New to Ocean Fishing

[carjunkie]

Gonna try some ocean fishing in the next few weeks. Got safety gear in tact or on order (rental EPIRB, lots of flares, Type 1s, extra VHF etc). Newer twenty foot CC with tow policy. Have the normal Ches Bay rock trolling gear and light tackle. Biggest rod is 40 - 60lb 6/0 Senator with a 114H spooled with braid. Have three 3/0 Senators with 320s and 306s (I think, brothers rod). What can I realistically try for, are Mahi out of the question? Heard Chicken Bone might be holding some, what bait or lures and methods should I try?

[sloth]

This weekend will be a little rough for a 20'CC. Mahi, skipjacks, & fat alberts should be your target with that gear. Troll some feathers with strip baits on 100lb. mono leaders. A BFT of any size will destroy the 320s. Put a Green Machine on the 114.

[rich daiker]

I agree with sloth.....its a rough world out there. You may want to try catching a ride on a bigger boat unless it is calling for 3' or less...also sounds like your gear is pretty light for most offshore fishing---not impossible, but light for sure.

[carjunkie]

It won't be this weekend. I may pick up another rod and reel, any suggestions? I'll certainly pick my day. Thanks for the advice so far.

[CaptNemo]

stay with the 6/0 senators/114 if you get another combo, can't beat them for the money, 20'cc your going to be extremely, limited on your days, look for 10kts max forecast the day of fishing and day before for that size boat...becareful

[gary49]

You can't beat the 6/0 Senators for the money. If you can pick up a Penn Mariner Stand-up rod, that is a good value as well, you don't really need roller guides. If you want to spend a bit more money, a Shimano TLD-25 will give you a lever drag reel, and is physically much lighter than the Senator, so a little easier on the angler.

[carjunkie]

Thanks. We'll be very careful.

[scott w]

if your gunna buy more gear. get a tld 25-30. ther big enough to stop a 100 pound fish and still won't break the bank. i bought a few of the offshore angler olm 25 rod and reel combo's from bass pro shops, $140 for the combo. a tuna will destroy your level winds...good luck!

[carjunkie]

The weather didn't hold for us. During our window of opportunity there were small craft advisories and 2 - 4 with 20mph winds every day. We did some fishing in the bay and pulled in a variety of species.