Your First Deep Sea Fishing Trip: What to Expect When You're 50 Miles Offshore

You're standing on a dock in the pre-dawn darkness, watching a 42-foot sportfisher bob gently against the pilings. The mate is loading coolers and checking lines. The captain is somewhere inside, drinking coffee and studying weather charts. Your buddies are way too excited for 5:30 in the morning.

In thirty minutes, you'll be heading offshore. In two hours, you won't be able to see land. In four hours—if things go well—you might be fighting a fish bigger than anything you've ever caught from shore.

But right now, standing on that dock, you're wondering: What exactly did I sign up for?

You've heard the stories. The screaming reels, the jumping fish, the coolers full of tuna steaks. You've also heard about the other stuff—the guy who threw up for six hours, the $400 tip nobody mentioned, the confusion about who owes what at the end.

This guide is for the nervous excitement you're feeling right now. What actually happens on a charter. What mistakes to avoid. And what nobody tells first-timers about their first trip beyond the horizon.

---

What You're Actually Getting Into

Deep sea fishing is different from anything you've done on a lake or from a pier. The scale changes everything.

The water is different. You're fishing in 200, 400, sometimes 1,000+ feet of water. The swells move under you like slow breathing. The color of the ocean changes from green to blue to something so dark it's almost purple.

The fish are different. You might hook something that weighs more than you do. Tuna can drag you around the deck. Marlin can fight for hours. Even a 30-pound mahi will make your arms burn.

The commitment is different. Once you leave the dock, you're committed. Can't pull over. Can't head back early without wasting everyone's money. If conditions get rough or you get sick, you deal with it.

The expense is different. A half-day charter for six people runs $800-1,500. A full day is $1,500-3,000+. Add tips, fuel surcharges, food, and drinks—your $200 share becomes $350 before you know it.

None of this should scare you off. Millions of people go offshore fishing every year, most of them without incident. But knowing what you're getting into helps you prepare properly and set realistic expectations.

---

Choosing the Right First Trip

Not all offshore trips are created equal. For your first time, the right choice makes a huge difference.

Trip Length

Half-day (4-5 hours): Best for absolute beginners. Less time for things to go wrong. Usually stays closer to shore with calmer conditions. Downside: less time to find fish, may not reach the best fishing grounds.

Three-quarter day (6-8 hours): The sweet spot for most first-timers. Long enough to reach productive water, short enough that you're not exhausted. Most common charter length.

Full day (10-12 hours): Real offshore fishing. You'll reach deeper water, target bigger species, and have time to make it count. But it's a long day, especially if you get seasick.

Overnight/multi-day: Not for your first trip. Save the canyon runs for after you've proven you can handle a day offshore.

Target Species

Bottom fishing (snapper, grouper): More active fishing where you hold the rod, feel bites, and reel up from depth. Boats usually anchor or drift, which is easier on the stomach than trolling. Good variety, high success rate.

Trolling (mahi, tuna, wahoo): More waiting, punctuated by explosive action. You watch lines and wait for a strike. More motion on the boat as you cover water. Potentially bigger fish.

Billfish (marlin, sailfish): Trophy hunting. Long hours of trolling, possibly no strikes all day. When one hits, it's the experience of a lifetime. But this is gambling—you might go home without a bite.

For a first trip, bottom fishing or a combination trip (trolling in the morning, bottom fishing later) offers the best chance of action and a successful experience.

Boat Type

Center console (24-35 feet): Smaller, faster, more motion in rough water. Often cheaper. Works for calm conditions and shorter runs.

Sportfisher (35-50+ feet): Larger, more stable, better for rougher conditions and longer runs. Usually has a cabin for bathroom breaks and escaping the sun. The standard for serious offshore trips.

Party boat: Large vessels carrying 20-50 anglers. You buy individual tickets rather than chartering the whole boat. Cheaper ($150-300 per person) but crowded, less flexibility, usually bottom fishing only.

For a group's first trip, a sportfisher charter offers the best balance of stability, amenities, and dedicated attention from the crew.

---

The 8 Mistakes That Ruin First Offshore Trips

1. Ignoring Seasickness Prevention

This is the mistake that ruins more first trips than everything else combined. Seasickness isn't about being tough—it's about chemistry. Some people are prone to it, and once it starts, the day is over.

