First Time Ocean Fisher!!!!

[Wvawitrado]

Hey bought a 18' tri hull 1973 cobalt...Would you take it into the ocean? I am very eager and ready to go all kinds of fishing in the ocean from crab to shark...What do I need to know? and where are the hot spots by me I live in Central california and am willing to drive......

 

[rdny041285]

Re: First Time Ocean Fisher!!!!

well im not sure about hot spots in your area but i believe an 18' boat would be ok on nicer days....ive gone out in a 16 foot scout with 4 foot waves...ive also seen smaller boats out in the ocean with twist throttle boats going out of Jupiter inlet in south florida...(anyone who knows that inlet, knows how rough it is) but they usually wait for 2 feet or less...all depends on weather and how far out you are planning.

 

[rolmops]

Re: First Time Ocean Fisher!!!!

It looks like you might be a bit out of luck,seeing that huge swats of the California coast line have their fishing severly limited due to the very poor salmon runs on the west coast.

 

[brianvolt7]

Re: First Time Ocean Fisher!!!!

From central Cal myself. Grew up in Oregon near the coast. For crab, chicken was my favorite. For ocean fish, muscle, shrimp, jigs and kelp worms. Just fished shark in Florida, Big Pine Key, on vacation last month, we used baitfish about 6" long. I did not get one, but a guy fishing nearby caught a 9 footer. We got a ton of Mangrove Snapper and Yellow Tail though. Going in the ocean in a small boat, just listen for small craft advisory and have a good trolling motor to get you back in, in case of a dead main motor. Be sure your a good boater and bring a VHF too!

 

[thurps]

Re: First Time Ocean Fisher!!!!

First take a boating/seamanship corse if available. If not, at least read some boating/seamanship books. Check Coast Guard requirements for ocean boating and Fish and Game for current ocean sportfishing regs.. The rest is easy, just pour a ton of money into fishing gear and electronics. Be safe, have fun, good luck.