How to Go Deep Sea Fishing: The Complete Guide

Does your idea of the ultimate recreational fishing experience come straight from the pages of Hemingway’s Old Man and the Sea, with plenty of big fish, screaming reels, and endless blue waters? If so, you’re thinking of deep sea fishing, one of the angling world’s most popular and beloved ways of targeting a variety of species.

Deep sea fishing is all about being out on open waters, usually so far away from shore that you can no longer see it. The fishing action generally takes place in waters at least 100 feet deep, with targets being big fish that live offshore. We’re talking Diamon Trevally, Cobia, Big Grouper.... Although these species make for a seriously exciting catch, you have to put the work in to hook them.

And as is the case with all types of fishing, there’s no guarantee you’ll even encounter your target species on your trip. In the words of many captains: it’s called fishing, not catching! Luckily, a deep sea fishing experience can be full of excitement, learning opportunities, and unforgettable moments regardless of what you do or don’t catch. Even better, there’s a wealth of charters across the world that will help newbies find their feet.

Below, we’ve delved into the definition of deep sea fishing, as well as covering common targets, the type of locations you can expect to explore, and how to prepare for your trip. Hopefully, you’ll come out of it feeling like you have Hemingway’s level of knowledge about the topic! Let’s dive in…

What is deep sea fishing?

Knowing what exactly counts as deep sea fishing can be pretty confusing, especially for novice anglers. For many sport fishers, it tends to be synonymous with sportfishing or big game fishing.

The term is also sometimes used interchangeably with the term “offshore fishing.” So are they the same thing? In a word: Not really. While it’s common to head offshore when deep sea fishing, the main difference between the two is the depths of the water you’ll be fishing in.

Offshore describes your distance from land, while deep sea refers to your distance from the seafloor. Offshore waters are at least 9 miles from shore, reaching depths from 50 feet to a couple of hundred feet. Deep sea fishing also takes place in open blue waters with no visible shoreline, usually at least 100 feet deep. These fishing grounds often hold structure such as reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs, which big fish like to swarm around.

So why does the distinction between offshore and deep sea fishing matter? Well, it can have an impact on the amount of time you’ll travel for, as well as the fish you’ll be targeting. But more on that later!

Where will I be deep sea fishing?

As we covered above, deep sea fishing is all about the depths of the water you’ll be fishing in. Sounds simple, right? Well, we’re going to throw a spanner into the works! Depending on where you’re fishing, the distance it takes to reach waters measuring 100+ feet deep can really differ.

Along parts of Phu Quoc Island such as An Thoi, the sea floor slopes sharply and you can reach seriously deep waters within a few miles of shore. Head somewhere along Hon Thom island  shoreline, and you can encounter deep sea species less than a mile out where the continental shelf drops off suddenly. You can generally start deep sea fishing with minutes of departing the dock in these places.

As well as the distance you’ll have to travel, the topography of the water you’ll be fishing in can vary. In some locations, waters over 100 feet in depth house famous big game monsters that are synonymous with deep sea fishing. In other places, they’re packed full of reefs and oil rigs, and you’re more likely to encounter larger bottom fish.

What fish species will I be targeting?

For many anglers, deep sea fishing is all about big game species. These are large saltwater fish that are aggressive and fight hard when hooked at the end of a line. The main aim of targeting them is purely recreational and to feel the adrenaline rush that comes with battling a deep sea creature. Deep sea fishing can also mean plumbing the depths of the ocean for bottom fish, as well as testing your skills against brutish reef fish.

Here’s a brief rundown of some of the most popular targets:

• Diamond Trevally. Arguably the most popular deep sea fish species around. This family of fish can be found scattered all across the world. They’re the ultimate target for ambitious sport anglers, thanks to their iconic appearance and tough-fighting spirit.
• Other pelagics. Mahi Mahi and Wahoo often top the list of deep sea fishing targets, for good reason. They’re fun to chase, grow to impressive sizes, and put up an impressive battle on the end of a line.
• Sharks. These toothy predators are notorious around the globe but tend to get overlooked when it comes to deep sea fishing. This is due to the strict rules and regulations around them. In some locations, like Massachusetts, deep sea fishing often involves targeting Porbeagle Sharks off the coast. The canyons near California hold Thresher Sharks.
• Reef species. Cobia, Barracuda… They may not be the first names you think of when it comes to deep sea fishing, but these reef-dwellers provide excellent angling action. They can be found in waters up to 250 feet deep. They’re the perfect targets for new deep sea anglers, still giving you a workout but not the aching muscles a Marlin can cause!
• Snapper. One word for you: Red Snapper. These fish cause a frenzy in anglers that is unmatched by almost any other species, especially when the federal fishing season hits. Why? Because this is when Reds in the 20-pound range can be hooked. It’s easy to see what the fuss is about. They taste great and make for excellent game action.
• Grouper. Often targeted on the same deep sea trips as Snapper, Grouper can grow to huge sizes. There’s a reason one variety earned the name “Goliath” Grouper, after all. These fish are widespread, taste great, and also provide some surprisingly excellent angling action. Think deep runs to the ocean floor and around reefs and wrecks. 

