*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
Random Quote: I see said the blind man... as he picked up a hammer and saw.
can someone recommend some good reading for a noobie interested in offshore fishing? looking for what species off montauk, what gear, lures, techniques. Recieved a few PMs - thanks guys- looking for some more detail to educate myself. Will be going in my soon to be deliverd 26' Sailfish. I've fished for years with stripers, blues, fluke, etc. Need help with offshore.Thanx. Jim.
I haven't read a good book specifically about Offshore Fishing south of Montauk. The best reads about this specifically targeted area is probably Internet Forums like this one and Big Game Journal magazine.
There are tons of books out there. But internet forums are more specific to one area or another. If you have some specific questions ask away....
But a primer is
Species: four types of tuna (Blue fin, Yellow fin, Big eye, Albicore), Many types of sharks but the popular ones are (Blue, Mako, Thresher, Tiger) Two types of Marlin (Blue and White), Wahoo, Mahi-mahi...
Gear: 30 and 50 class internation type reels are the "normal" ones. You can go cheaper, but if you get addicted, you'll go with the "gold" style reels.
Techniques: Structure and Temperature Breaks... chunks at night and troll during the day... trolling speeds 4 to 8 knots....
Lures: A million... but some classics are Greem Machines, Ilanders, Zuker Feathers.... definately spreader bars (feathers and plastic squid)
I should have pretty much drained your banks account by now.... Use the "search" feature here. It has answers to most of your questions.
More about the old days on the East End - commercial baymen, commercial striper fishing some offshore stuff. No so much about technique, more about the life but one of the best reads. On my all-time favorite list. Men's Lives by Peter Matthiessen.
Read through this, ask questions on here and other boards, and you'll be set to go.
You do not need $1000 of equipment, like all Penn Intl's 50-80 etc. You can do fine with some shimano TLDs, Penn 6/0s. Use some braid to get more yardage and mono topshot.
Saltwater Fishing Guide by Capt. Pete Barrett. Should be available at a large tackle shop. Or try The Fisherman Library at 732-295-8600 or The Fisherman at 631-345-5200. They also have a New England publication probably available in any tackle shop to get a local number. Ask if they have anything by Capt. John Raguso who writes regularly on the subject with a lot of detail and good information. Or try jraguso@thefisherman.com to see if he has put a book together or what he would recommend.
Northeast Guide to Saltwater Fishing & Boating - Vin Sparano
Fishing the Mid Atlantic - Lenny Rudow
For entertainment, check out "A Crew of One". This guy, Carlos Bentos, fishes sucessfully for marlin by himself
I also recommend attending the Canyon Runner seminar. I just went to the 1 in Annapolis & thought it was very well done. There is 1 in Newport, RI this Saturday
recommend good reading.. 
