Offshore Saltwater Boats
Posted on Jun 09, 2009 under Fishing Boats | 8 Comments
Offshore fishing is the stuff of legend, and brings about daydreams of hours-long battles with huge sailfish ala Hemingway. To realize those dreams, one must first own the right equipment, including an offshore fishing boat. Offshore fishing boats are not your everyday boat. They are much heavier and more rugged than the average lake runabout you see in many of your neighbor’s driveways. In fact, you are highly unlikely to see any kind of offshore boat in anyone’s driveway as most are not trailerable, though some of the smaller ones are.
Safety is a primary consideration when purchasing an offshore saltwater fishing boat, as you can’t just take any boat out into the open ocean. These boats must be able to withstand some rolling ocean waves, and be able to protect the occupants in case of sudden inclement weather. I’m not saying that your boat should be able to plow through the perfect storm, but at least be able to get out of the rain and expect to come out alive should a few waves come along. Other safety concerns includes having bilge pumps, radio contact with the shore, and radar to detect oncoming vessels who may not detect you, especially if you should happen to be one of those crazies who likes to fish close to shipping lanes. Having an adequate supply of food and water is also a primary concern should you be forced to camp out for a while due to a conked out motor in the middle of inclement weather. It may take a while for the Coast Guard to come and get you!
In general terms, the bigger your offshore boat the better off you are. Of course, this is a moot point to those of us not rich enough to buy one of those huge cabin cruisers that we all dream about. Trade-offs may need to be made…Just make sure that you are aware of the risks and take them under consideration when purchasing your boat. As might be expected, offshore boats are the most expensive of all leisure boats due to the increased ruggedness and sheer size of them. Offshore boats range in size from about 26′ in length to just about any length you can imagine and you can expect to pay anywhere from $40,000 on up to a cool $500,000 for a good offshore boat. Anything more expensive than that is a yacht and is nothing more than a status symbol!
The smaller offshore boats will be equipped with either single or dual outboard motors. Most offshore motors will be of the high-horsepower variety, due to the need to power through rough waters. On larger boats, you can expect to have an inboard diesel motor of many hundreds of horses. The overall price of the boat, of course, is directly related to the amount of power that is packed into the motors.
This article gives a general overview of some of the items to consider when shopping for an offshore saltwater fishing boat. For more specific information, as well as suggestions on where to purchase a good fishing boat, be sure to visit Fishing Boat HQ
Allen Bohart
http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/offshore-saltwater-boats-51466.html
June 9th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
What is a good saltwater rod for offshore fishing in Dana Point California?
What is a good saltwater rod to setup with a baitcasting reel. I plan on doing some charter boat fishing. I want a rod thats affordable but thick and strong and sturdy. Id like the closest thing to an all purpose saltwater rod that can handle calico bass to yellowfin tuna, live baitin and iron jigging. Able to hold heavy 12 plus oz. lures for deep waters. I think you get the picture by now. Any recommendations will help.
June 9th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
My favorite is the Calstar WCDH-270-C (actually, mine is custom wrapped, but it's essentially the same as the Calstar factory rod.) I use it with 20 pound test on a Daiwa SL30SH reel, and have fished with it from Ventura county down to Alijos Rocks, caught everything from bass and halibut to tuna and wahoo to one unfortunate marlin on it. In general, it's best for 5 to 30 pound fish, which is about as close to all-purpose as you can do for So.Cal. fishing.
To be realistic, it's a bit light for fish over 30 pounds, and in deep water I don't use more than 8 ounce jigs on it. (4 ounces or so is the maximum casting weight.) For that kind of stuff, I'd recommend a second outfit, like the 870-C or 970-C — heavier action, and a foot shorter, and 30 pound line. Use that one for yoyo jigging for local yellowtail, and so on.
You can get away with one outfit most of the time, but you don't want to be out of luck when something breaks, or undergunned when the offshore trip for 10 pound yellowtail finds a wide open spot of 40 pound bluefin. So start with the 20-pound rig, and as soon as you can afford it, add a 30-pound outfit.
Here's the page on Calstar's website listing the West Coast rods: http://www.calstarrods.com/westcoast.htm
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30 years So.Cal fishing experience
June 9th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
There are many Rods and Reesl to choose from on bait cating reels for deep water fishing.
Shop what your pocket can afford and that still will get you decent pole.
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June 9th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Get a Ugly Stick. I own one and although I don't salt water fish the lake fishing that I do requires a Ugly Stick.
Either look for a different rod in the saltwater section
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Department_10151_-1_10001_151000000?CMID=MH_OS_SALTWATER
Or choose from here! (some might be ultra light poles so be weary!)
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SearchResults?ts=Thu%20Mar%2015%2014:49:55%20CDT%202007
References :
The time spent with my Dad either target shooting, skeet shooting, fishing or hunting squirells, deer, and etc. I'm no expert, but I do know the basics and then some.
June 9th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
No rod and reel set in the world can meet all of your criteria. You have to compromise. A rod heavy enough to throw 12 oz jigs isn't going to be flexible enough to toss live bait. My guess is that you will mostly be fishing live bait for Calicos. My vote is for a Calstar 870 glass rod. It is the best compromise and you will get the most use out of a rod like that. A glass rod is the most durable and a Calstar will last a lifetime with good care.
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! have two 870s. a 270, a 8ft 270H, two 970, etc. I have over 20 saltwater rods from 10 to 100lb to be used for surf to tuna fishing. I have been in a saltwater fishing club and I have fished for over 30 years.
June 9th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Modern baitcasting gear has gotten so light, smooth and sophisticated that there is no need to rely on the inherently inferior design of the oscillating spool and bail wire reel.
My favorite fineese baitcasting setup pairs a Team Daiwa TD-Z with a GLoomis CR721. This is a 6' casting rod with a light power rating. I spool the reel with 50lb. power pro but tie on a leader of 4 to 8 lb mono depending on the conditions.
Read more from my sources.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
Nick
References :
http://www.fishingreelsguide.com/modern_baitcasting.htm
http://www.nicksfishingtips.com
June 9th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
ugly stick, one piece
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June 9th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
look at ordella rods.com
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