Most anglers will agree that deep sea fishing offers exciting adventures and a lot of satisfaction on very productive days.
However, if you try fishing in the deep sea during the wrong season, it can also be very disappointing. This is because less-than-ideal weather conditions can negatively impact fish behavior and make catching them an almost impossible task.
However, with proper insight into the optimal times to be on the sea trying to catch some fish, you’ll find that you will significantly enjoy deep-sea fishing better.
This is where we come into the picture.
This article will walk you through the best times of the year to go deep-sea fishing and what you can expect to catch during specific seasons. So, don’t stop reading!
Deep-Sea Fishing Conditions in Different Seasons
There are four major seasons during which you can expect to make record-size catches when you go deep-sea fishing. However, this is not to say fish will not bite all year round. But, some specific periods make snagging particular species much more effortless.
Here is a guide on the best seasons to go deep-sea fishing:
Early Spring
Bluefin is arguably the most prevalent fish specie during the spring. In addition, they are the largest tuna species and are usually huge, with most bluefins ranging between 300 to 500 pounds. However, anglers have also picked up bluefin specimens weighing up to 1000 pounds!
If you’re fishing during the early spring, you can expect to see a lot of bluefins. But, more importantly, they can make your fishing trip even more exciting as they put up a terrific fight.
Fun fact? Bluefin is among the top tastiest grill fish out there.
Spring into Summer
Sring into summer, and even fall, is another perfect time to go on a deep-sea fishing expedition. During this period, you’ll typically see a lot of blue marlins, which usually come out in May and stay until around September. Yellowfin tuna also follow a similar pattern but may start to slow in late July into August.
In the late spring, you will also see many dolphins and Spanish mackerel pickings. Of course, you will also enjoy the mild weather, lower temperatures, and calmer seas that come with spring.
Summer
As the weather gets hotter during the summer, white and blue marlins will show up in numbers as the yellowfin tuna gradually disappears in August. Bluefin tuna numbers will typically reduce during this period too.
However, Spanish mackerel, dolphins, and other tuna species will remain visible even during the hottest months.
Winter
Winter is generally a touch-and-go season for deep-sea fishing. This is because prevalent storms and colder temperatures typically make fish less active, not to mention that your fishing trip will be significantly less comfortable.
However, if you are a die-hard angler, larger bluefin tuna usually remain very active even during the cold seasons. So, you can go after them during this time.
Factors To Consider Before Going Deep Sea Fishing
Once you decide on the season you want to choose for your deep sea fishing trip, you should also consider several factors before launching out into the deep.
Here are some variables you need to consider before going deep sea fishing:
Sea temperature
The temperature of the sea can significantly impact the probability of fish biting your bait because they are cold-blooded animals. As a rule of thumb, fish are less active during the colder months and move around more when the sea is warmer.
In light of this, the best time for deep-sea fishing is after sunrise or when the sun sets as the water is warmer during these periods.
Lunar phases
Interestingly, lunar phases can also influence your bite rate during deep-sea fishing. For instance, stronger tides can pull in more bait fish, while the brightness of a full moon reflection can make nighttime fishing more successful.
Saltwater tides
Before heading out to sea for your fishing trip, it is usually good to examine a daily saltwater tide chart to ensure you’re going out at an optimal time. In light of this, it is usually most productive to try deep-sea fishing when there is a strong incoming tide and a lot of water movement.
Time of day
Although fish will typically bite regardless of the time of the day, most anglers agree that dawn and dusk usually yield the best results.
Wind
Wind can also play a role in the success of your deep sea fishing trip. For instance, windy conditions can lower visibility, which can improve the chances of gamefish biting your bait when they mistake it for prey.
Furthermore, wind can also improve wave actions which can pick up more food from the shores and push them deep into the sea. This can enhance gamefish activity as they come closer to the surface to feed. But, of course, your hook would also be waiting for them.
Rain
Light rain can also be your best friend as it reduces fish visibility and knocks flying bugs into the water. When this happens, fish may enter a feeding frenzy and are more likely to bite your bait as they can’t differentiate it from other insects.
However, if the rain gets too heavy, fish may retreat into deeper sea waters to try and avoid the colder waters at the surface.
FAQS
Is deep-sea fishing ideal after a Storm?
The answer is no. A storm will bring cold fronts into the sea, causing a drop in barometric pressure. When this happens, most fish will retreat deeper into the water. So, if you cannot fish before a storm starts, it is best to wait for a while after it stops before trying to fish again.
Can heavy rain affect deep-sea fishing?
Yes. The change in atmospheric pressure that comes with heavy rain can affect bony fish with swim bladders, making them uncomfortable. In addition, due to their low-pressure systems, bony fish may become less active. As a result, they are less likely to feed or bite baits during this time.
How far can you go for deep-sea fishing?
There’s no limit to how far you can go when deep-sea fishing. However, once you’re fishing more than 9 miles from the shores, you’re deep sea fishing already. You’d be in waters at least 20 miles deep at such distances.
Final Take
Deep-sea fishing offers exciting opportunities to snag some impressive fish sizes. However, your catch may not be encouraging if your time isn’t top-notch. Hopefully, this article has helped you understand the best seasons to choose for your deep-sea fishing and the various factors that can influence your results.