Fishing on the Edge:
Going It Alone

Fishing offshore by yourself is not for everyone. It can be intimidating, yet very rewarding. Here are some things to think about before you try it.

Fishing alone offshore has some tactical disadvantages as well. Some of these can be addressed through technology, some through hard work, preparation or cleverness, some not at all. Here are things we've encountered, or have read or heard about from others:

• Have the right gear
  
  
  • Peter Pakula recommends using a reel with harness lugs (if available), even on light gear. Why? Because if you have the rod clipped in to a harness, you can let go of the rod to take care of other business when needed. Otherwise, you have to keep one hand on the rod, or put it in a rod holder.
    
    We normally lean against the bait tank while fighting fish.
    Note the pliers, billy club, boga grip, and knife. Net on
    gunnel to starboard, gaff and release stick on gunnel
    to port. These would be placed in the console rod
    holders for easy access.
    
    
     
  • Use wind-on leaders - they allow you get the fish close enough to handle single-handedly
    
    
  • Look for tools or gear that can be deployed with one-hand from a standing position. For example, gaffs with longer handles and point protectors than can be removed with one hand (or are stored unprotected).
    
    
• Have everything handy
  
  Gaffs, gloves, billy club, tailer, you name it - you should get all items you might need out and stowed in a handy place BEFORE you need them. When the moment comes, you can't afford to be messing around looking for something like a pair of gloves or a fighting belt. That includes a camera if you want to take pictures.
  
  
• Finding fish - A second set of eyes can be a big help in spotting fish, birds, or other activity. If you are by yourself, what can you do?
  
  
  • Make maximum use of tools such as binoculars and radar
    
    
  • Get up as high possible (good luck in a skiff!)
    
    
  • You need to balance your time between paying attention to the boat and keeping a lookout. This is where an autopilot can really help.
    
    
• Hooking fish - Keeping multiple lines out can help raise fish, as can teasers. However, when you're alone, multiple lines can be a pain:
  
  
  • Clearing lines becomes much bigger task. A consensus opinion is that you should focus on clearing the extra lines when a fish hits, rather than trying to deal with the hookup. Pick up the active rod after everything is put away, unless it's clear you're going to be be spooled.
    
    
  • Keep in mind that some areas restrict the number of lines that may be in the water while fishing. Mexico, for example, only allows one line per angler. This says you will probably want to drag at least a couple of teasers. 
    
    
  • If you're dealing with schooling fish, make a special effort to stay on top of the task of keeping fish around the boat, even when you're hooked up. If you were chumming with live bait, you need to make sure you maintain the chum line by dropping in a bait or two every few minutes during the fight. This is where a frozen chum block can be a blessing, because it will continue to leave a chum trail without any additional work.
    
    
• Fighting fish  - Here are some tips to fighting fish while you are alone
  
  
  • Always try to be downdrift of the fish, otherwise you will constantly be drifting over the fish.
    
    
  • Use the boat to help maintain tension. Keep the boat in gear, with a slight foward motion. This helps keep the line tight. Use the autopilot (if you have it) to keep a constant heading.
    
    
  • Stay near the controls. This allows you to quickly maneuver the boat. This is one of the few advantages a small boat has over a big boat, so make the most of it
    
    
  • Don't try to manhandle the fish. Let the fish go initially, you have lots of line.
    
    
  • Be very careful when using a harness and heavy tackle. As we mentioned earlier, you could get pulled over and under if you slip.
    
    
• Landing fish - You've got the fish by the boat...Now what?
  
  
  • Keep the boat in forward gear, slow idle  to keep everything pointing in the same direction
    
    
  • Take advantage of that wind-on leader to get the fish close.
    
    
  • Peter Pakula recommends using a rope around the base of the bill to lift a billfish's head out of the water to remove the hook. A snooter should also work.
    
    
  • Take advantage of your long-handled gaff or de-hooker to do what you need to do without leaning too far out over the side.
    
    
  • Remember - be alert, especially around billfish and sharks. Discretion is the better part of valor, so cut the leader or pop off the lure if things get too dicey.

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