THE RIDE
THE OFFSHORE LIFE IN ANY WATERS
Best Offshore Fishing Spots for 2018!
We’ve compiled a list of some of the best local spots around the country to get your fish on. Have a spot to share? Let us know, and we will keep on building this list!
CORONADO ISLANDS, BAJA MEXICO
As told by Keith Humes, Regulator 28 owner in La Jolla, CA
What to fish for: Yellowtail is the prime pelagic target, but you never know what else you’ll find in the Islands.
How to get there: The Coronado Islands are just south of the San Diego border in Mexican waters. Head due south from Mission Bay or San Diego Bay at a 180-degree heading. In the right conditions the 20-plus mile ride cruising at 40 knots only takes about 29 minutes in my Regulator 28!
Best seasons: This is my go-to local spot year-round! Prime time is May to October.
Know before you go: Things you want to check before going to the Islands are: water clarity, water temp, and fish counts from the best local 3/4 boat, The San Diego FV. If all three of these are good, then your chance of success is very high. I use many different strategies when fishing for yellowtail in the Islands. Slow trolling live bait at 2 knots, trolling Rapalas at 5.5 knots, fly-lining live bait, iron/lure fishing into puddlers or working birds, dropper loop or Yo-Yo technique have all worked well. Enjoy!
THE POINT
As told by Scott James, Regulator dealer at Bluewater Yacht Sales in Hampton, VA
What to fish for: Mahi, billfish, and tuna.
How to get there: Make your way through North Carolina’s infamous Oregon Inlet, and from the OI sea buoy, head southeast on a course of 117-degrees for 35 miles. Running a Regulator 41 at 40 knots, this trip takes less than an hour (on the right day). Watch your bottom machine and you will see the depth plummet.
Best seasons: All summer long!
Know before you go: Oregon Inlet has a reputation for being rough, and that reputation is very well-earned. Your Regulator can handle it, but take extra care when running in and out – and if possible, follow a local boat, because they probably know where not to go. Summertime thunderstorms are common, so keep a watchful eye on your radar for weather. Bait-wise, rig a naked or skirted Ballyhoo, and hold on. Look for weed lines to enhance your chances of hooking up.
SOUTH PASS
As told by Keith Ammons, Regulator Marine Director of Sales & Marketing
What to fish for: A variety of species, all within an hour of each other – both inshore and offshore.
- Around the oil rigs: cobia and king mackerel in the spring; grouper, snapper, trigger fish, amberjack all year-round.
- Over the continental shelf: wahoo, sailfish, marlin, dolphin, and more!
- Around the docks in the evening: red fish and speckled trout.
How to get there: South Pass is where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico. You can put your boat in the water about two hours south of New Orleans in Venice – where the road ends. Head 20 miles south on the Mississippi to Port Eads (only accessible by boat). From there, the continental shelf is less than 10 miles south!
Best seasons: Year-round!
Know before you go: Port Eads has a marina, a grocery store, and dock space. It’s the last stop before heading offshore, and would be the place to stay overnight. The historic Port Eads Marina and Lodges, a true fish camp recently rebuilt after being devastated by Hurricane Katrina, is a great place to stay. While you're on land… don’t miss out on the gator meat and crawfish!
You can also hunt for wild boar or go duck hunting – right in the delta at Port Eads. In the fall and winter, many people duck hunt in the morning, fish during the day, then hunt some more as the sun goes down. No other place where you can do all of this on the same day!
CHESAPEAKE BAY
As told by Jim Dean, Regulator dealer at Bluewater Yacht Sales in Grasonville, MD
What to fish for: Rockfish (striped bass).
How to get there: Accessible from Maryland, Delaware, D.C., and Virginia.
Best seasons: From opening day in April until December 31.
Know before you go: To catch a nice rockfish, you have to keep a nice troll speed. The best way to troll is to go east to west. In the spring, rockfish can run over 40 inches long. A good fighting fish as well as a tasty fish!
HUDSON CANYON
As told by Jimmy Luttieri, Regulator dealer at Suffolk Marine Center in Babylon, NY
(Image credit: NOAA)
What to fish for: The main target fish is tuna: yellowfin, big eye, bluefin, and long fin. Marlin, swordfish, and mahi-mahi, too!
How to get there: Over 60 miles long and 7 miles wide, Hudson Canyon is the largest northeastern canyon. Head south of Long Island, or east of New Jersey, for some of the best fishing in the region!
Best seasons: You can start fishing as early as May depending on water temperatures, but usually it’s best late June until September. The season can go into November – again, depending on water temperatures.
Know before you go: The main thing to know before you go is what kind of bait is around, and how the fish are being caught. A recent report (usually no more than 12 to 24 hours old) will help with that. An example on the troll (what other trolling boats are catching) and if they’re catching on the chunk (during the day and at night) will also help you plan your trip.
THE ELBOW
As told by Keith Ammons, Regulator Marine Director of Sales & Marketing
What to fish for: This is a big game offshore fishing spot…marlin, sailfish, tuna, and dolphin are abundant.
How to get there: Head 60-70 miles southeast of Orange Beach, Alabama over the continental shelf, where the Gulf Stream currents collide with the Mississippi River and the Tombigbee and Alabama Rivers.
Best seasons: Late spring into the summer is best.
Know before you go: Orange Beach Marina is the No. 1 mid-sized marina on the Gulf Coast. It has some great condo rentals and world-class restaurants. But the real gem is Doc’s Seafood, a hole-in-the wall joint where the best and freshest seafood is served on paper plates!
OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND
As told by Scott MacDonald, Regulator dealer at Bluewater Yacht Sales in Grasonville, MD
What to fish for: Tuna, white and blue marlin, sailfish, wahoo, and mahi.
How to get there: Follow Route 50 east until the road ends. Hop aboard your boat, head east, and stop when you hit the canyons 50 miles offshore.
Best seasons: Troll from June through September.
Know before you go: Ocean City is home of the White Marlin Open, the Mid-Atlantic 500, as well as other tournaments just about every weekend. Join the Marlin Club for great food, great folks, and even better intel on where the fish can be found.
