Boat fishing is a completely different level of interaction with the water element, requiring the angler not only patience, but also deep knowledge of the habits of marine life. Unlike freshwater fishing, it has its own laws: the tides and ebbs, salinity, constant change of currents and the deep structure of the bottom create unique conditions. It is the ability to go beyond the coastline and reach deep-sea brows, reefs or underwater cans that make the use of the boat critical for a serious trophy.
The success of such fishing depends on many factors, among which the correct preparation of the vessel and equipment play a paramount role. Seawater It's aggressively affecting materials, so everything from rods to reels must be adapted to the salty environment, and mistakes in equipment selection or disregarding safety rules can cost not only lost catch, but also damage expensive equipment or even endanger the lives of the crew.
In this article, we will take a look at all aspects of sea fishing, help you choose the best boat and motor, and uncover the tactical secrets of capturing the most coveted trophies. You will learn how to read the seabed with a sonar and why knowing the phases of the moon can be a decisive factor in a “wordless” day. Preparing for going to sea requires a systematic approach, and we will try to cover every nuance of this fascinating process.
Choice of boat: PVC boats against aluminum boats
The first and perhaps most important step is to choose the right boat, and at sea, conditions can change rapidly, and the boat must be seaworthy enough to keep the wave confident. PVC Boats (polyvinyl chloride) is often chosen for its compactness, ease of transportation and relatively low cost. Current models of dense reinforced PVC are able to withstand waves up to 1-1.5 meters, which is acceptable for coastal fishing in calm or small ripples.
However, for more serious sea fishing, especially in the open sea or in the presence of strong winds, it is preferable to do so. aluminum boats Aluminum is highly durable, not afraid of hitting rocks or shells, which is often found on the seabed, and the rigid hull provides better course stability and allows you to install more powerful engines, which is critical for quickly returning to port when the weather changes.
When choosing between an inflatable boat and a boat, you also need to consider the number of crew and the amount of equipment you have. If you plan to go with your family or take a large number of gear, spare anchors and sonars, the space of the inflatable floor may be limited. aluminum-boat It often has hazelnuts for storage, allowing the deck to be free for maneuvering.
- 🚤 PVC boats: Ideal for transportation in the trunk of a passenger car, require less storage space, but are vulnerable to punctures on sharp shells.
- ⚓ Aluminum boats: Provide high speed, excellent wave stability and durability, but require a trailer for transportation and parking space.
- ⚙️ Hybrid solutions: boats with inflatable tubes and a hard welded bottom (HDD) combine softness and rigidity of the design, being a compromise option.
⚠️ Attention: Never go out to sea in a boat without a supply of buoyancy and life jackets for each crew member. Sea water is colder than fresh water and hypothermia comes faster, even in warm climates.
Boat Equipment: Engines, Navigation and Anchor System
The engine is the heart of your boat. For sea fishing, it is strongly recommended not to use water-cooled motors that take water from the bottom, without special filter separators, since a suspension of sand and algae can quickly disable the pump. outboard motors The boat's squirrel must be securely secured and the boat's squirrel must withstand dynamic loads when moving against the wave, and the best choice is the four-stroke models, which are quieter, more economical and more environmentally friendly, which is important when drifting.
Sea navigation is very different from river navigation, there are no clear coastal landmarks, and fog can cover suddenly. GPS-navigator It's not a luxury, it's a necessity, it's important to be able to use the trackback function to get back on your way, and to mark the good points for future trips, and the compass and paper maps should always be on hand as backup tools in case of electronic failure.
The anchor system at sea is subjected to increased loads due to currents and waves. The weight of the anchor should be selected with a margin: for a sea boat with a length of 4-5 meters, an anchor weighing 7-10 kg will be optimal. The type of anchor "Cat" or "Grapple" holds well on a rocky bottom, but for sandy soil it is better suited. anchor The length of the anchor tile should be at least three depths in the parking lot, and the tile itself should be used in combination: a chain at the anchor to extinguish the jerks and a synthetic cable for the main length.
☑️ Checking before going to sea
Equipment and equipment: the specifics of naval combat
Sea fishing dictates its requirements for tackles. Salt destroys metal, so all coils, rod rings and carbines must have a special anti-corrosion coating. spinning For the sea, it is usually shorter and more powerful than freshwater, since fishing is often conducted in plumb or in algae thickets where forced breeding is required. The rod test must correspond to the weight of the used loaders, which can reach 200-300 grams or more during the course.
A line or a cord? The sea is more likely to use wicker cords because of their zero stretchability, which allows you to feel even cautious bites at great depths. monophile It also has a right to life, especially when fishing for predators with sharp teeth, as it is less visible in clear water and has shock-absorbing properties.
Hooks and fittings must be made of stainless steel or nickel-coated. Conventional black hooks will rust after the first exit. Sea fishing is characterized by the use of large, strong hooks with a wide undergrazing, because the mouth of sea fish is often bony and hard. Remember to keep leashes in stock, as cliffs are much more common here due to shells and driftwood.
| Type of tackle | Materials | Recommended test/class | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| The rod | Carbon/Fiberglass | 80-200 | Short form, reinforced SiC rings |
| Coil | Metal (anticor) | 4000-8000 Shimano | Endless screw, protection from salt |
| Cord | PE (The Tiger) | #1.5 - #3.0 | Bright color for controlling the arc |
| A lead. | Fluorocarbon/Steel | 0.4. - 0.6 mm | Resistance to abrasion against shell |
Why do even “stainless” gears rust?
