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Tips For Successful Family Deep Sea Fishing -- Deep Sea Fishing - A Fun & Safe Family Outing
By Steven & Michael Perkins
� 2006, All Rights Reserved
Loreto, Baja Mexico

Summertime in the Baja is just plain hot - both the temperature and the fishing.
By Staff (More articles by this author)

Summertime in the Baja is just plain hot � both the temperature and the fishing. Loreto, a small village just above the East Cape that sits inside the Sierra de la Gigante mountains, offers one of the most scenic and undeveloped vistas along the Baja. Founded in 1697, this town is also the oldest permanent settlement in the Californias.

One advantage to fishing Loreto is that there are plenty of other things a non-fishing companion can do. But those who come to fish can find small dorado, roosterfish, bonito, sierra mackerel, jacks and barracuda just off the beach, as well as big dorado, sailfish, marlin, skipjack, yellowtail and yellowfin tuna offshore. Few places rival the variety of species found here, and reputable local charter services and guides know how to fly-fish for them.

Because temperatures soar in the middle of the day during summer, most people fish in the early morning, join the locals for a midday siesta and then resume fishing in the late afternoon. However, your best opportunities for sight-fishing along the beaches occur from the middle of the day into the afternoon, especially during the incoming tide. When fishing around rocks, you'll want to fish the down-current side where most of the fish wait to ambush prey.

You should bring several outfits ranging from 7- to 12-weights. If you intend to fish only the beach, you can get away with a 7- or an 8-weight and a 9- or 10-weight, but if you're heading offshore you'll definitely need 10- and 12-weight sticks. Intermediate or Type III or IV sinking lines will allow you to cover pretty much every situation, including using poppers along the rocks. Select flies that resemble anchovies and sardines, including Clousers, Deceivers, Sea Habits, Surf Candies and Mushmouths tied in appropriate colors. Don't be afraid to fish patterns as large as 5 inches, either. Offshore, most large baitfish flies that resemble mullet, sardines or anchovies will work well.

For more information about fishing Loreto, contact: Baja Big Fish Company at 011-52-613-104-0781, www.bajabigfish.com Baja on the Fly at 800-919 2252, www.bajafly.com Baja Fly Fishing Company at 877-572-5012 Fly Fishing Shop at 800-266-3971, www.flyfishusa.com

Sunshine, crashing waves and hands-on activities. These are three things every kid loves. That's what makes deep sea the perfect family outing. Especially during summer months when children can get bored, deep sea makes for a wonderful time of togetherness, education and excitement.

Before you venture onto any vessel, you'll want to run through the checklist below. Taking time to prepare before launching into the deep blue sea can ensure your trip will be a huge success.

Safety

No outing can be truly fun for everyone unless it is also safe. There are steps you can take to ensure you and your family will have a day of adventure as well as safety. Be sure to ask the captain of the boat about the following:

_____ Life Preservers - Make sure life preservers on the boat are current. Preservers need to be within easy reach. The boat should have a variety of life preservers in different sizes to fit both adults and children.

_____ Coast Guard Inspection - You'll want a vessel that is big and seaworthy, and that has passed all necessary inspections. Look for a U.S. Coast Guard safety inspection sticker to be sure. Also check for a radio and emergency beacon onboard.

_____ CPR - The crew aboard your deep-sea boat should be CPR and first aid trained.

_____ Sun Protection - The sun gets very intense over water. In fact, you get 180% exposure to the sun while on the water as opposed to on land. (100% direct sun exposure plus 80% exposure from water reflection.) You'll want to pack sunscreen as well as hats and sunglasses.

Fishing

Your experience will be different depending on which area of the U.S. you are in. Water temperature, local weather and current surface temperatures can all play a role in the success of your trip. While these elements may be out of your control, there are other elements you need to verify before casting off.

_____ Experience - Your captain and crew should have plenty of experience in the local waters. They should be comfortable navigating the area and should be able to find sweet spots where fish commonly gather.

_____ Equipment - The boat you choose to sail on should be outfitted with the latest fish-finding electronics to help ensure you get what you came for.

_____ Bait - Bait used while should be indigenous to the area. Fish can be finicky about what they will and will not eat.

_____ Unwanted Transfer - Be sure to wash your hands (or have the crew wash their hands) after applying sunscreen, aftershave or other scented lotions. The smell (and taste) can transfer

to the bait causing the fish to stop biting.

Kids

When deep sea with kids, special considerations come into play. Ask your crew about the following if you plan to bring young children onboard.

_____ Family Friendly - Is this a family friendly ship? Is language controlled? Are alcoholic beverages served? Is smoking allowed?

_____ Stories - When the fish aren't biting, things might become quiet. Will the crew tell stories about the area, share educational information, teach knot tying or allow kids to steer the boat?

_____ Naps - Is there a bench or cot where small children can lie down if they get tired?

Everyone

To ensure the enjoyment of the trip for each family member, you'll want to:

_____ Bring Plenty of Snacks and Drinks - Even though the boat may provide chips or sodas, they may be limited in their variety. Pack your child's favorite snacks and juices plus plenty of water. You'll need to stay hydrated while out in the sun.

_____ Get a Good Night's Sleep - Deep sea is an absolute blast! It can be tiring, however, especially for younger children. Be sure to get a good night's sleep before venturing out.

_____ Take Dramamine - If you are prone to seasickness, or don't know if you will become seasick, take Dramamine or Bonine the night before and the morning of your trip just to be on the safe side.

_____ Bring Your Camera! This will be a day that memories are made of. You'll want to capture every moment for your photo albums. Be sure to bring plenty of film and/or an extra battery.

When you've checked off everything on your list, you'll be ready for a wonderful day filled with family fun and adventure. With the right captain at the helm, your deep-sea journey will soon become a family tradition you'll look forward to year after year.
Steven and Michael Perkins are co-captains of The Nor'easter, a 42' vessel dedicated to deep sea fishing in Maine. Visit www.noreasterfishing.com today for pricing and details on scheduling family charter fishing tours in Maine.

We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to fishing you would like to be covered, please contact us at any time.

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