How to Prepare for a Sportfishing Trip

Sportfishing, also known as recreational fishing, is fishing with a purpose of competition, rather than catching fish for profit or food. No matter if the trip is organized by you or a professional charter company, you are much more likely to have a productive and enjoyable experience on the water if you take some time to prepare. Here are a few tips to help you get ready for your next Ohana sportfishing trip.

Practicing

Practicing fishing regularly is the best way to achieve success on your big trip. Ask the guide how you will be fishing exactly. It is important to know whether you will stay in shallow waters and sight-fish, or travel to deeper waters and blind-cast. This information will allow you to know exactly what technique you should be polishing. If you have not had the chance to practice lately or if you are new to recreational fishing, tell your guide about it beforehand. This will ensure that you get help when needed. The guide might ask you to come in early, so you can learn the basics before the trip begins.

Preparing the Gear

While the majority of guides provide the gear that the clients can use, many people prefer to bring their own. If you are going to use your own tackle, be sure to check it before you leave for the trip. Look for any cracks or twists in the line, and do a basic drag test. If you are not confident with your tune up skills, take your gear to a local fishing shop and have a specialist do it for you. You want to spend all of the time you have on your trip fishing, rather than wasting some of it fixing your tackle.

Clothing

One of the things you should put particular consideration into when getting ready for your Ohana sportfishing trip is what you are going to wear. Keep in mind that fishing barefoot is the best, as you are producing the least noise and are least likely to slip. If you are fly fishing, not wearing any shoes will also help you feel any vibration in the fly line, as it comes into direct contact with your skin. If you must wear shoes, pick a pair that makes the least noise. Keep in mind, though, that the slightest sound or vibration you might not notice can still scare the fish.