Fishing on a yacht: what should you pay attention to?

The fishing rod is the basis

An experienced fisherman has his own individual set of gear and fishing rods that are convenient for him. If you already have fishing experience, then choosing a fishing rod will not be a big problem. However, for those who just want to try fishing or don’t know where to start, there are fishing rod rental services. 

Charter companies are unlikely to offer you the option of renting gear, but many marinas have rental stations. Among the advantages of such a service, it is worth highlighting the help of a more experienced fisherman in selecting a fishing rod. In addition, there is likely a community of fishermen in your city who can give advice on choosing your first gear. 

Keep in mind that in tourist areas the price of renting and purchasing a fishing rod will be much higher than at home. Therefore, turning to experienced fishermen at your place of residence will be much cheaper. On the other hand, they may have limited fishing equipment for offshore fishing. In any case, thanks to the Internet, you can find all the necessary information about specific fishing equipment much easier and faster than it was 20 years ago.

Classic fishing and underwater fishing

By classic fishing we mean regular fishing on board your yacht. It does not require a lot of equipment or gear. Classic fishing is a great way to get acquainted with fishing in the sea without threatening your health, life and psyche. 

Your fishing skill will develop over time. Honed movements and a trained eye will come with experience. If you are already an experienced land fisherman, then sea fishing will be an excellent test of your skills in conditions different from those to which you are accustomed. 

For people who are looking for extreme sports, we can carefully recommend underwater fishing. This is a separate art form that is worth trying for the most desperate yachtsmen. This type of fishing requires not only fishing skills, but also good physical fitness, as well as increased attention to the environment. 

Important points: dead fish on your belt can attract sharks or other dangerous creatures. Take this into account. Also carefully study the area where you are going to fish underwater. In some regions, underwater fishing using scuba gear is prohibited.

A critical aspect is your safety while diving. You must carefully assess the risks and your own experience. You should NOT attempt this type of fishing if you are tired or under the influence of alcohol. You should also NOT go spearfishing if you DO NOT have enough experience or if you are planning on diving into the depths on your own without proper training.

The license is not only for the skipper

Nowadays, not all skippers have a license, let alone fishermen! Here we enter the vast territory of meaning. The problem is that each country and even individual regions of these countries may have their own legislation regulating fishing. 

The same legislation may offer several license options, which in theory may suit you, but in practice you will face fines. To avoid such problems, it is necessary to take a comprehensive approach to the issue of studying licenses and who they are intended for. A fisherman's license may also be limited in time. 

In addition to time limits, your license may also limit you from catching specific species of fish. Thus, in Croatia there is a separate license for fishing tuna and swordfish. Legislatively, some species are protected more strictly, while others, on the contrary, are encouraged to catch them. Learn all aspects of fishing in the country you are going to!

Where to fish?

Well... Almost everywhere. The main thing is to have enough water. Most fishermen go out to the open sea to start catching big fish. However, the further into the sea, the higher the likelihood of encountering fish that will easily eat the bait, tear the tackle and swim away. 

If you own a spinning rod, it is better to choose waters closer to the coastline. It is best to target coral reefs or other places where fish may be hiding. Spearfishing enthusiasts also often choose reefs. However, an inexperienced underwater fisherman should not go straight to the reefs. Lush kelp beds are a healthy alternative. Again, you should choose your underwater fishing location carefully, minimizing the risk to your own health.

Fishing area in Croatia

Let's take three, probably the most popular destinations: Croatia, Greece, Italy. All three countries have plenty of places to fish and there are no particular problems with obtaining a fishing license.  

As for Croatia, there are about 400 species of fish, including tuna and mackerel. Fans of spearfishing will also have a place to roam. There are many places in Croatia where the bottom is covered with large stones, under which the fish usually hide. There are also reefs in Croatian waters. 

Many fishermen speak positively about the waters around the islands of Sušak, Poreč, Svetac, Mali Losinj, Palagruza and Jabuka. If you want to get a really big catch, then head to the area around Kornati. But be careful - do not start fishing in the waters belonging to the Kornati National Park itself.

