Inspired by fishermen's tales of Snapper the size of Volkswagens, Ling as long as a john boat, and Kings so thick your arms will fall off before you can catch them all. Has compelled many a die-hard bay busters to trade in their water skimming machines for a bigger wave busting, double engine, gas guzzling, offshore rigs.. Armed with nautical maps of sunken treasure we novice anglers head away from those familiar jetties for well kept, secret destinations of the more experienced charter Captains. Like misguided modern day Ponce De Leon's in search of the fountain of Snapper fishing grounds. We head out upon that greenish blue water that magical turn deep blue a few short hours out. Looking off on the horizon for a familiar landmark of an oilrig that tells us we can at least read those complicated charts. Which helps in replacing that aching feeling in our stomachs with newfound enthusiasm.

Hitching our modern stallions to our newfound friend, like cowboys in an old western. We send those poor sardines, squid, jigs, or anything that is likely to draw a strike plummeting out of site to the ocean floor. In hopes of making it past all the unwanted, bait-stealing creatures that call these platforms their homes, in search of big snapper. Waiting for those all familiar rod bending tugs that means a sow snapper on the end of the line, or at least something worthy of all our efforts. Or maybe we are cut from the Hemmingway mold. And would rather troll around those man-made erector sets of the ocean. In search of an aerobatics, line stretching, tail-dancing, ocean inhabitant in the form of King, Ling, Sailfish, or big Shark. Even more silly or those that shut down those big twins 200's when the cross paths with a mere two by four floating with a little seaweed tagging along for a ride. We frantically search for a jigs to chuck into those blue depths in search of a dolphin to grab hold of the end of our line. Yeah to say the least offshore fishing is a strange sport, and even harder one to master.

Which is why a good charter Captain that can put you on a wide variety of game fish is in such high demand. Even though you may have all the sophisticated gadgets to get yourself out of site of the nearest land. Most charters although not cheap, will in the long run save you at least double what you pay in future gas alone. Not too mention all those frustrating hours out on the water and not having anything to show for your efforts. Like the man said you can pay me now, or pay me later.. And the wise novice offshore angler should take advantage of an experience charter Captain and learn some of the tricks of the trade. Though most won't give you GPS coordinates to the secret fishing holes. There is tons of other information for those willing to listen and observe on a day of fishing the big pond.

For instance, the tackle that is being used for the various game fish being sought. What the different baits are and how they are rigged when fishing for Snapper opposed to Kings. Different speeds for trolling for different species and what to do once you have hooked up with said species. Literally years of learned fishing information that can only come from years of offshore fishing trips are right at your fingertips for those willing to learn their secrets. And for the most part, especially well-established guides, are eager to share their fishing experience and techniques. This will hold especially true when you book several trips with a charter service over a year's time, and share some common interest of catching and or releasing fish. There is nothing like having someone else drive the boat and put you on fish on a consistent basis. Much like when you were a teen and you use to go fishing with your dad. Only on these charters you actually catch more fish than you normally would on an above average day.

But either way, be it through a guide service or just out on the big blue on your own. There is no substitute for being out on the water, even if the outcome is not always what you might hope for. Those anglers that truly are determined to get the techniques of offshore fishing down to a science. There is no easy way to gain that experience other than just getting out there and burning a little gas, wetting a few baits and getting that special feeling that you only get once land is out of sight. Although it may not seem while your wondering from oil rig to oil rig with little or nothing to show for your well meaning efforts. Those that pay attention and for that matter those that don't, are actually learning something all the while. It's those fishermen than go the extra mile or pay just a little more attention to details. Those anglers that can realize what is actually causing those humongous fish to hit that particular lure or bait in between having fun just catching them. That is what separates a good offshore angler from the novice offshore angler. Those techniques learned over the course of offshore fishing expeditions will be the ultimate difference in future outings of just burning gas in general and burning gas with something to show at the end of the day!!!

Since these coming months are prime time for Snapper fishing, I suggest going the extra mile or two once you hit the end of the jetty. Stop off at one of the distant oil rig towers on the horizon and set those line hurling towards the bottom. Wait for that bulldog tug that will shortly take place, and enjoy what all the fuss about Snapper fishing is about. From those arm weary days of hauling those brutes to the surface. Or just the delicious taste they provide their lucky anglers after a day of fishing. Snapper fishing offers the Texas fishermen the best of both worlds.. And when in doubt hire a guide to take you out!! Poet and didn't know it!!