This may sound like a dumb question to the pros out there but here goes anyway. I plan to get a marine radio for my 20 ft. boat which I plan to begin fishing offshore this summer. Is there a particular channel most use for non emergency use, such as asking about locations of fish, etc? In my opinion getting a radio for use offshore would almost be a no brainer. Am I right?
68
I have 2 on board because I want to listen to 16 and 68 at the same time.
No brainer. You can’t call for help without one
Spend the money for a nice one. It will last longer and work better than the cheaper alternatives.
I like the Icom that hooks into the GPS for sending positions.
Radio brand doesn’t matter a whole lot. A quality antenna is where you get the most bang for your buck.
Food for thought: VHF is line of sight communication. The higher off the water you can get the antenna, the longer distance you can transmit/receive. If you have a T-top, an 8’ antenna on top gets you the best results.
If you have a DSC enabled GPS, ensure that whoever installs it, connects this or else the emergency button on your VHF radio isn’t going to give your coordinates. In addition to this, look into registering your MMSI number. Any extra info can help the emergency responders in case of a bad situation.
We typically keep mine on scan all day to listen for chatter, but if we are talking boat to boat, we use 68.
Redfish Baron Extraordinaire
Let me know how it goes when you start asking for locations of fish.
21’ Maverick Master Angler
“There’s a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning” -J. Buffett
quote:
Originally posted by BlondeStrangerLet me know how it goes when you start asking for locations of fish.
21’ Maverick Master Angler
“There’s a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning” -J. Buffett
Haha, that’s what I was thinking. I’ve never gone to the radio to announce a catch.
Thanks for the info and advice everyone.
The radio should only be the first of many things you will need to be USCG legal. All good points above. Like my neighbor says “If you only have one you dont have any, when it comes to going offshore”
A wise man once said “Do as I say not as I do” Good advice when I tell you that.
The original question is in all honestly a no brainer. And some good advice was offered. A better question could be “what is your backup radio?”.
2005 Grady 209 Yam F200
“El Dorado”
1989 High Tide Super V-14
2004 Yam 25 2-Stroke
Johns Island, SC
The comments about asking for fishing info and giving fishing info show why there are not enough posts on this site. AFTER catching what I feel is a good time I WILL try to give info on the radio, or call anyone nearby I can to help them.
I will always report my catch unless I’m going to the same spot next day. Fish move with the bait and conditions offshore, not likely to be in same place next week UNLESS it’s a honey hole, then I will have to recount my ALWAYS comment.
Of course I am only a week end fisherman on occasional week ends, so take that in serious consideration also.
Just saying help when you can…
“The big one’s still swimming, let’s go.”
get a water proof hand held backup as well in case you have to ditch. They are only $100 to $125 and might save your life or the life of your crew.
Thanks again. Haven’t thought through enough to realize I may need a backup radio. I’m sure all can tell I’m a newbie to salt water fishing.
Don’t forget extra battery for the handhelds. I have a Standard that has a rechargable plus an attachment that accepts AAAs that I keep in my ditch bag!