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I'm going on a boondoggle with the big wigs at work. Anybody ever been offshore fishing?? I've never been so I plan to take some Dramamine just in case. Even though I don't have a weak stomach, I figure better safe than sorry. Any other tips??

CRC Parrothead wrote:I'm going on a boondoggle with the big wigs at work. Anybody ever been offshore fishing?? I've never been so I plan to take some Dramamine just in case. Even though I don't have a weak stomach, I figure better safe than sorry. Any other tips??

talk to longlinergirl and comtnfish...

Thanks AF!!

CRC Parrothead wrote:I'm going on a boondoggle with the big wigs at work. Anybody ever been offshore fishing?? I've never been so I plan to take some Dramamine just in case. Even though I don't have a weak stomach, I figure better safe than sorry. Any other tips??

Just went about two weeks ago out of Destin as a matter of fact. I've been going at least 1 or 2 times a year for the last 18 years. There are definetly better alternatives than dramamine though. True you may not feel sick but you may be so drowsy that you can't enjoy yourself. The best alternatives are by prescription only so you may want to tell your Dr. about the trip and see what he/she recommends.

I finally caught the monster Red Grouper I've been looking for over the past 18 years. Close to a world record, or so I was told. We certainly enjoyed having him over for dinner

Some tips:
1. Find out if the fish you catch goes home with you. Usually it's yours to keep but some Capt.s have varying policies.
2. Most trips, the $ you pay is for the Capt. / boat. Often the 1st mate will clean / filet the fish when you get back but tipping is expected.
3. If you plan to take the fish, bring an ice chest - they'll usually ice it down for you.
4. Some marinas have dock side restaurants that will cook your fish for you for a reasonable fee. This is especially fun with a group.
5. If it's a big boat with several people fishing, there's always some bozo who didn't think he needed anything to prevent seasickness. STAY AWAY FROM THIS BOZO - I'd hate for your 1st trip to be messed up by a chain-reaction barfarama... don't laugh too much, I've seen it happen and it's not pretty
6. If it's your 1st time, pay attention and listen to the fishing instructions given by the Capt. and 1st mate. I've been offshore with bass pros who didn't listen because they thought they already knew everything. We caught the fish and they just kept jerking the lips right off of the Kingfish because they couldn't get it through their heads that you don't set the hook like they do when they're bass fishing. When in doubt, try doing what the Capt. said
7. Have a GREAT time and be sure you take a camera. Their's nothing better than being offshore on a beautiful day cranking a big one up off the bottom

CRC Parrothead wrote:I'm going on a boondoggle with the big wigs at work. Anybody ever been offshore fishing?? I've never been so I plan to take some Dramamine just in case. Even though I don't have a weak stomach, I figure better safe than sorry. Any other tips??

They make some sort of bracelet out of a metal that keeps you from getting sea sick. That way you don't have to take the dramamine which might not help sea sickness that well anyway.

Make sure you have plenty of water. You can dehydrate FAST!

I fish offshore all the time with my hubby off the North Carolina coast on our 31 Sportfish....not a very big boat and it can be pretty rough 60 miles out, more so than just about anywhere further south. Anyway, I have found that Dramamine actually works quite well to avert motion sickness. I take it whenever the seas are predicted to be more than 2 to 4 feet. It works really well if you take two the night before you go out and then one that morning, about an hour before leaving the dock. That usually does me for the day. I don't know what type of fishing you will be doing but you are far more likely to get queazy on a boat that is anchored up (i.e. bottom fishing) than on a boat that is trolling for game fish. Also, if you do start to feel sick, resist the urge to go down in the cabin to lay down. It is the worst place to be! Stay up top in the fresh air and you will do better. Hope you have a great time.....there's no thrill quite like hooking into a big one!

bubba phan wrote:Also, if you do start to feel sick, resist the urge to go down in the cabin to lay down. It is the worst place to be! Stay up top in the fresh air and you will do better. Hope you have a great time.....there's no thrill quite like hooking into a big one!

Good tip BP. Another suggestion - If you are bottom fishing and seas are rough, it helps to focus on something in the distance that is more stationary while you're waiting for the big bite. It helps you to deal with the bobbing up and down and up and down and rolling side to side and up and......sorry

If you're worried about whether Dramamine will make you sleepy, try some before the trip to see. Easier than going to the doc for a prescription. Probably cheaper too. I've never had any problem, but everyone has different body chemistry. EAT SOMETHING BEFORE YOU GO OUT, no matter how early it is. The first time I went offshore, I felt kind of silly eating a big turkey sandwich w/ my coffee at 4:30 a.m., but I was glad to have something on my stomach. Drinking along the way is fine, but let's just say my very own husband learned the hard way that you NEED TO EAT or you turn THIS COLOR. Depending on the size of the vessell you'll be on, you may not even be aware of the "ocean motion."

SUNBLOCK, Missy! I know you're young and tan nicely, but it's different out there! You might even want to get yourself a hat with a fishing brim (it's extra long) on it. Size DOES matter in this case

Have fun, and don't phorget to tip your mate!

REMEMBER THE HAT and SUNGLASSES

it's amazing how many desert dwellers out here that are used to the blazing sun go to san deigo for a weekend fishing trip and come home cooked. they always forget the water is a mirror and reflects alot of sun even on a cloudy day.