Deep Sea Fishing Newbie

[runway1]

Thanks for all the tackle recommendations, but where, what boats? Off shore? My hope was to get these answered before I get on to the details.

[edgerly779]

If you keep an eye on groupon they have deals on local sportfishing boats from Newport to mdr to channel islands 50% off.

[UCT]

I recommend 3/4 day boat over half day. More likely to get a good fish count. Also, I recommend going on a weekday when the crowd count is down. Lots of times you can find less than 20 people on the boat. Start with rock fishing which is easy and some of the best tasting fish (nothing better than steamed freshly caught fish). I recommend Enterprise out of Pierpoint (though it was better when at Long Beach marina because of convenient parking). You can rent a rod and reel the first time. If you buy your own reel, I recommend a level wind with 50 pound braid and 25 pound floro leader. With mono leader often times a newbie can't tell when the have a fish because of the stretch in mono. For tackle, I recommend a couple 3, 5 and 8 ounce sinkers. Also a pack of 2/0, 1/0, and 1 hooks. If you feel certain, after January, that you will go more than 3 times, get a year license.

[UCT]

Also, when you hear the captain start the engine or start raising the anchor, start winding your line up. Some captains say wind them up and it seems like 10 seconds later they are taking off forcing you to wind up on the troll.

[castgold]

Thanks for all the tackle recommendations, but where, what boats? Off shore? My hope was to get these answered before I get on to the details.

Go onto Sportfishingreport.com and start looking at which half days are producing and pick your time to go. Water temps are going down and the winter closures are about to start. For shallow water (up to 100 ft) I use a little baitcaster with a levelwind like a Shimano Calcutta, or Daiwa Luna, with 30# spectra and a short leader of 15# or 20# mono/fluorocarbon for a dropper loop with 3 to 6 oz of torpedo lead on the end, and a #2/0 light circle hook.

Charkbait is a good shop near you that can help you get your gear.

[runway1]

If you keep an eye on groupon they have deals on local sportfishing boats from Newport to mdr to channel islands 50% off.

Ahh, good tip, thanks!

[MJB]

You get what you paid for it..... midweek if you can and play the good weather and moon

[runway1]

Lots of good leads. Thanks again all!

And a special thanks to all the veterans, including my son, uncle, cousins.......a service which I can't ever thank you enough.

[SamIAm]

Don't forget extra cash. And first time, definitely take the sea sickness meds.

[Carcassonne]

Wanted to try some off shore fishing. What boat outfit would you suggest for a newbie? Would need rod, reel, tackle and a boat that tends to cater, help out the newbie crowd. As opposed to 'better know what you're doing or move outta my way' crowd.

Any suggestions would help. Thanks all!