. In addition, you must tolerate the conditions in the open sea well and be ready for the challenges that this environment brings and the fact that you can lose in a fight with the target fish.

The calm and stunning seascapes add to the trip's appeal, making it enjoyable even without a catch. Deep sea fishing is also a fantastic opportunity to bond with family, friends, or fellow anglers.

When to Go Deep Sea Fishing

The best times for deep-sea fishing depend on the seasonal availability of your target species, so researching the peak seasons should be of utmost care. Favorable weather conditions are essential for this type of fishing, as they are crucial to safety and enjoyment.

This means avoiding periods of strong winds or storms is critical. Even if your destination for deep sea fishing is somewhere where snow and winter prevail, always watch for weather conditions, especially if you plan to start fishing after a storm.

If you're an absolute beginner, special occasions and vacations are the perfect time to get into deep-sea fishing. This will create unforgettable memories and add adventure to your travels. Of course, this means you will hire charters to guide you through the process.

Why Fish Gather on a Deep Sea Fishing

Fish gather around deep sea fishing techniques because all forms and methods, trolling, jigging, and bottom fishing, if performed correctly, effectively imitate their natural prey and exploit their behavior. Techniques such as using live bait and lures simulate fish feeding, while jigging creates a feeding frenzy with the help of scent and visual cues. 

All fish species, especially aquatic ones, are focused on survival, hunting, and spawning. Understanding their behavior and instincts is crucial, as it can significantly increase your chances of a successful catch. 

It's also true that it's not that easy because the abundance of these fish is wary, so it's best to target them when they're officially in season. In addition to bait, lights and sounds can attract them by mimicking the presence of smaller prey.

Also, understanding ocean currents and temperature patterns can help significantly. This will help you position your lures in nutrient-rich areas where fish naturally congregate.

Fish Species Commonly Caught by Deep Sea Fishing

As we mentioned before, deep sea fishing is a vicious fishing game, and you face very challenging opponents that can push your patience and sweat to the limit. Here is a list of some of the most famous stars.

• Marlin: The one and only famous hero of the even more famous novel The Old Man and the Sea adds even more to the appeal of this beautiful fish. Blue and Black Marlin are highly sought after for their size and fighting ability. They are usually caught by trolling with lures or live bait.

• Sailfish: Masters of speed and acrobatic displays. Sailfish have a stunning appearance and are most often caught using trolling methods.

• Tuna: Species such as Yellowfin, Bluefin, and Bigeye Tuna are frequent targets of deep-sea fishing and are popular due to their strength and value as sport fish. You often catch them by trolling, drifting, and using live bait.

• Mahi Mahi: A magnificent green-yellow dolphin recognizable by its vibrant colors, Mahi Mahi are often caught in trolling and are known for their rapid growth and exciting fights.

• Wahoo: Fast, elusive, cunning, and very skillful swimmers. They are also usually hunted by trolling at high speed and are highly prized due to their meat.

• Kingfish (King Mackerel): Known for their aggressiveness, strikes and speed. These prevalent fish can be caught using many techniques, emphasizing trolling and drifting.

• Swordfish: This unusual, combative-looking fish with a long nose resembling a sword contributes to its popularity. This species is known to hunt at night and is usually caught using deep-fall techniques with bait.

• Amberjack: This species likes to hover around reefs and wrecks using bottom fishing techniques.

• Sharks: There are various types of sharks, including Mako and Hammerhead, and you'll need a fishing line and bait to catch them.

As you can see, the sky is the limit if you have the necessary skills and gear. Of course, always pay attention to the possible risks of some species since some of them can be very dangerous, especially when caught.

Essential Gear for Deep Sea Fishing

Embarking on a deep-sea fishing adventure requires a strong desire, excitement, and equipment to ensure success and safety. From strong rods and reels to essential safety gear, every piece is equally important in meeting the challenges of the open ocean. 

Below, we cover the must-haves for any deep-sea expedition, ensuring you're fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

Rods

Yes, you guessed it right. Deep-sea fishing rods must be strong and durable, up to the task. A few standard rods are used for deep-sea fishing adventures; they provide durable construction, length, and power for handling deep-sea fishing. 

• Trolling Rods: Extremely stable and durable, intended for those who use trolling techniques, where line or lures are dragged behind a moving boat and target large Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo, or Mahi Mahi, providing the necessary strength and resistance to manage these powerful fish. 

