Catching fish in the sea is more than simply boating out several miles and dropping a line or net in the water. The hundreds of species of ocean fish have many as habitats, and learning where to fish is the first step. Understanding the particular species will tell you when to fish and from that point, it's all about how to put fish in the boat.
Fish That Travel
Bluefin, albacore and skipjack are members of the tuna family. All tuna are pelagic, which means they are continually on the move. Their annual cycle of spawning and growth to maturity takes place in the nutrient rich currents that circle the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. Albacore swim off the coast of California in July, the coast of Japan in December and near Fiji in the spring.
Commercial and sport boats race out to intercept the huge schools of tuna at any number of points that might be closest to a home port. Great numbers of tuna are taken in purse seine nets and many are caught by sport fishermen using trolled lures.
Resident Fish
Species that live and spawn in particular grounds are referred to as resident fish. Their territory may be somewhat confined, as with flounder, or extend several miles from the spawning ground. Seabass are found in a number of oceans. Studies of tagged fish have established schools live in a certain area. These fish are more aggressive during the spawning cycle and slow down with changes in the water temperature. The time of year is a factor when targeting resident fish.
Migratory Fish
Salmon are the most popular of the migratory species. Found in oceans and seas around the globe, their annual migration takes place in the spring. Adult fish spawn in fresh water streams and the fingerlings take to the open waters at three months old. Salmon may range as far as 1000 miles, but they return to the rivers and streams where they were born. The annual salmon runs are an event for fishermen and natural predators alike.
Nets, Bait and Lures
In days gone by, commercial fishermen caught tuna using feather jigs and jack poles. Today, purse seine nets engulf tons of tuna, and electric motors haul the fish aboard. The glamour of tuna fishing remains with sport fishermen, however, and their techniques have not changed in decades. Live bait is preferred among sport fishermen. Bait boats net shoals of anchovy, sardine, and squid and then transport them to receivers at the landings. A lively bait is irresistible to most resident and pelagic species alike. On the rare occasion bait is not available, trolled or cast lures will often produce fish.
It Pays To Be Legal
Fishermen are required to hold a valid permit or license. Commercial boats must obtain permits for a particular species, and sport fishermen must have a valid license in their possession whenever a line is in the water. Fines are levied for fishing without the proper tags, taking over limits of a species and keeping under size fish.
Member Comments