The fix: Take medication the night before or morning of, even if you've "never been seasick." Dramamine, Bonine, or a scopolamine patch (prescription) all work. Start before you feel sick—once symptoms appear, it's too late.

Don't tough it out. Don't wait to see how you feel. Prevention is everything.

2. Not Eating Before the Trip

You'd think an empty stomach prevents seasickness. The opposite is true. An empty stomach makes it worse.

The fix: Eat a moderate breakfast. Nothing greasy or heavy—eggs, toast, fruit. Something in your stomach helps it stay settled. Continue snacking throughout the trip on crackers, pretzels, and ginger candies.

3. Dehydrating

Sun, wind, and activity drain you faster offshore than anywhere else. Dehydration worsens seasickness, exhausts you, and kills your ability to fight a fish.

The fix: Drink water constantly. Start the night before. Drink on the drive to the dock. Keep drinking all day. Sports drinks help replace electrolytes. Alcohol can wait until the fish are in the box.

4. Wearing the Wrong Stuff

First-timers often show up in jeans, cotton t-shirts, and dark-soled shoes. By midmorning, they're sunburned, wet, and leaving black marks on the deck.

The fix:

• Long-sleeve sun shirt (UPF-rated)
• Quick-dry shorts
• Non-marking, rubber-soled shoes (boat shoes, deck boots, or clean white-soled sneakers)
• Hat that won't blow off (secure it with a strap or clip)
• Polarized sunglasses
• Reef-safe sunscreen, SPF 50+, reapplied constantly

No black-soled shoes. No flip-flops. No jeans.

5. Not Bringing Enough Cash

The mate works hard—rigging baits, gaffing fish, cleaning your catch, maintaining the boat. Their tip is 15-20% of the charter cost, paid in cash.

The fix: Calculate the tip beforehand and bring cash. On a $2,000 charter, bring $400-500 for the crew. Split this among your group before the trip—don't scramble at the dock.

Many first-timers don't realize how much tipping matters in the charter fishing industry. The mate may earn a modest base wage and depend on tips. A good tip for good service is expected, not optional.

6. Shooting the Fish

"Shooting" means reaching for a rod when a fish strikes or trying to take over during a fight. Experienced anglers know the rotation—the crew puts the rod in your hands when it's your turn.

The fix: Wait for the mate to hand you the rod. Don't grab a rod from the holder when you hear "Fish on!" The crew will manage who fights which fish. Your turn is coming.

7. Not Trusting the Crew

The captain and mate do this every day. They know where the fish are, how to find them, and how to catch them. First-timers sometimes second-guess decisions or make suggestions they saw on YouTube.

The fix: Let the crew do their job. Ask questions—they're usually happy to explain. But don't question their decisions. They want you to catch fish as much as you do.

8. Not Discussing Fish and Expenses Before the Trip

Who keeps the fish? How are you splitting the charter cost? What about the tip?

These conversations get awkward at the dock with a cooler full of yellowfin. Have them before you leave.

The fix: Agree beforehand: fish split equally, costs split equally, tips included in the shared cost. Simple, fair, no arguments.

---

What to Expect: Your First Day Offshore

5:00 AM: Arrive at the Dock

Get there early. You'll need to sign waivers, load your gear, and meet the captain and mate. Introduce yourself, mention it's your first offshore trip—good crews look out for beginners.

5:30 AM: Safety Briefing and Departure

The captain or mate will cover safety basics: where the life jackets are, what to do in an emergency, how to use the head (bathroom). Pay attention. Then the lines come off and you're heading out.

6:00-7:00 AM: The Run Out

This is when first-timers realize offshore fishing involves a lot of... not fishing. The run to productive water can take 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on your destination and target species.

Watch the water. Watch for birds (they follow baitfish). Watch for color changes and weed lines. The mate might rig baits during the run—watch and learn.

Take your seasickness meds if you haven't. The run out is usually the roughest part—the boat is moving fast and cutting through swells.

7:00 AM-12:00 PM: Fishing

Now it starts. If you're trolling, lines go out and you wait—watching the spread for the distinctive splash of a strike. If you're bottom fishing, the boat stops and baits go down.

When a fish hits:

• Stay calm
• Wait for the mate to give you the rod
• Keep the rod tip up
• Reel when you can, let the fish run when it needs to
• Follow the crew's instructions

Fighting a big fish is exhausting. Your arms will shake. Your back will burn. This is normal. Don't rush—a fish that's green (not tired enough) at the boat can break off or hurt someone.