• Jigging Rods: These rods refer to the jigging technique, which involves a quick up-and-down motion to imitate injured prey. They are shorter and more flexible, enabling faster and more sensitive movements.

• Bottom Fishing Rods: These are designed to withstand the complex conditions of the seabed and, in general, all the structures that lead to the bottom, plus the pressure and weight of the water. They have a strong backbone, essential for lifting heavy fish from the depths, and are best paired with conventional solid reels.

• Stand-up bars Rods: Stand-up rods are shorter and more robust, allowing anglers to use their body weight effectively against powerful marine games such as Tuna, Marlin, and large sharks, where stamina and strength are essential for a successful catch.

• Spinning rods: They are used for various techniques and are available in multiple sizes, including those suitable for deepsea fishing. Although lighter and more flexible than other rods, spinning rods provide excellent control and sensitivity. They are ideal for targeting small – to medium-sized species such as Mahi Mahi and Snapper and anglers just starting deep-sea fishing.

If you are a beginner, don't rush. Use complex rods and chase firm fish. Rushing could spoil your experience, especially if you lose the fish.

Reels

The choice of reels must also follow the rods and match or support each other in perfect harmony. So, pay attention to the following.

• Conventional Reels: Often called overhead reels, these reels are a staple in deep-sea fishing. They offer strength and flexibility. They can handle large fish and heavy lines, as they have strong resistance systems, large line capacity, and robust construction. Some levers allow precise control during intense fights with big fish.

• Rots for Spinning: They are great for beginners, as they are versatile, especially in light to medium deep sea fishing. They are prized for their precision, feature smooth drag systems, high gear ratios, and excellent line capacity, enabling efficient handling of various fish. The simple design and adaptability make these reels easy for anyone to manage.

• Baitcasting Reels: Baitcasting reels are also made with an emphasis on precision and control. They require more skill from the angler to show the best possible performance. Robust drag systems, high line capacity, and adjustable braking systems provide control over casting and handling fish like Bass, Barracuda, and smaller Bluefish.

• Electric Reels: Electric reels are a game changer for deep-sea fishing, making the job much easier. They have powerful motors and programmable depth and speed control settings, significantly reducing the physical effort of reeling in heavy lines and large fish. They are often used for mass fishing because their practicality is unquestionable.

Ensure your rod and reel are compatible regarding line weight and power for a balanced setup that improves performance and reduces fatigue. This will allow you to choose a reel with enough line capacity, ideally for at least 300 yards of heavy line (50-100 lbs test), to handle the long runs of big fish.

Lines

Choosing the correct lines is another puzzle that demands deep-sea fishing gear. Here are the primary types of fishing lines used in deep-sea fishing:

• Monofilament Line: Monofilament is known for its stretchability, which means it can absorb the shock of a strong and large fish and reduce the chances of the line breaking. It is also relatively cheap and easy to handle. However, this material has a more extensive line memory, which can lead to tangling, and is less resistant to abrasion than other types.

• Knitted Line: This type of string is solid for its diameter and offers a larger string capacity on the reel. It is slightly stretchy and provides excellent bite detection sensitivity and quick hook placement. The downside is that it's more visible in clear water, potentially scaring fish, and more prone to tangling if not appropriately handled.

• Fluorocarbon Line: Fluorocarbon is almost invisible underwater, giving it a considerable advantage. It is very wear-resistant and has little stretch, providing good sensitivity. The disadvantage of this type of line is that it is usually more expensive than monofilament and can be stiffer, making it difficult to manage.

• Wireline: Wireline is used for specific deep fishing techniques, such as trolling toothy species, primarily Wahoo and Kingfish. It is incredibly strong and bite-resistant. On the other hand, wire rope is more difficult to handle, can bend easily, and requires specialized equipment for coiling and tying knots.

Again, it depends on the method. Remember that the general focus must be strength, flexibility, and endurance.

Rigs

Choosing suitable rigs ensures that your bait is effectively presented to attract and catch big fish. If it is well aligned with the rest of the equipment, it creates a robust system, which, together with skill, will help you catch Marlin, Tuna, or Shark.

• Trolling Rigs: These rigs are designed for constant and rhythmic movement, as this method means pulling lures behind a moving boat. Standard components include swivels, leaders, and trolling weights to keep the lure at the desired depth. If you go fishing for Marlin, Tuna, or Wahoo, these rigs should be your #1 choice.

