I’m sure I’ll get flamed for asking newbie questions, but that’s what I am. I’m in need of any and all information you’re willing to give.
I’ve got a 234 Sea Hunt with single yam 250. I’ve done some inshore and jetties fishing, but want to head offshore. I realize that the stream is a reach for me, but it sounds like trolling in 100+ might produce something.
Anyway, I’ve got a good friend and big fisherman coming in next week as my guinea pig. I figured we might try the trolling and then bottom fish out there as well. SO, I’m in desperate need of advice on everything from equipment, to lures/bait, to locations, and timing. I’ve learned alot from this site already, but I’m hopeful a few of you can get me some good direct advice. Thanks a ton!
I fished offshore in my 23 also. Just check your fuel. Allow 1/3 out 1/3 trolling and 1/3 back. You have the fuel management system. We fished this boat past the 226 and the GTH with no problems.
Marsha
35 Contender
I fish a 197 Pioneer often… Its been to GT Hole, 380, 260, EB, you just have to pick your days… the boat has caught blue, white, wahoo, maui, tuna, etc… I would be out more often if I had a 234… Good Luck.
Like marshgrass, I fish my 23 out to 226 and 380 hole with no problems. If you have never fished offshore I would suggest a buddy boat. Where, how far you fish have more to do with conditions and your comfort zone than the size of your boat. The 2 previous owners of my boat never got past the jetties. They were not comfortable with it. I have had it 70 miles out.
As for bait. Trolling for dolphin, use ballyhoo behind somekind of skirt.
Bottom fishing(others are way better at this than me), use cut bait. Squid is a must have when i go bottom fishing.
Make sure you have your safety equipment. It is a long trip to 100ft.
Fishb8 (Fish Bait)
23 Sea Hunt “My Last Boat V”
If you can’t stand behind our soldiers, try standing in front of them.
Yeah, like Fishb8 said, SAFETY EQUIPMENT!!! What kind of radio, antenna do you have? Do you have working bilge pump, and a manual pump? Do you have a SPOT, EPIRB, PLB, etc.? What kind of life jackets? Do you have a ditch bag with provisions? Do you have a back up radio, GPS? What kind of flares? And on and on and on . . . .
The Coast Guard says you’re legal with their list, but that’s a minimum to operate in water. Going off shore brings a whole other set of considerations.
For me, I didn’t go out of cell phone range (past about 5 to 7 miles), until I had a good working radio and decent antenna and some way of signaling distress in case the worst should happen (I have a SPOT). I had to AT LEAST have those two before I went any further. And in my short 5 years of doing this, they’ve both proven necessary.