12:00 PM: Lunch Break

Most trips pause for lunch during a lull in the action. Eat, hydrate, rest. Check in with yourself—how are you feeling? Sunburned? Tired? Sick?

12:00-3:00 PM: Afternoon Fishing

Action continues. By afternoon, you'll have a better feel for the rhythm. You'll understand when to be ready and when to relax.

3:00-4:00 PM: The Run Back

Lines come in and the boat heads for port. Clean up your area, help if asked, and enjoy the ride. This is when the stories start—who caught what, the one that got away, the big strike that happened when someone was in the head.

4:00-4:30 PM: Back at the Dock

The mate cleans your fish while you organize your gear. This is when you pay the tip—cash, directly to the mate. Thank the captain.

Then comes the logistics: getting fish into coolers, distributing the catch among the group, settling up expenses.

---

The Money Reality

First-time offshore anglers are often surprised by the total cost. A charter is just the starting point.

What's Included in the Charter

• Captain and mate
• All tackle and gear
• Bait
• Fishing licenses
• Fish cleaning

What's Extra

Example Reality Check

Quoted charter for 6 people: $2,200

Actual cost:

• Charter: $2,200
• Fuel surcharge: $200
• Mate tip (20%): $440
• Food/drinks: $80
• Ice and supplies: $40
• Total: $2,960
• Per person: $493

That $367 per person quote became $493 real fast. Know this going in.

Splitting Expenses

Someone books the charter. Someone buys the cooler supplies. Someone handles the tip in cash. Someone covers the gas station stop.

Track it as it happens. Not at the end, not two weeks later. Log every shared expense, photo every receipt, and settle up before you all scatter.

This is what Field & Tally is built for. One app, everyone logs their purchases, automatic splitting. No spreadsheets, no Venmo chaos, no "wait, did I already pay you for that?"

---

Surviving Seasickness

If you've never been offshore, you don't know how your body will react. Even people who've been on boats their whole lives can get sick in the wrong conditions.

Before the Trip

Take medication. Dramamine (may cause drowsiness), Bonine (less drowsy), or scopolamine patch (prescription, most effective). Take it the night before and again in the morning.

Sleep well. Fatigue makes seasickness worse.

Eat moderately. Not heavy, not empty. Eggs, toast, fruit.

Hydrate. Start the day before.

During the Trip

Stay on deck. Fresh air and a view of the horizon help. The cabin is where people get sick—enclosed space, engine fumes, no horizon reference.

Watch the horizon. Your brain needs visual input that matches the motion it feels. Looking at your phone or down at tackle sends conflicting signals.

Stay hydrated. Keep sipping water.

Avoid certain things: Alcohol (at least until you know you're fine), heavy foods, engine fumes, the cabin.

If You Feel It Starting

Don't fight it. If you need to throw up, do it over the side (downwind). You'll feel better afterward.

Lie down on deck. Some people recover by lying flat with their eyes closed.

Keep watching the horizon. Even from a lying position.

Ginger helps. Ginger candies, ginger ale, ginger anything.

The Uncomfortable Truth

Some people just get seasick. It doesn't mean you're weak or did something wrong—it's physiology. If you discover you're highly prone, future trips can be managed: larger boats (more stable), calmer conditions, shorter trips, stronger medication.

One bad day doesn't mean offshore fishing isn't for you. But one unmedicated day might feel like it.

---

Crew Etiquette

The captain and mate are professionals doing a difficult job. Here's how to be a good customer.

Do

• Introduce yourself and mention your experience level
• Ask questions—crews love teaching people who want to learn
• Follow instructions immediately
• Help where you can (clearing lines, staying out of the way)
• Tip appropriately (15-20% for the mate)
• Thank them sincerely

Don't

• Question their decisions about where to fish
• Touch equipment without asking
• Get in the way during fish-fighting chaos
• Complain about weather or slow fishing
• Skip the tip because you didn't catch anything

The Mate's Job

Your mate is working hard. They:

• Rig all the baits and tackle
• Watch lines constantly
• Hand you the rod when fish hit
• Gaff fish at the boat
• Keep fish fresh
• Clean all your fish at the end
• Maintain the boat between trips

They do this 200+ days a year, in heat, spray, and occasional angry customers. A good tip for good work is the right thing to do.