• Bottom Fishing Rigs: This is a system of rigs used to place bait near the bottom of the ocean, various underwater structures, and on the very bottom (central lines). It is mainly used for species such as Flounder, Snapper, Grouper, and Amberjack, which are typical representatives of bottom fishing.

• Live Bait Rigs: The equipment is designed to keep live bait active and alive, making it natural prey for predators. They often include circle hooks and fluorocarbon leaders to reduce visibility and are particularly suitable for species that prefer live prey, such as Sailfish and Billfish.

• Chumming Rigs: These rigs are used with chumming, which means scattering cut bait to attract fish. The equipment consists of a strong leader and one hook baited with a piece of fish. The pungent odors of the bait presented in this way attract species such as Sharks and Tuna.

Hooks

Choosing the right hooks is a critical aspect of deep-sea fishing. Hooks directly affect your ability to catch and land big game fish successfully. Read below in more detail about the hooks used for this technique.

• Circle Hooks: If you plan to catch-and-release or do it often, circle hooks are best. They are designed to hook fish in the corner of the mouth, reducing injury and improving catch-and-release survival rates. Circle hooks are effective for different species and ideal for fishing with live bait and piece baits.

• J-Hooks: J-hooks come in different sizes, making them suitable for various types of bait and fish. It is well known that it will be challenging to break free once a fish is hooked without significant injury. J-hooks are often used when trolling, bottom fishing, and using large pieces of bait.

• Treble Hooks: Treble hooks have three points, which increase the chances of hooking when a fish strikes. They are mostly combined with lures and plugs and are very effective for casting and trolling with artificial lures.

Hooks are a gear part you can have in your entire arsenal, and it is a good idea to have as many as possible to save you in different scenarios.

Essential Baits and Lures for Deep Sea Fishing

The finale of the deep sea fishing game is when the fish, seduced by the power of its instincts, decides to bite the offered bait. Only then does the fight begin, which means that bait selection is a skill and an art of its own.

From live bait that mimics natural prey to artificial lures designed to entice aggressive strikes, understanding the benefits and uses of each option will help optimize your fishing strategy. Find out more about live and artificial baits below.

Live Baits

The movement, smell, and appearance of live bait and good presentation make it irresistible to many predatory species. To be even more successful, familiarize yourself with the fish species you target and the migration seasons when they are generally hungry and less cautious. Then, live bait will have a unique appeal and taste.

• Mackerel: These small fish are hardy and can stay alive longer on the hook. Their size and movement make them attractive to large predators like Marlin, Sailfish, and Tuna.

• Squid: Squids are versatile and practical because they are natural prey to many fish species. They can be used whole or in strips and are mainly food for Grouper, Flounder, Tuna, and Swordfish.

• Herring: Herrings are fatty and release a strong scent and meat trail, which makes them particularly effective in attracting fish from a distance, such as target species: Mahi Mahi, Tuna, and big bottom dwellers.

• Sardines: Sardines are small, shiny, and very dynamic, making them great for attracting fast-moving predators such as Sailfish, Tuna, and Mahi Mahi.

• Blue Runners: Blue Runners are robust and lively, making them the primary live bait for trolling or using as stationary bait near structures. Their frenetic movements attract Marlin, Wahoo, and big reef fish.

Whatever live bait you use, ensure it stays healthy and active with proper aeration. Circle hooks are best to keep the bait alive longer and increase the chances of a successful hookup.

Artificial Baits

With an extensive range of offers and a variety of quality presentation options, artificial lures are also welcome in deep fishing. Here are the most popular:

• Trolling Lures: These include edge baits, diving plugs, and feather baits. These lures, irregular shapes designed to mimic the movement and appearance of baitfish, can be driven at different speeds and depths to target fast-moving predators. They are used for the Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo, and Mahi Mahi species. 

• Metal Studs: This group includes butterfly, knife, and diamond stencils. Their erratic, fluttering movement mimics that of an injured baitfish, making them irresistible to predators such as Amberjack, Grouper, Snapper, and Tuna.

• Soft Plastic Lures: This group includes Shad, Swimmers, and Curly Tails. The great advantage of this group of artificial baits is that soft plastics are flexible and can be rigged in several ways to mimic the natural movement of small fish and other prey. They are great for fishing close to the bottom or around objects. Target species include grouper and other reef fish. 

