If you’ve never been sport fishing before, you’re in for a real treat. Being on a boat, feeling the waves roll beneath you, and getting the catch of a lifetime are some of the best parts of sport fishing. If you don’t have any experience on the water or a boat, sport fishing can be intimidating. However, it’s definitely worth a try, even if you’re a little scared at first.
There are some tips that newcomers should consider before booking a sport fishing charter. When you find the right boat, you’re sure to catch some big fish, and make some lifelong memories, too. Still, you want to be sure you’re informed before you head out to enjoy your day in the sun and on the waves, catching massive fish.
Decide Your Location
When you want to go sport fishing, the first thing to do is decide where you want to go. One of the best fishing spots in the northern hemisphere is British Columbia, Canada. Chilliwack, in particular, offers some truly spectacular fishing locations. If you choose Chilliwack, check out Johnny’s Sport Fishing. They have some experienced fishermen and high-end boats that will take you out on the fishing expedition of your dreams. Even if you’re a total newbie at sport fishing, their expert team will give you a fantastic fishing experience and help you catch some truly massive fish, too.
The different types of fish you will see in Chilliwack is dependent on the time of year you decide to go. If you head out in winter, you can expect to catch Black Crappies, Brook trout, Bull Trout. If you go in late summer or early fall, you could catch an amazing Chinook Salmon or one of the other many Salmon varieties that Chilliwack is home to. You could also be lucky enough to catch another truly spectacular fish: White Sturgeon, which shows in spring, summer, and fall. These prehistoric fish really are a sight to behold!
Sport Fishing Tips for Beginners
If you’ve never enjoyed the art of sport fishing, then there are a few tips to keep in mind before you head out on the water. Between wearing the right clothing and gear, and etiquette to follow on a sport fishing or deep-sea fishing boat, there are many different tips you should take heed of, particularly if you don’t have any experience on a boat or fishing.
1. Wear the Right Clothing and Gear
One of the cardinal rules of sport fishing is to wear the proper clothing and gear. If you go in the summer, you might think flip-flops would be appropriate, but please resist the temptation. Sneakers are the better choice for wearing on a boat or wear any other shoe with a good grip and traction. When you go sport fishing, you should also be wearing clothes that work well with water and that you won’t mind getting wet. This includes things like wearing a bathing suit under your clothes and bringing a towel. If you’re going in winter, be sure to dress appropriately for chilly weather: hooded sweatshirts, long pants, and blankets are all appropriate. What’s left is finding out what spinning reels, mono lines, and baits to take with you.
2. Bring Plenty of Fresh Water
It’s crucial to bring plenty of fresh water when you go sport fishing or deep-sea fishing. Whether you’re going in spring, summer, fall, or winter, taking plenty of fresh water with you is critical to keep you hydrated throughout the day. The sun can be very harsh, even when it’s not that warm out. In addition to water, bring some high SPF sunscreen, and be sure to apply it regularly, even if it’s cloudy. The sun can reflect off the water and give you a sunburn, even when it’s not very sunny out.
3. Don’t Forget the Seasickness Medication
One of the most important things to bring is seasickness medication. If you’ve never been on a boat before, you don’t want to leave this essential medication at home! Even if you have been on a boat before, it’s still a good idea to bring some seasickness relief. You never know how the water is going to affect you until you’re actually out there.
It would be a shame to spend your fishing trip heaving over the side or feeling green. Going out deep sea fishing is an awesome time, so don’t waste it being sick. Another pro tip: if you think you’re going to get sick, don’t eat a big meal right before you get on the boat.
4. Follow Local Regulations
It’s primarily the responsibility of the charter boat’s crew and captain to follow local fishing rules and regulations. However, it never hurts to familiarize yourself with the local laws concerning catch limits and specific species that may be prohibited to keep. Part of enjoying sport fishing, or fishing in general, is being environmentally responsible. When you respect the environment, you can feel good about the fish you catch, making you enjoy your time on the water that much more.
5. Follow Proper Boat Etiquette
When it comes to going sport fishing, there are some basic etiquette rules to follow. Most people love to have fun on a charter fishing boat and spend the day drinking with their friends. While this is acceptable (actually, it’s expected!), it’s important to drink responsibly and in moderation. It’s not only bad form to get overly drunk on a fishing boat; it can be dangerous. Also, while you are there to have a blast, you want to actually remember the memories you make, right?
Another piece of boat etiquette is never to litter overboard. The water sources on Planet Earth have enough trouble without extra trash or pollution in the mix. Like hiking in a state park, the rule is to carry out what you carry in. You should never throw things in the water like food wrappers, trash, or cigarette butts. Only biodegradable material can go overboard safely. Instead, bring a plastic shopping bag with you in your backpack that you can put all the trash or food wrappers in during the day.
6. Pack Plenty of Snacks
Charter fishing can be an all-day event. If you want to have plenty of energy to last the entire day, bring a lunch or some snacks with you. While you don’t want to eat a bunch of food if you’re drinking, it’s essential to have a few snacks, even if you don’t bring an entire meal. That way, if you’re hungry, you have something to snack on and keep your energy and blood sugar up.
Try Sport Fishing and Have a Blast on the Water If you’ve never been sport fishing, you’re definitely missing out. Spending the day on the water catching massive fish is one of the most extraordinary things to do. If you’re a beginner, you want to keep in mind some tips before you head out on the water, whether you’re going deep sea or on a river. Bring plenty of water and seasickness medication, a few snacks, and be mindful of the local rules and regulations concerning catch limits. With those tips, you’ll have a fantastic day spend catching fish and making memories with friends and family.
