As a beginner to offshore fishing, there are several things for you to learn. It's a fun sport and something you will likely enjoy for several years to come. When you first start out, there are several tips you should consider. Here are the top five offshore fishing tips for beginners.

Get your License

If you want to go fishing with family or by yourself, you will need the right license. Even with some charters, you will need to be licensed in order to go offshore fishing. Make sure to contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to get the proper license for the type of fishing you want to do.

Follow the Weather and Tide Schedules

Weather can become dangerous, but it can also impact the fishing experience. Before you head out on the water, you want to make sure the weather is favorable and you want to check the tide schedules. The last thing you need is a safety issue due to weather on the ocean.

Know the Basics

As you get into offshore fishing, you'll learn several advanced strategies. However, as a beginner, you need to start with the basics, such as tying the proper knot and using the right equipment. Having a rod rigged up with a bucktail ready to go is a great choice. When you have a rod ready with a lure, you'll be able to cast for any type of fish quickly without taking the time to bait your rig.

One of the most important things a beginner can learn is how a bad knot can cost them the trophy fish they have dreamed of catching. The type of knot you tie will make a huge difference. You cannot allow for slippage and a bad knot tied tightly may be better than a good knot tied loosely.

Understand the Types of Fish

You want to know about more than just one type of fish when you go offshore fishing. This will help you to purchase the right type of tackle and bait for the fish you will be after. Understanding how the fish travel together and where they tend to go will help you to have more success out on the water. You can find out more on our Jacksonville Weekend Fishing Reports regarding what is biting now!

Keep Your Fishing Simple

Beginners to offshore fishing may be tempted to have several rods and rigs in the water at one time. This can lead to extra tangles and it can become confusing. Often, the extra dredges and teasers don't do much to help with the capture rate, anyway. Leave using multiple rigs to the experts and start off simple.

Offshore fishing takes time to master and you won't get it right every single time. Learning from other experts and heading out on the water with experiences offshore anglers is a great way to go from beginners to expert faster. Use these tips to get started and make sure you put safety as the number one priority. It's also a good idea to keep a log of your fishing expeditions including where you go, the weather, the tide, the fish caught and any other information. This can help you build your knowledge and give you something to reference in the future. Good luck!