Prepping Small Boats for Offshore Fishing

Years ago, after I closed the deal on my first boat, my brother-in-law offered some sage advice: “You don’t have to be scared of the Gulf,” he told me before the maiden voyage. “But you damn sure better respect it.” Several boat purchases later, that counsel still comes to mind whenever I leave the dock.

On the water, there’s always the potential for the unexpected and, for smaller craft fishing offshore, minor problems can escalate quickly. But with the proper gear and preparations, boats under 30 feet are up to the task when it comes to safely handling bluewater haunts. Two seasoned charter guides share how their craft are rigged, and what they carry to handle whatever contingencies might arise.

Courtesy of Saltwater Sportsman