Many deep sea fishing targets, especially big game species, are migratory fish that inhabit different waters during different times of the year. Because of this, deep sea fishing can be a pretty seasonal sport, so familiarizing yourself with the movements of your chosen fish, and when it’s available near you, is a must. This is where fishing aboard a charter comes in handy. Your captain will be able to fill you in on your target species’ movements.

What techniques will I use when deep sea fishing?

Trolling

This is the go-to deep sea fishing technique for big game species such as Billfish and Tunas. Trolling essentially involves dragging hooked lures or bait through your chosen fishery using a moving boat. Depending on the vessel you’re fishing from, you’ll typically set up anywhere from two to six rods, which means you’ll be trolling at least two to six lines, usually weighted. This allows you to cover plenty of ground and, crucially, to target different water depths.

How will your captain do this? By making good use of both outriggers and downriggers. Outriggers extend out from the boat, allow you to have more lines in the water, and put more distance between your bait. No tangles! Downriggers lower your bait to deep sea levels using heavy weights attached by a clip. Once the fish bites, the clip detaches, and it’s game on.

Your captain will usually have a large selection of rods, reels, and tackle set up on board, and will be able to help you select the right equipment. The bait you’ll be using depends on your chosen target, too, but many trolling anglers prefer live bait or cut dead bait. This is thanks to the scent they produce – and the fresher, the better! Squid, ballyhoo, mullet, and mackerel are popular choices.

Bottom Fishing

If you want to target big delicious fish that lurk around deepwater reefs and wrecks, bottom fishing is the way to go. This technique is common in nearshore waters. Obviously, the fishing grounds you’ll be exploring on your trip are a lot deeper, which requires a few adjustments.

Bottom fishing usually takes place when your boat is anchored or drifting over spots where fish are known to lurk. It’s a versatile technique that is basically all about getting your lure or bait close to the sea floor or even right on top of it, then waiting for the fish to bite. You can also implement movements such as bottom bouncing, which involves dragging your bait along the bottom of the waterway to mimic bait fish.

A bottom fishing setup is usually pretty simple, involving a hook, line, sinker, and bait. Again, your captain will have the necessary gear on board for you. This will usually involve a good mixture of different weighted lines and a variety of sinkers. Although bottom fishing is easy to learn, remember that you’ll be fishing along rugged terrain. This can mean broken lines and fish escaping. As is the case with most techniques, practice makes perfect.

Deep Dropping

Deep dropping is pretty much exactly what it sounds like – dropping baits very, very deep! You’ll use this technique in waters at least 300 feet deep, where you’ll encounter deep sea species such as the mighty Swordfish. It’s also popular with anglers attempting to fill the freezer with tasty Snapper and Grouper varieties.

Although deep dropping shares similarities with bottom fishing, it differs due to the depths of water you’ll be fishing in, as well as the equipment you’ll need. Your captain will usually need to implement special electric deep dropping reels, capable of hitting the ocean floor and bringing any hefty fish that chooses to bite to the surface. This reel will usually be paired with a heavy 130–200 lb braided fishing line that’s less likely to break.

When it comes to bait, there are two important factors to consider: scent and staying power. You’ll want your chosen bait to withstand depths of at least a few hundred feet and still appeal to your target fish, after all. Squid, barracuda, and bonito chunks are popular choices.

How should I prepare for a deep sea fishing trip?

If you go with Phuquocfishing Tour, what you need to prepare is a hat, long-sleeved shirt, and sunscreen if needed. The ship is fully equipped with necessary equipment such as fishing rod, bait, food, drink, dessert, life jacket...

Contact us to take more infor: +84 968 090 556