---

Your First Fish

At some point—maybe when a tuna destroys your drag, maybe when a mahi explodes from the water, maybe when a snapper starts that distinctive head-shake on the retrieve—you'll hook up.

The rod bends. The reel screams. The mate yells instructions. And suddenly you're connected to something wild in the deep ocean.

Here's what to know:

Keep the rod tip up. This keeps pressure on the fish and absorbs surges.

Reel when you can. Fish run, then rest. Reel during the rest, let them take line during the run.

Use your body. Big fish aren't caught with just your arms. Lean back when the fish runs, come forward while reeling.

Don't rush. A green fish at the boat is dangerous. Let the fish tire before bringing it close.

Trust the crew. They'll tell you when to reel harder, when to let the fish run, when it's close enough to gaff.

Then it's over. The mate swings the gaff, the fish hits the deck, and you're standing there breathing hard with arms that feel like jelly. You just landed your first offshore fish.

That moment—the chaos, the burning muscles, the disbelief at what just happened—that's what brings people back year after year.

---

The Catch Distribution Question

Before the trip ends, someone needs to figure out who gets the fish. This seems simple until there's 80 pounds of yellowfin and six people with different ideas.

Decide Before You Fish

• Is all catch split equally? (Usually fairest for group trips)
• Does the person who caught it keep it?
• Does everyone even want fish?

Practical Considerations

• Can everyone transport fish home? (Especially if flying)
• Does everyone have freezer space?
• What about wildly unequal catches? (One person caught everything, others got nothing)

The Simple Solution

For most group trips: split everything equally. You're splitting costs equally—split the rewards equally too. The guy who happened to be holding the rod when the tuna hit isn't more deserving than the guy who was in the head.

Decide this before you're standing at a cleaning table with coolers and knives.

---

Getting Fish Home

The charter mate will clean and bag your catch. Now you need to get it home.

Driving

Bring a quality cooler (not Styrofoam) and buy ice at the dock. Fish will keep 2-3 days on ice. Drain meltwater periodically and add fresh ice.

Flying

Airlines allow fish in checked baggage if properly packed:

• Freeze filets solid before your flight
• Pack in a hard-sided cooler
• Use frozen gel packs (not loose ice—airlines won't take dripping bags)
• Wrap everything in plastic bags
• Check weight limits and fees

Shipping

Companies can overnight fish anywhere. Expensive ($150-300+) but easier than hauling a cooler through an airport.

---

Quick Checklist

Before the Trip

• Book charter and confirm details
• Discuss expense splitting with your group
• Buy seasickness medication
• Get cash for tips
• Check the weather forecast

What to Pack

• Long-sleeve sun shirt
• Quick-dry shorts
• Non-marking boat shoes
• Polarized sunglasses
• Hat with retainer
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+, reef-safe)
• Lip balm with SPF

Bring for the Boat

• Cooler with water, sports drinks, lunch
• Seasickness medication (taken before departure)
• Snacks (crackers, ginger candies)
• Cash for tips
• Phone in waterproof case

Know Before You Go

• What time to arrive
• Where to park
• What species you're targeting
• Cancellation policy
• Tip expectations

---

Final Thoughts

Your first offshore trip won't be perfect. You might get seasick. You might not catch anything. You might catch a fish so big it changes how you think about fishing forever.

What you will get is a day unlike anything onshore. The endless blue water. The anticipation when lines go out. The chaos when something big hits. The exhaustion and satisfaction when it's over.

Millions of people do this every year—some making it an annual tradition, some turning it into an obsession. One trip doesn't make you an offshore angler, but it does let you know if you want to become one.

Take your meds. Tip the mate. Bring cash. Settle your expenses before you leave the dock.

And when that first fish hits—when the drag screams and the rod bends and suddenly you're connected to something wild in the deep—you'll understand why people wake up at 4 AM to do this again and again.

For more on offshore species, charter selection, and destinations, see our Ultimate Guide to Deep Sea Fishing.

---

Planning an offshore trip with your crew? Between charter costs, fuel surcharges, tips, and the random expenses that pile up, tracking who owes what gets messy fast—especially after a long day on the water. Field & Tally keeps the group honest and settles up with one tap, so you can focus on the fish, not the accounting.

Plan the trip. Land the fish. Split the tab. Start tracking your trip