There are few experiences for an individual, a group of friends, or an entire family that can be more enjoyable than a deep sea fishing expedition.  The coasts around Miami are flush with fish year-round, making it easy to get a charter and go out onto the waves whenever you desire.  Whether you have only an afternoon or whether you want to go out all week in order to snare a fifteen-foot marlin, there are several ways to ensure ahead of time that your trip out on the open ocean leaves you coming back with the best catches.

American author Ernest Hemingway with Pauline, Gregory, John, and Patrick Hemingway and four marlins on the dock in Bimini, 20 July 1935.

Be Physically Prepared

For the landlubbers amongst us, a deep sea fishing trip can be an unpleasant experience if you simply step onto a boat and expect everything to go as planned.  Not everyone can deal with the rocking of a boat in motion, especially on a day when the seas are choppy, so anyone should consider the steps they can take in order to minimize the threat of seasickness.  To start, make sure that you drink plenty of water before you set out so that your body stays hydrated and cool on bright, sunny days.  The more you sweat, the easier it is to become seasick.  Pack sunscreen to ward off a sunburn.  Even in the winter months, Florida is hot and the sun is bright, so do not expect a light day out on the ocean.  You charter boat may or may not supply water, so bring along several bottles.  An anti-motion sickness pill can be taken the night before the trip can go a long way.

Dress In Layers

A chilly wind off of the northern part of the seas can instantly be a sobering moment to a family that is dressed in nothing but shorts and a t-shirt.  Likewise, a single raincloud may not appear menacing at first but can grow into a storm in no time.  Make sure that you have enough clothing on hand to be prepared for any eventuality.  Bring shirts with sleeves that can be rolled up or down, and (if you are able to) pants that have legs that can be unzipped.  A waterproof jacket or hat is also a big plus, especially in the summer time when storms are more common.  Remember also that you can still get a sunburn when there are clouds obscuring the sun’s rays.

Bring Cash

Like many other businesses, a deep sea fishing charter will be more receptive to customers that pay in cash than those who charge a credit card or pay with a check.  Since some of these charters are one-man operations, a cash payment is pure profit and can ensure that you get to the best spots possible for wrangling a tuna or bluefin.  Many of the crew members will also work primarily for tips, so pay them for good service (at the rate you would for a restaurant) and notch them for any poor performances when necessary.  By paying in cash you can avoid some fees and save a bit of money.

Sam Moser is a freelance content writer who has written almost exclusively for the web since graduating from the School of Journalism at Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario. A fishing enthusiast since his youth, Sam has tried it all, from ice fishing in Alberta to deep sea fishing charters in Miami.

Photo Credits: Wikipedia