Offshore, We all have watched the boats from a distance heading out into the gulf, destination unknown. Huddled close to rocky jetties swaying from the wave action from some of these monster trucks of the boating world, swells cast in our directions. While waiting for the next sand trout to steal our shrimp we catch ourselves daydreaming of what it must feel like to be heading off into the big blue, or mostly lime green in our case of the Texas gulf coast. We can almost imagine the adrenaline rush those on board are experiencing as they set the headings to GPS coordinates to unseen fishing hot spots known only to a select few gulf coast fishermen. In that brief glimpse we have before they speed off into the horizon past our field of view. We can only imagine what it must feel like to be driving such a masterpiece of modern fiberglass technology. From such a vantagepoint, sitting 50 feet above the water behind the wheels of their flying bridges. These Neptune status anglers of the gulf could probably spot there fishing destinations without the aid of electronics. Then we are jolted back to reality as another hardhead tries to steal our shrimp, unknowing how cat quick our reflexes have become from years of jetty fishing. By the time we try to refocus on our dreamboat, it is a small speck on an endless horizon.

Fortunately like most die-hard saltwater anglers I have had the chance several occasions to turn my daydreams into reality. Although to live out these fantasies cost me a pretty penny in the process. The experiences were well worth the $600.00 price tag that my buddies and me split. You see the thing is out there beyond the great unknown, there is a whole different world to the sport of saltwater fishing. If you believe that jetty fishing is a grab bag of different species of game fish and (not so game fish), just waiting to be caught? Then you really will be amazed at all the pot luck species waiting for you just out of site of land. Monster fish with names like King, Ling, Dolphin, Dorado, Amber Jack, Bonito, Tuna, Grouper, and Snapper. Even some of your old buddies that you have become so familiar with from all those years of bumming around the rocks, like Mr. Red and Mr. Shark. These bad boys of the deep have a Mike Tyson approach to fighting, if they can’t kick your ass while in the water, they have no problem trying to take a chunk out of you once on the deck of the boat. With names that can often be seen stitched to the back of various L.A street gangs, their fighting reputations are even well known beyond the relm of sportfising.

Almost all-offshore species are capable of rod breaking, line snapping, gear grinding, and back breaking fighting techniques. Those anglers who come ill prepared will find this out in short time. Usually the first sign that a landlubber is on board is when he is frantically grabbing for the line after his rod has snapped or reels guts are lying sprawled across the deck. Another sure sign of an angler out of shape is one that continues to dangle his bait off the side of the boat, while trying to catch his second wind from fighting his first 45-pound King. Heaven have mercy on his soul if he is fortunate enough to hook up with a real monster say a 200 plus pound shark or grouper. You might as well stick a fork in him cause he is done. Best advice I can give is come prepared, both mentally and physically. With equipment that will hold up to the test that will be waged upon it. Although in most cases anglers can help determine what sort of fish that will strike his line with what bait or lure is being offered. You never know when an oversized, illiterate bad boy from the offshore HOOD, who skipped fish school the day bait selection for their species was being taught. There is nothing quite as fast as a grouper snapping a snapper rig. Makes Ben Johnson look like running in slow motion.

Last thought I will leave you with before wrapping this article up. While in between fights or at the end of the day while on the way back to that welcome site of land. Set aside a few minutes to take in all the wonders that offshore sport fishing has to offer. Maybe while dry heaving over the side of the boat, watch for porpoises as they run along the side of the boat. See just how blue deep water can be, and how clear the waters around the rigs are. Look down and maybe try to spot schools of fish 40, 50 or 60 feet below the hull of the boat. And be sure to bring a camera with you for some nice shots of those magnificent sunsets. Offshore fishing is not only literally out of site, especially from a land bound angler’s perspective. But the out of mind, almost out of body when the fishing is good experience that should be had by all saltwater enthusiast at least once in a lifetime, if not monthly!!!!!!!