Off-Shore Fishing
Typical Techniques
Off-Shore fishing, also called deep-sea or blue-water fishing, means fishing far from the coast in deep ocean waters (often over 100 feet deep, miles out), targeting large, powerful fish like marlin, tuna, and mahi-mahi with heavier gear and larger boats to handle rougher conditions. It contrasts with inshore fishing, which stays in shallower, calmer waters closer to land, and offers a more adventurous experience for bigger catche.
Trolling (lures or rigged baits at speed)
Chunking & live baiting
Deep dropping (electric or manual reels)
Drifting (for swordfish or tuna)
Jigging & popping
Common Target Species
Tuna (yellowfin, bluefin, albacore)
Mahi-mahi (dorado)
Marlin & sailfish
Wahoo
Swordfish
Amberjack & grouper (deep drops)
Boats & Gear
Boats: Usually 25–60 ft, with twin engines, GPS, radar, sonar
Rods/Reels: Heavy conventional, heavy electric reels or big spinning setups
Line: 50–130 lb braid or mono
Safety gear: EPIRB, life raft, satellite comms (critical offshore)
Conditions to Watch
Weather windows (wind + swell)
Sea surface temp & currents
Structure: canyons, ledges, weed lines, temperature breaks