Seawater contains chlorides that, when dried, form salt crystals, and these crystals are hygroscopic and create local pockets of increased concentration of aggressive environments, eating through a protective layer of even high-quality stainless steel, so freshwater washing is mandatory!
Tactics of fishing: drifting, trolling and fishing in plumb
The choice of tactics depends on the type of target fish and the bottom relief. drifting (drift fishing) is one of the most popular methods: a boat is placed across the current or wind, and the angler catches the bottom lane. It is important to adjust the anchor system or sail-drift correctly so that the demolition rate is optimal for the game of bait. Too fast demolition will not allow the fish to attack, too slow will not interest the predator.
trolling And unlike rivers, there are many hidden dangers: poachers, rocks, reefs. Trolling is effective for finding pelagic fish (tuna, mackerel, terraces) that are kept in the water column. Wiring speeds vary from 3 to 6 knots depending on the activity of the fish. Using downriggers allows you to precisely sink the baits to great depths where the large fish are.
Pool fishing (vertical) is often used when fishing on deep-sea brows or over sunken objects. It requires high concentration and reaction. The fisherman is above the point, making vertical jerks with a rod. This technique is indispensable in high winds, when you can not anchor, and the boat has to be held by the motor on the tension (smack). echoer In this case, it is the main assistant, showing not only the relief, but also the reaction of the fish to the bait.
Use a buoy attached to the phala, which extinguishes the boat's thrusts on the wave and signals other boats to your parking lot, reducing the risk of a ram.
⚠️ Attention: When fishing in plumb depths of more than 40 meters, you may experience a caisson effect when you quickly lift the fish. Raise the prey smoothly, making stops to avoid rupturing the swim bladder and ejecting the entrails.
Navigating and Finding Fish: Reading the Seabed
The seabed is a complex landscape full of fish shelters. Understanding bathymetry is key to success. Fish rarely stand at uniform flat depths; they concentrate at the eyebrows, where depth changes dramatically, at the foot of underwater cans, and in areas of mixing currents. echoer with the mapping function allows you to build a 3D model of the bottom, revealing promising anomalies: pits, canyons, scattering stones.
Color marking on the sonar screen helps identify the structure of the bottom. The solid rocky bottom is displayed in a bright, clear line, often with the "tail" of the echo. The silky or sandy bottom gives a more blurred, wide stripe. Algae fields They're visible as a cloud of small dots above the bottom, and predators often stand on the boundary of the clear bottom and the algae, waiting for prey.
When looking for fish, you should also look at surface signs: bird clusters, fish fights, water color changes. Modern navigation systems allow you to save tracks and waypoints, creating your own map of catchy places. Don't rely on memory alone - the sea is huge, and finding a point 50 meters in diameter without coordinates is almost impossible.
The success of sea fishing 80% depends on the ability to correctly "read" the bottom on the sounder and anchor or drift exactly above the promising terrain anomaly.
Safety and conservation of catch
The sea does not forgive light-headedness. The weather can change in minutes. Before leaving, be sure to check the weather forecast, paying attention not only to the strength of the wind, but also to the direction of the excitement. radio (preferably with access to sea channels) and a fully charged cell phone in sealed packaging is a requirement.
Keeping the catch is a separate task. Sea fish are very delicate and spoil quickly even on ice if not treated properly. Immediately after catching the fish must be killed (by a blow to the head) and released blood through the gill artery. This greatly improves the taste of the meat and prolongs the shelf life. Then remove the gills and entrails, thoroughly washing the abdomen.
Use ice containers or special fish chests to store. Pour fish with ice, pour salt for better cooling. Don't stuff the box with a clutter - the fish should cool evenly. If you plan a long expedition, consider using vacuum cleaners to pack fillets right on board.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which motor is better to choose for sea fishing: 2 or 4 stroke?
For sea fishing, where long drifting or trolling at low speeds is often required, four-stroke motors They're quieter, so they don't scare the fish away, they consume more fuel and they don't require mixing, but two-stroke models are lighter and more compact, which can be critical for small inflatable boats.
Do I need a special permit to fish in the sea from a boat?
In most countries, recreational fishing in territorial waters is not required unless you use industrial fishing gear (nets, traps) and do not exceed the daily catch rate. However, there are protected areas where fishing is completely prohibited. Always check local laws and protected areas before leaving.
How to protect your gear from corrosion after fishing?
The most effective method is to thoroughly flush all equipment with fresh water immediately after returning, soak the coils in fresh water containers (without disassembling), and wipe the rods and metal parts with a soft cloth soaked in water. After drying, it is recommended to treat the movable parts of the coils with special lubricants for sea fishing.
What if the boat was thrown off anchor in a storm?
If the anchor is not holding and the boat is blown to rocks or into the open sea, the task is to keep the crew safe. Put on life jackets. If there is a second anchor, try to give it away. If the boat is blowing ashore, try to keep your nose to the wave, working with the engine. In the open sea in a strong storm, it is better to poison the anchor end so that the boat does not overturn, and wait for the weather, constantly working with pump if there is a leak.