Summer is finally in full swing. That means it’s time to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.
There’s really no better way to enjoy nature than booking an offshore fishing trip. After all, saltwater game fishing provides the best chance for hooking a trophy fish and making memories that will last a lifetime.
This article takes a look at 9 saltwater sport fish every offshore angler should have on their list as they gear up. Keep reading to get the inside scoop on ocean game fish that will help make your next outing on the open sea as exciting as possible.
1. Bluefin Tuna
When it comes to a saltwater fish that will provide the ultimate battle of strength and wills, it’s hard to beat the bluefin tuna.
This is a huge fish and can be one of the most difficult to catch. The bluefin tuna is also considered among the most delicious game fish, with tasty meat that is especially prized in Japan.
If you are lucky enough to catch on these monsters, be prepared for the fight of your life.
2. Dorado
Dorado are also known as dolphin fish or mahi mahi. This is a gorgeous fish and is extremely fun to have on the line. Dorado can be found in many parts of the world and rank among the tastiest of all saltwater game fish.
They can be caught using medium tackle and sight casting, and are perfect for fish tacos after a long day on the water.
3. Giant Trevally
The giant trevally is large and fast. In fact, this is one of the most powerful game fish you are likely to encounter. Once hooked, it will give you a fight that you won’t soon forget.
Trevally is one of the most popular game fish on the planet, and for a good reason. It’s especially sought after in the Indo-Pacific region and can be caught using a wide variety of lures and baits.
4. Tarpon
If you’ve ever spent any time saltwater fishing, you’re likely already very familiar with tarpon. This game fish is large, fast, and is easily identifiable thanks to its chrome-plated appearance.
Tarpon typically ranges in length from 4 to 8 feet and can weigh as much as 280 pounds. These are extremely bony fish; thus they aren’t good to eat. But they are a total blast to battle once hooked on the open sea.
The experience of hauling in a tarpon is hard to beat. They jump high and won’t give up until they’ve given all they have. Tarpon can be found throughout the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as the Panama Canal.
Hooking a tarpon will provide the thrill of a lifetime, and will give you a story to tell friends for decades to come.
5. Wahoo
Wahoo might not be as big as some of the other saltwater gamefish on this list, but they rank among the fastest fish in the sea.
Their bodies are narrow and torpedo-shaped, enabling them to swim at unbelievable speeds. Wahoo meat is white and delicious, and most people compare the flavor of their meat to that of mackerel.
So also the wahoo isn’t the largest game fish that you’re likely to hook, it will still provide both a thrilling battle and a tasty dinner once the sun goes down.
6. Bonefish
Bonefish is another game fish that’s small in size yet extremely fast in the water. Once hooked, a bonefish will really turn on the afterburners and provide an impressive battle of wills.
This species of saltwater fish is common to coastal Caribbean regions, including the Florida Keys.
Thousand of saltwater anglers set out in search of bonefish, making it one of the most popular game fish found anywhere in the world.
7. Sailfish
No other species of wildlife on the planet is as striking in appearance as the sailfish. Considered an apex predator, this is one of the fastest fish you could hope to encounter.
In fact, sailfish have been known to reach speeds up to 68 mph. They are also powerful jumpers, making them one of the most exciting saltwater game fish to have on the line.
These gorgeous fish as located in the Pacific and Atlantic, and should rank at the top of any angler’s bucket list of must-have trophies.
8. Yellowfin Tuna
If you’re seeking the ultimate fishing challenge, yellowfin tuna might be just what the doctor ordered.
Long considered one of the fastest and strongest saltwater fish, few fishing experiences are more exciting than reeling in one of these bad boys. Yellowfin tuna ranks among the largest tuna species yet aren’t quite as large as the bluefin.
You’ll typically find yellowfin tuna along the eastern seaboard, the gulf coast, and in the Pacific near close to San Diego.
9. Blue Marlin
Almost every passionate angler has dreamed of someday catching a blue marline. These power saltwater fish are big, smart, fast, and powerful, making them one of the most popular saltwater game fish in the sea.
Fishing for blue marlin is a multi-million dollar industry, and it doesn’t take long to understand why. Just hook one of these monsters of the sea, and you’ll quickly find yourself hooked on the sport of deepwater fishing.
A Guide to the Trophy Fish to Look for When Saltwater Game Fishing
When the weather is warm, there’s nothing better than being out on the open water. And when you’re out where the water is deep, you’ll see quickly that saltwater game fishing is the ultimate sport.
Please feel free to contact us for a quote when you’re ready for your next boating adventure.