deep sea fishing ncDeep Sea Fishing Myrtle Beach

If you have never been out “deep sea fishing” before, your only reference point might be popular TV programs like Deadliest Catch or Discovery Channel. For those of us that are “regulars” on the boats, part of the appeal of going fishing in the ocean vs. freshwater fishing is you never ever know exactly what may come up at the end of the line. Typically though, your day on the water is going to be much more soothing than what you see on those shows (and it ought to be!).

When you first get on the charter boat, find an area to stow your camera, water and other gear. Avoid putting your things directly on the deck. The deck gets wet, and the crew and other anglers require room to pass. Go sign in on the ship’s manifest. Introduce yourself to the team and find out their names. When you catch fish later, a deckhand will come get it off the hook for you and ask you exactly what bag to put it in. Experienced anglers usually catch more fish, however ANY INDIVIDUAL can get lucky and catch that big fish. Tackle is provide so no need to bring it on board.

As soon as the charter fishing boat gets underway, the captain will either come out on deck or speak over the intercom. Pay attention to exactly what he’s stating. The captain will inform you where all the safety equipment is stored, provide you a concept of exactly what to anticipate for the day, and inform you how to rig up. If you do not capture all of it, don’t think twice to ask a team member. On a one day journey or less, expect to ride 30 minutes to an hour to the fishing grounds. During this time, a deckhand will be setting up the rental gear and providing a quick Fishing 101 class on ways to use it. Please pay attention. Each boat may have somewhat different rules/norms, and this is where you will find out what they are. The team wants you to catch fish and have fun, so it’s in your best interest to listen and act appropriately.

Once you get out to the fishing grounds, continue to be calm. Locate an open spot on the rail and await the captain to say it’s time to drop lines. If you drop early, typically, the boat is still settling into the area and you’ll either get tangled up or have to reel in and reset anyway. Be calm and wait for the greenlight. If the bait is squid, don’t hesitate to bait your hook early. If the bait is live fish (typically sardines or anchovies), do not take it out of the handwell till you prepare to fish. You desire a lively fish at the end of your line to draw in the target fish to bite. If you bait your hook early and let it hang on the line, it isn’t going to last long and won’t be an attractive bait. Once you are fishing, if using squid (live or dead) you don’t have to alter your bait till it’s gone. If the bait is live fish, try to feel it at the end of your line wiggling. If it isn’t active, draw in and pin on a new bait.

When the fishing day is done and the trip back to base begins, a deckhand will state it’s time to pull in all the lines. The weigh in is an enjoyable time to see what everyone else caught, and take pictures. Have that camera or mobile phone ready. When the weigh in is done, the crew will begin cutting fish. It’s a smart idea to let the crew cut your fish for you. You have some choices in how they can cut the fish for you.

Those are the fundamentals. Clearly, there is far more to learn, however if you pay attention to the team and follow what they state, you’ll do simply fine. Enjoy!

Leading pointers:

  • Pay attention to the captain and team
  • If fishing with live fish for bait, change your bait frequently
  • Keep the right mindset. Not every time out is going to result in catching the fish of a lifetime. Even experienced anglers get skunked. Enjoy your time on the water.
  • If you having fun, tip your crew properly. If you tip someone at your local restaurant, why would not you tip somebody who helped you delight in a day on the ocean?

See what our customers have to say:

Mark Feasby

We went on the night trip. The staff was very accommodating. I had my 3 daughters with me and they assisted in baiting their hooks and dropping their lines so I could enjoy my time. We all caught multiple fish. That made it exciting for the girls. The guy John, beside my daughter caught a shark. That was the highlight of the moment.  The day after, my oldest daughter says the next

Google Review

Call us today to book your deep sea fishing trip.

Voyager Deep Sea Fishing & Dolphin Cruises
1525 13th Ave N
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
(910) 575-0111

http://supervoyagerdeepseafishing.com/