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What can you expect, what should you bring, how to enjoy your day on the water?
Preparing for a day of offshore fishing can greatly enhance your experience on the water and increase your chances of success. Here are some important tips to help you make the most of your offshore fishing adventure:
The Day Before
You will receive a call from Captain Chris the afternoon before your charter to discuss specific departure/return times, answer any questions you may have, and direct you to the boat located in slip B-5 at the Indian River Marina. You are welcome to come by the marina for a cocktail at Dockside and check out the boat/talk to the captain.
The Morning Of
There is plenty of free parking and restroom facilities at Indian River Marina. The slip is right in the middle of the marina - walk past Dockside, down the ramp and make a left. We are on B Dock. The captain will meet you at the boat. Please try to arrive 5-10 minutes before your scheduled departure to load up, board, and get underway on time.
The Ride Out
Depending on the type of charter you have scheduled and current conditions/fishing activity, you will begin your day with a ride out to the fishing grounds that can range anywhere from 5 (inshore fishing) - 65 (offshore) nautical miles. This can take 15 minutes to upwards of 3 hours. Often times we see porpoise, flying fish, birds, whales, and amazing sunrises.
During the Day
Once we have arrived at the fishing grounds the fun really begins. You will have every opportunity to participate in baiting and putting out the lines if you would like to do so. Keeping watch for signs of life such as birds, porpoise, whales, turtles, flying fish and floating debris is an important part of locating offshore fish that everyone can participate in. Fishing for flounder and sea bass involves holding the rod and feeling the fish bite in order to be successful. There is plenty to do on the boat and your day will fly by.
Back at the Dock
At the end of the day when we return to the marina you can choose to have your catch cleaned by the professionals at Hook'em & Cook'em for a small fee or you can take it along with you and clean it yourself. Many people like to enjoy food, drinks, and live entertainment at Dockside while their catch is being cleaned.
What to Wear
Hat, sunglasses, sweatshirt (the mornings can be chilly), plenty of sunscreen, sneakers or deck shoes (no black soles). Keep in mind that fishing can get a little messy and a little wet at times.
What to Bring
Small cooler with sandwiches, snacks, drinks (beer, water, soda, etc.), camera. It's a good idea to bring a larger, empty cooler and leave it in your car to transport your catch home. Ice can be purchased at the tackle shop.
Payment
$250 deposits are due at the time of booking. The balance is due in cash upon our return to the docks (no payment upfront, this puts undo pressure on the Captain and is considered bad luck). In the event of inclement weather, we will attempt to reschedule. If that's not possible your deposit will be refunded in full.
For walk on, open boat trips & tournaments, the full amount is due at time of booking.
Flounder/Sea Bass Fishing
is primarily done 5-25 miles from the inlet at artificial reefs, wrecks, and over other bottom structure. This type of fishing is great for people of all ages. It is very "hands-on" in the sense that you have a fishing rod in your hand most of the day so you can feel the fish bite. At times, we are also able to catch bluefish, spanish mackerel, false ablacore (aka bonito), and mahi mahi inshore by trolling or casting lures.
Shark Fishing
is done less than a mile from the beach in sight of Indian River Inlet or Rehoboth Beach. This is a catch and release fishery, normally we hook into sharks in the 5-8 foot range and around 150-250 pounds with some that are of the larger variety. Don't worry. we have the capacity to help you reel in the big ones, even for kids! We start by anchoring up on the spot, then we deploy the chum and large baits, next is to wait for the reel to start screaming!
Offshore Fishing
This usually involves running 40-65 miles where we find lumps, and canyons created by the drop-off at the edge of the continental shelf. The change in depth combined with warm, clean water from the Gulf Stream Current attracts bait which in turn brings the larger pelagics like tuna, dolphin (mahi-mahi), marlin, and wahoo. This type of fishing relies on trolling a spread of baits and teasers to attract game fish and entice them to bite. Chunking (throwing chunks of cutup bait fish) and jigging are also effective techniques depending on the time of the year and conditions.
We have a strict "no bananas policy" on Action Jackson Sportfishing. These little, yellow, devil fruits are considered to be very bad luck. Please don't bring any with you.
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