No matter where you go fishing, you’re sure to have a great time. But one of the most enjoyable places to go is out onto the open ocean. Here in southern Florida, you have your choice of the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico for your fishing excursions. But it’s important to make sure that you’re prepared for the task, wherever you choose to go.

Jet Ski of Miami is your southern Florida fishing boat dealer and we want you to be successful in all your fishing adventures. Here are some of our top tips for deep-sea fishing to help you snag those prize trophies out in the depths!

Find The Perfect Boat

First off, the type of fishing boat you own has a lot to do with your success at deep-sea fishing. Off-shore fishing boats have a deep-V hull and often an enclosed cabin to provide you with some shelter from sun, rain and wind. Off-shore boats are much larger than in-shore boats, too, and they have powerful motors to help churn through choppy waters.

Other great features that you might want on a fishing boat include rod holders on the sides of the boat to hold multiple lines in the water, livewells and baitwells to keep your catches and your bait alive and fresh and plenty of storage spaces to keep all of your gear and supplies organized and tidy. If you plan to stay out longer on the water, then you’ll want to look for an enclosed cabin that has a head (bathroom), galley (kitchen) and sleeping berths for comfort.

Get The Right Gear

Next, you should make sure you’re geared up with all the supplies you’ll need to ensure your success. This includes the necessary bait and tackle, a net, rope, needle-nose pliers, a cooler for snacks and a sharp knife. But you’ll also want to be prepared for anything, which means having the right emergency gear. Some tools for making small boat repairs may prove helpful. 

Also, a well-stocked first-aid kit with bandages, gauze, ointments, creams, antacids, painkillers and so forth will be very useful to address minor illnesses and injuries. You may want to throw some ginger or peppermint teas or candies in there as well, just in case you or one of your passengers gets seasick. Make sure that you also have sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, ponchos and waterproof jackets on hand so that you’re ready for weather changes.

It’s also good to have life jackets for every passenger, a fire extinguisher, an emergency hand-crank radio, a flashlight, signal flares, a map and compass and any other gear you think might be necessary.

Look In The Right Places

You’ll also need to make sure that you’re looking in the right places for the fish you want to catch. You can use a depth finder to help you determine where you need to be, along with your fishing charts and GPS unit. For tuna, you should look for schools of dolphins in the water since they like to swim together. Other types of fish may lurk near towers, lighthouses and rock formations, so cruise along these areas to see what you can find. Don’t worry if you’re not successful at first; you can always weigh anchor and head for another place.

Ready to see some fishing boats? Stop by our Miami, Florida, dealership to take a look at our full stock of new and used fishing boats for sale. Jet Ski of Miami proudly serves all of our Sunshine State customers, including those of you coming from Hialeah, Florida.