In the middle of purchasing my fourth boat(kencraft/sea king 23cc), mostly fishing the Chesapeake Bay. Want to try my hand at some offshore. My new boat not due until August, but would like to get any info that anyone is willing to offer on rods, reels, tackle, and best areas to go out of. I'm a fair weather fisherman, so I have gotten pretty good picking my days for the Bay, and would like any help on what to look for as far as wind and wave conditions in the ocean for smaller boats.

Thanks and will continue to enjoy reading all the info!

If you have not been offshore fishing much, I highly suggest going out on someone elses boat a few times. You can get plenty of chances with all the offers on this board.

Eric

Yeh! you're right, need to learn the ropes first. Just trying to get as much info as possible. Can't wait to get on my new boat, need to learn that first. Got to get used to 24degree deadrise deep V and twins, but I'm excited. Looking foward to rockfish season, had a good season last year fishing the Bay Bridge Tunnel.

Thanks for the reply,

Erick too

Welcome. Eric's right on the money, you can learn so much from just one day fishing. You might try one of the Liar's club meeting also a great place to pick up tips.

-Mike

I personally try to fish when the winds are under 15 kts and the waves 4-5 feet or under. There aren't that many perfect days, so you need to be persistent and dedicated. Of course I'd never go out during a small craft advisory, but I have been out there when the seas have been greater than six feet trying just a little longer to lose the skunk.

As for rods and reels, you just can't go wrong with a 6/o Penn Senator. They are inexpensive and are able to haul in the majority of fish in the 50 lb class when used properly. They're also easy to work on as well. If you have the money for some international outfits, then by all means go with them. A good set of outriggers and some planers will help you as well.

The most important thing in my opinion regarding rods and reels is to have a variety to meet the current situation. By having a couple spinning outfits, 30 lb class rods, and a variety of 50 lb class rods, you should be able to handle most school sized tuna, dolphin, sharks, and small billfish.

If you are going for anything larger you might want to consult the Captains on this board that target Blue Marlin. There are many Captains with alot more experience than me who can help in that area.

Good luck and tight lines................ Buda