Many people love to engage in outdoor activities as a way to relax after a long week at work. While camping and hiking are very popular outdoor activities for most people, fishing is also a fantastic option. For the sport fishing inclined, what could be better than the feeling of conquering the challenge of hauling in a prized fish after an intense struggle?
If you have been fishing for a while now, however, you may find that freshwater fish are beginning to put up less of a challenge for you. In such cases, you may want to increase your ambitions and experience a new way of fishing. For example, offshore fishing in the San Juan Islands is a fantastic experience. A fishing trip to this beautiful location pits you against some amazing fish, including:
- Salmon – Don’t underestimate this majestic fish. Salmon are quite elusive and put up a good fight in the event that they are snagged. Aside from the challenge that they pose, freshly caught salmon is exceptionally tasty.
- Halibut – Halibut is one of the largest fish you can find in the San Juan Islands, making it one of the more challenging fish to reel in. The immense size of these fish often necessitates the use of enormous rods, huge reels, and other robust gear.
- Sturgeon – Relatively primitive and fascinating in appearance, Sturgeon are a prized catch. Take note, however, that certain species of this fish are considered endangered, so it’s best to research in advance which ones you’ll need to release.
If you would like to try your hand at landing one of these majestic fish, it’s best to hire a trusted local sailboat charter like Schooners North. These professionals are well-versed in the wants and needs of people who enjoy offshore fishing, and they can easily take you to areas where your target fish are more likely to be found.
Of course, working with local pros isn’t the only step you can take to help you increase your chances of landing “the big one”. Here are a few more steps you should definitely keep in mind when planning a fishing trip in the San Juan Islands with your buddies.
Keep Spring and Fall Migration in Mind
Many fish tend to migrate either in spring or fall. Take a good look at the migration rates of your target fish and schedule your trip to the San Juan Islands during the height of the season. With more fish passing through the waters, the chances of you landing your preferred fish increases exponentially. You may also want to check what other fish are common during the time you’ll be there so you can better prepare the gear you’ll need to snag different fish.
Have Live Bait and Lures at the Ready
There is often a debate on the merits of using live bait or a good lure, and which one is superior to the other. However, the truth is that both work very well when it comes to offshore fishing, so feel free to use the one you are most familiar with and/or which one is readily available.
One important thing to remember when using live bait is that freshness is exceptionally important since the senses of saltwater fish tend to be more heightened than their freshwater counterparts. The best way to ensure the freshness of live bait would be to use an aerator. If this is not possible, make sure you change the water every two hours.
When using lures, on the other hand, fish are more attracted to newer, shinier lures. Give your lures a good clean before and after fishing. If your current lures are looking a little worse for wear, it may be to your advantage to purchase replacements.
Fishing from the decks of a wooden schooner such as Spike Africa are likely to as rewarding as catching your limit of fish.