Over night off shore fishing trip.

Post by **Steve Hendley** » April 27th, 2005, 10:10 am

Iâ€™ve been considering an over night fishing trip off shore, this would be my first overnight venture. I havenâ€™t picked a date yet (waiting for the right weather) but I want to set out midmorning or noon on day 1, fish out to some numbers 30 miles off shore, anchor up for the night and fish my way back in on day 2. I have a 194 Cobia CC (20â€™), which has proven to be a seaworthy little craft.
Any advise on preparation and subsequent pit falls that I should consider would be welcome. Iâ€™ve been fishing off shore about 3 years, and have all the safety equipment except an EPRB.
Thanks SH

Post by **wevans** » April 27th, 2005, 10:15 am

If at all posible, have a buddy boat with you and file a float plan

Post by **Tom Keels** » April 27th, 2005, 10:27 am

Take an extra fully charged 12 volt battery with you that is the "get you home" battery. Basically if you loose power this battery is to get you cranked and home (not for more fishing time).

Take every flashlight you have and extra batteries. If you have Q beam take that too. If you have any red filter lights you can use they will not hurt your night vision.

Go out to where you want to fish well before dark.

If you have a submerable light or can get one, take it and use it.

Buddy boat and float plan like wevans said, are highly recommended.

pennfish · Post by **pennfish** » April 27th, 2005, 11:47 am

I went last wed. afternoon and came back thurs morn. Look for a stable weather pattern four to five days in a row and go in the middle if possible and a nite with clear skies and a moon. Like already mentioned flashlite Q-beam that runs on 12v and good sleeper battery are priceless 30 mi. offshore along with other safty equip. We did just what you want to do, fished spots on the way out cought grouper, then hammered the mangroves and red snapper that nite, there are some large mangos at 70ft on out largest we had was 7.5lbs and limited out on both by around 2:00am it was fantastic, Im ready to go again. Stick to your float plan and be back when you say youare unless you can let some one know of any changes.Let me know when you are planning to go I can go most of the time and like said two boats are better than one. Good luck

chugbug · Post by **chugbug** » April 27th, 2005, 12:27 pm

I would be interested in going too.

Post by **Sea Fox** » April 27th, 2005, 2:24 pm

Me three!