• Poppers and Surface Lures: As their name suggests, these lures create a commotion on the water's surface, attracting fish with noise and dynamics. They are particularly effective for delivering aggressive strikes to surface-feeding fish such as Tuna, Mahi Mahi, and Kingfish.

Artificial baits are so versatile that they are real little miracles that, with a good presentation, can also improve fishing luck.

Where to Go Deep Sea Fishing

The deep sea is a fishery that thrives in specific marine environments that offer the right conditions to attract big fish. Sea and ocean underwater areas are complex, and understanding these environments helps you choose the best locations for a successful fishing expedition. Read more about deep-sea regions suitable for this type of fishing below.

Continental Shelves

Territorially, a continental shelf is the extended perimeter of each continent. It usually lies beneath shallow seas and gulfs, and its edge, also known as the "drop-out," descends sharply into deeper waters.

These areas are rich in nutrients and plankton, a vibrant food source that attracts fish such as Marlin, Tuna, and Sailfish.

Ocean Currents

Ocean currents, such as the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic Ocean or the Kuroshio Current in the Pacific Ocean, are continuous, directional movements of seawater caused by various factors, including wind, salinity, and temperature differences. Such dynamics make water nutrient-rich and enrich the surface water above such areas, supporting a diverse and rich marine ecosystem. The nutrients attract bait fish, which in turn attract larger predatory fish.

Underwater Mountains and Underwater Structures

Seamounts are underwater mountains formed by volcanic activity, and other structures include coral reefs, shipwrecks, and natural reefs. As such, these irregular structures provide habitats and hunting grounds for fish. They create upwelling, bringing nutrients from the depths and encouraging abundant marine life. So, you can target Grouper, Snapper, and Amberjack in these areas.

Canyons and Ditches

These are submarine canyons and ocean trenches, i.e., deep, steep-sided valleys cut into the seabed. These geological features are often nutrient-rich environments that support diverse marine life. Steep walls can create currents and upwelling that attract large fish.

Deep Sea Fishing Techniques

Deep-sea fishing encompasses several specialized techniques designed to target large fish, which, as you may have guessed, are applied based on the type of fish and underwater structures in the open ocean. Here are some of the most effective methods:

Trolling

Trolling is one of the most famous deep-sea fishing techniques. It involves pulling a line or bait behind a moving boat. Trolling covers a large area and can be adjusted for different depths and speeds. It can combine various baits and rigs, from medium to heavy reels and rods. Big game fish, such as Marlin, Tuna, Wahoo, and Mahi Mahi, are caught by trolling.

Bottom Fishing

Bottom fishing can also be used closer to the coast but is effective in the open sea. It involves lowering baited hooks to the ocean floor to capture bottom-dwelling species. It is usually done while the boat anchors or gently drifts, and Flounder, Grouper, and Amberjack can be caught in this way. It is mandatory to use hefty weights so that the bait does not stay on the bottom. Live or cut bait works well to attract bottom feeders.

Jigging

Jigging uses a weighted lure, known as a jig, that moves up and down to mimic the movement of injured prey. For this reason, it is a dynamic and interesting technique that is prevalent and attractive to fans of fishing battles on the open seas. The method provides very frenetic movements that have a seductive effect on fish species such as Amberjack, Tuna, Snapper, and Grouper.

Drifting

Drifting is another technique that can also be used in slightly shallower waters. It lets the boat drift with the current while lines with baited hooks are set at various depths. This method covers more ground, can be used over structures or open water, and is excellent for species such as Swordfish, Sailfish, and various bottom fish.

Final Thoughts

Deep sea fishing is more than an exciting adventure; indeed, it has levels and levels, but what is definite is that it combines skill, patience, and love for the open ocean.

Whether trolling for Marlin or jigging for Amberjack near underwater structures, each approach to the deep sea's mysteries, terrains, and fish offers unique challenges and rewards. The right equipment, from sturdy rods and reels to effective baits and lures, is crucial in ensuring a successful trip.

We hope we have brought the essence closer to you and roughly told you what you must pay attention to to compose your deep-sea story successfully. As always, we expect you to write your suggestions, stories, and ideas in the comment section. Enjoy a fishing getaway in deep sea adventures, and happy fishing!