The habits you bring to the boat can be as important as all the gear and knowledge in the world when it comes to catching fish.
Whether you’re the guy with a new boat just figuring it out or a seasoned tournament captain whose main duty is to shout at the crew, developing good routines and fishing with the right mindset leads to better days on the water.
Here are a few tips that might help:
Get Organized
We all know the gear guy who loads everything and the kitchen sink in the boat. We’ve also been with this same guy when the last 8/0 circle hook breaks off in a big gag grouper.
He’s got a fresh pack of 4/0 hooks under the seat from the last time he went scamp fishing with sardines, but that just won’t do for the big pinfish in the baitwell. You’re left looking in the cup holders for an appropriate hook while the fish are down there waiting to be caught.
Keeping your tackle—and all your other gear—well organized makes you a better angler because you’ll have what you need when you need it. Not only will your tackle remain rust free longer in waterproof storage boxes with compartments, these handy trays tell you at a glance when you need to restock the items you use most.
Be Prepared
Pre-rig leaders and ready the gear you plan to use the night before a trip. Check the latest reports, gather local intel, follow the weather and use a service like Sirius XM’s Fish Mapping to keep up with what’s going on before you leave the dock. Having a plan puts you on the fish quicker so you’ll be there when the bite turns on.
But offshore fishing is also about adapting to circumstances on the water. The best anglers recognize and react to opportunities as they arise. This requires planning for what might happen on top of what is expected. Make sure you’ve got rigs, tackle and lures handy for when bottom fishing becomes chasing birds.
Keep It Simple
Whether you’re trolling or sinking baits, know the limits of your crew. More lines in the water does not always equate to more fish on the deck.
It takes an experienced and aware bunch of anglers to deploy and man complicated trolling spreads. Even a simple drop can come confusing when there are multiple fish on the line and unmanned rigs on the rails.
One of the best ways to have an enjoyable and productive day on the water is to spend less time untangling snarls and more time fishing. Knowing how to avoid aggravation and wasted time is a skill in itself, and the first step is to keep it simple.