Difference between inshore and offshore fishing

For all the folks new to charter fishing, you may ask, “What is the difference between inshore and offshore fishing?” Well, no problem because we are here to help you understand!

Of course, the main difference between the two is the depth of the water at the fishing location. In ocean or seawaters, inshore fishing is within a few miles from the shore. Estuaries and bays are popular inshore fishing spots as well. Offshore fishing is far from the shore, typically 20-30 miles out, in waters hundreds and thousands of feet deep.

Other than fishing locale, there are six criteria that help differentiate the two.

1.  The Boat

Inshore: small motorboats, canoes, and kayaks

Offshore: large sports fishing boats

2.  Weather

Inshore: consistent fishing year-round even with significant seasonal changes

Offshore: weather and time of the year often dictates what type of fish you will catch

3.  Expense of Fuel & Supplies

Inshore: shorter distances and durations, smaller boats and fish

Offshore: longer distances and durations (often overnight), larger boats & fish (more ice required)

4.  Tackle

Inshore: light tackle, live and dead bait

Offshore: heavy-duty equipment, large heavy bait

5.  Electronic Equipment

Inshore: While tracking devices are important with inshore fishing, it is minimal compared to that of offshore fishing.

Offshore: Includes 74-mile open radar (allows for travel and fishing at night), XM Satellite Radio & Weather, Chirp Sonar (technology used specifically for recreational fishing).

6.  Variety & Size of Fish

Inshore: Smaller varieties such as speckled trout, flounder, redfish (drum and sheepshead)

Offshore: Larger fish such as grouper, amberjack, mako sharks, blackfin, yellowfin, wahoo, marlin, cobia, snapper, dorado, king mackerel.

If you’d like to experience a fishing trip of a lifetime in Louisiana, contact us and reserve your fishing charter today!  Reach us at 504-909-8862 to book your fishing charter!