| Big-game fishing, offshore sport fishing or | | | | where and when you decide to go big game |
| offshore game fishing are all one and the | | | | fishing will be reflected in the size and |
| same, catching lean fish such as tuna and | | | | power of the boat used. Organised fishing |
| marlin in the open sea. Popular both as a | | | | trips can last anything from a morning's |
| sport and for recreation, there are regular | | | | fishing close to the coastline to a week's |
| annual tournaments arranged or offshore | | | | deep sea fishing trip. Most captains and |
| fishing charters to experience this exciting | | | | native fishing crews will have spent most of |
| thrilling sport. International anglers book | | | | their lives on fishing boats and made their |
| well in advance to enter competitions in big | | | | livings from it and so have obtained a vast |
| game fishing travelling all over the world to | | | | knowledge of the local seas, including where |
| destinations as far ranging as Florida, | | | | to find the big fish, and all the know-how of |
| California and Hawaii, the eastern coastline | | | | the fishing gear. |
| of Australia, Thailand, Tobago, the | | | | |
| Caribbean, Mexico and South America. The idea | | | | If you are interested in big game fishing, |
| of big game fishing is to reel the fish in | | | | experience is not necessary. The captain and |
| once it is properly hooked on the line. This | | | | crew should have years of experience, explain |
| can be pretty intimidating, as the fish, | | | | everything to you and provide all the |
| especially if it is a big one, will be | | | | equipment needed. Many people catch large |
| pulling away from the boat and you need to | | | | fish their first time big game fishing so it |
| keep the line steady, using all your strength | | | | is never too late to learn and can be great |
| to keep your grip. The appeal to many is not | | | | fun! Imagine the thrill the very first time |
| only the thrill of fighting these huge fish, | | | | you experience reeling in a huge blue shark |
| but the difference between the tranquillity | | | | or some other remarkable fish. Reputable game |
| of being out in the ocean, surrounded by the | | | | fishing charters operate a catch and release |
| seas and then the sudden adrenaline rush | | | | programme, the most popular is the Billfish |
| kicking in as you experience a catch. | | | | Foundation where billfish are tagged and set |
| | | | free again, rather than gaffed and killed, in |
| Boats used for offshore game fishing have to | | | | order to protect the species. This also |
| have sufficient power, seaworthiness, speed, | | | | creates a bond between groups of anglers and |
| strength and scope to convey crew and | | | | fishers worldwide who have a common goal, and |
| equipment some distance out to sea. There is | | | | lessons can be learnt with regard to |
| a large quantity of essential equipment in | | | | migration patterns and the rate at which |
| big game fishing and the boat has to have the | | | | these fish grow. |
| capability to stay steady when fighting fish, | | | | |
| in extreme cases these fish can weigh | | | | If you fancy having a battle with some of the |
| anything up to 400-500 kilograms. Boats also | | | | world's most exciting game fish check out the |
| have to be able to safely carry crew and | | | | Internet for details on destinations and plan |
| others back to land in what can be adverse | | | | your trip today. |
| weather and sea conditions. Depending on | | | | |