Fishing in Greece

If you are carried by tailwinds to Greece, then you must try local fishing. Coastal fishing here has a long tradition and is very popular among local residents. The long coastline creates excellent conditions for different types of fishing. 

In addition to mainland Greece, Rhodes, Paxos, Zakynthos, Naxos and Corfu are also very popular among sailors. Crete stands out separately with a coastline of about 1000 km. Crete has bays, reefs, and many proven fishing spots.

However, the popularity of Crete plays a cruel joke on fishermen. Sometimes you have to try hard to find a place suitable for quiet fishing. To avoid queues and crowds, we advise you to go a little further out to sea. There will be more catch and fewer people.

Mafia fishing in Italy

Literally the Italian fishing Mecca for any self-respecting fisherman is Sicily. The island is located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea. Fishing flourishes here without the Cretan hustle and bustle. In addition, there are many fishing villages in Sicily that you can simply visit. 

For lovers of underwater fishing there is also a place to roam. However, the underwater fishing here is recommended only for experienced fishermen. In addition to Sicily, you can look at another famous island - Sardinia. 

Here you can easily find a secluded place where you can calmly lay out your gear and go fishing. By the way, in Sardinia you can also catch cuttlefish and squid, which will be an excellent addition to your fish diet.

Fishing in the Atlantic

Surprisingly, catching fish in the ocean is much easier than many people think. The Atlantic is not only the endless northern expanses, but also the waters around the islands. You can safely go fishing in the Canaries and Azores. In both archipelagos, the fishing season usually starts in May and ends in October. However, in other months you can catch decent prey here. 

If you like coastal fishing, you can start right in April on the coast of the Azores. Popular fish species for fishing in this region include tuna, marlin, bream, and moray eel. 

Caribbean romance

Both classic and underwater fishing in the Caribbean are qualitatively different from fishing in other regions. There is clean, almost completely transparent water, through which you can see the bottom at a depth of up to ten meters. 

The coral reefs here are more colorful than their counterparts in Europe, and are inhabited by a variety of exotic species of sea creatures. However, not all of these sea creatures are edible; you can often find quite dangerous representatives of marine flora and fauna. Be careful and educate yourself on local species and how dangerous they can be. 

One of the popular fishing destinations in the Caribbean is the Bahamas. Large fish such as marlin and tuna are found here. In the northern part of the archipelago, between the Abaco Islands, major fishing tournaments are held annually. Every year a new record for the largest catch is set there. If you are just starting your fishing journey, then leave the records to the professionals. Fish for your own pleasure!

St. Lucia also offers some great time with gear. It has some of the deepest waters in the entire Caribbean. Why is this a plus? Because you don't have to go far from the shore to reach the depths where some species of fish live. Fishing tournaments are also held here periodically.

Virgin Islands (USA)

The American part of the Virgin Islands is one of the most interesting and amazing places for fishing. St. John, St. Croix and St. Thomas are the most popular destinations for fishermen. 

What is truly remarkable is the fact that the waters of the local national park are open to both local residents and tourists with yachtsmen. In addition to marlin, tuna and mahi-mahi, local fish include barracuda and mackerel. You can even catch a lobster relatively easily here. 

Another interesting feature of the Virgin Islands is that if you fish for your own consumption and not on an industrial scale, you do not need a license! But in the British part of the Virgin Islands, be kind enough to fork out for a license costing $45.

New videos on the channel Interparus

In a new video, Sasha Goron shared his selection of new yachting products for 2024! New equipment, boats, technologies are just a small part of what Sasha will talk about in the new video. Enjoy watching!

Fishing for everyone

So, let's summarize our material. To begin with, you need to have a desire to start fishing or a desire to expand your capabilities and skills in fishing. Then you need to find suitable fishing gear. Probably the most important step is to scour the Internet for fishing laws in the country you are traveling to. And... Go fishing!

The most important thing is to ensure safety. Regardless of whether you enjoy spearfishing or surface fishing, you must judge your capabilities and experience wisely. Don't hesitate to ask a fellow fisherman or scuba diver for help and advice. Then your fishing will become not only useful, but also a pleasant pastime.

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27.01.2024