The very origins of our sport are built around fishermen who were willing to push boundaries and test the limits of their boats, their equipment and even themselves. The urge to go out farther to find bigger fish or different species—as well as explore the relative unknown—is a primal one. And while today’s technology in boats, electronics and forecasting has made fishing long distances from shore safer and more accessible than ever before, the ocean remains the great equalizer, and no trip offshore should be taken lightly.
Two of the most prominent areas in the US beyond the standard day-trip range are in the Gulf of Mexico and on the East Coast, specifically from the mid-Atlantic on up through the Northeast. And while the fishing itself can vary widely between these two zones, the same principles in preparation and safety exist for both. Fishing 100-plus miles offshore and staying out multiple days and nights can give you access to some unique fishing experiences, but it’s not for the faint of heart or the ill-prepared. I spoke to some industry veterans of these fisheries to get their perspective on long-range trips and how to make yours safer and more enjoyable.
THE GULF: LONG RUNS, BIG FISH
If you’ve been paying attention for the past couple of decades or so, it’s no surprise that the southern states bordering the Gulf of Mexico produce some impressive blue marlin catches annually, not to mention a host of tournaments that award millions in prize money. What some outside the Gulf states may not be aware of is the distance and commitment that’s often required to chase these South