Love to fish, new to boating. How far out to I have to go from Charleston before I start getting into the fish? I’ll catch anything that bites, but I would love to go out for some Mahi or some Wahoo. I’m picking up a 20ft boat. (Single 120 outboard) and I’m wondering how far I have to go with it before I can start doing some actual fishing.
Thanks!
Derek
We have a great Charter fleet in Charleston. Start with one of them. They will teach you the basics, get some bottom rigs out of the classifieds and grab a Maps unique chart for some good numbers.
Set the trap boys, we going to pass through them again!!
Derek,
Welcome to the site. You posted this exact same thing several days ago and had several responses. Not sure if you are aware that you can view your older threads. No need to post same thing twice. Hope that you will listen to the advice here though. It will serve you well.
http://old.charlestonfishing.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=115643
Take your new to you boat out short distances first. Learn how she rides and handles. Fish the jetties and nearshore wrecks. then, start to further your range as you know your fuel capacity/range and how your new boat handles offshore conditions. Also, please take my advice on the prior thread and make sure your have your safety equipment and tow service. Never know when you may need it.
Like you, I have a 20’ boat with a single F200 engine. Get offshore with people with bigger boats whenever you can and please PICK YOUR DAYS.
“If the Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more violence. If the Jews put down their weapons today, there would be no more Israel .” Benjamin Netanyahu
GW 205
F200 Yam
sshaarda is right.
I got my boat, a 22’ boat with a single motor and I spent most of my first year doing a lot of family outings in the harbor and some jetty fishing. The furthest I went out from the rocks was about 7 miles on a slick calm morning. Do this to learn your boat, learn how it handles and find your comfort levels.
Also, get that Maps Unique. It is a great investment. You’ll never have to ask for numbers or spots again.
I would also agree with sshaarda in that you should really try to get out with others. Go out on someone else’s boat so you can learn what to do on your boat. You won’t have the pressure of running your boat, and just sit back and learn all you can soak up about fishing out there. It is the best way to learn.
So, basically, everything these guys have already said. I’m just ending my 4th season with my boat, and all that has been mentioned here has been more valuable than gold to me so I wanted to reenforce it here.
One last thing, SAFETY EQUIPMENT!!! At the least, go by a SPOT device. Or, if you can afford it, get an EPIRB. Get a ditch bag and fill that sucker with water, flares, spare radio, signal mirror, whistle, and on and on. Get a drift anchor, a manual bilge pump, pay good money on a good radio and antenna set up, lot’s of rope and chain . . . . . . you get the point. I didn’t start going past the jetties until I had this stuff. I was advised by MANY smart people on this about this stuff and I stuck to it. In my short time fishing (and I don’t get out too often) I’ve already listen to three boats in distress where people had to be rescued. Weather you are 3 miles off or 60, you need this stuff.
Thanks for all the advice! I am going with Boat US for my insurance and toe service (unless their are any objections!) I’m thinking about getting the SPOT through them as well.
I planned on getting a spare battery and fuel filter, along with flares and extra rope and such…any other mechanical extras I should get?
Thanks again! I look forward to seeing some of y’all on the water!
Might want to call Strickland Insurance - they saved me $$ ask for Brandy !! If you own a home just add your boat to your homeowners policy - this will save you a few bucks! Use Boat US for your TOW, go with the unlimited. As far as fish - well Fishing vs. catching 
This time of year head out to edisto banks and catch a few BSB, Triggers etc.@ I keep a ditch bag with a GPS, EPIB, Radio, flares, etc.! Keep the Noaa 41004 buoy loaded on your computer and watch it on a regular basis - call the noaa weather 843-747-5859 and start to get a feeling for wind and conditions!
** Since we are all pawns for the NMFS - better keep a hot link to there site for regs!!
** I would consider replacing my battery every other year and investing in a backup PROP instead!!
Hope this helps Capt!!
2006 36 Contender Fisharound
Betcha’ I can make it go faster!
Are we there yet?
Keep an extra fuel filter on board as well (and a filter wrench in case it has become difficult to remove). Extra fuses, flashlights, hand held VHF, … I think you get the point. Remember the boy scout motto and BE PREPARED. This is a lesson some of us have learned through experience (no fun) and some by reading the experiences of others (much better 
).
“If the Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more violence. If the Jews put down their weapons today, there would be no more Israel .” Benjamin Netanyahu
GW 205
F200 Yam
If you get the 4strk 120 then no probelm with fuel.Bermuda and back no problem.
If you ain’t hooked, you ain’t doing it right.
14’ Duracraft w/twin 25 Johnsons
http://www.myspace.com/myduesouth