Inshore Versus Offshore Fishing: Which Is Better?

Trying to decide between an inshore trip or an offshore trip can be difficult because they offer drastically different experiences. Both of these trips are popular because they give you the chance to fight incredible sportfish and spend the day on the water, but the similarities end there. Finding an objective way to compare these trips is nearly impossible because it depends on your preferences. But, your preferences will likely make one of these trips better suited to you. To help you figure out which trip is right, let's dive in and look at what both of these trips bring to the table.

Offshore Fishing

Offshore fishing (or deep sea fishing) is a popular category of fishing that happens miles from shore while chasing the biggest sportfish in the world. This category of saltwater fishing takes place in deep water and provides anglers with unmatched action. Offshore fishing typically requires a boat ride of about 20-30 miles out, but can sometimes require closer to 40-60 miles of distance before you're ready to throw a line in.

If you're looking to find a deep sea fishing adventure that don't require an entire day on the water, locations like Hawaii or Cabo San Lucas are great options due to their close proximity to deeper waters closer to shore.

Within the category of offshore fishing, there are various subcategories, including different fishing styles and target species. The most common types of offshore fishing trips are trolling, drifting, and bottom fishing. If you're curious to learn more, read out guide on deep sea fishing.

Inshore Fishing

Inshore fishing is a broad category of saltwater fishing that takes place from the backwater estuaries to just beyond the jetties and beaches.This type of fishing shares fishing styles with nearshore and inland fishing because many fish species spend time in both environments.

Fishing along the coast or in the shallow backwaters offers nonstop action minutes from the dock. While bucket list species like snook, tarpon, and bonefish feed in the shallows during their migration, other popular sportfish like redfish and speckled sea trout live in these waters year round.

Inshore fishing is made up of sub-categories that come from targeting various environments and structures in shallow water. The most popular types of inshore trips include bay fishing. wading, jetty fishing, and flats fishing. Each type of inshore fishing can also be done using different fishing styles with casting, drifting, and bottom fishing being the most popular.

Inshore Versus Offshore: Which One Should You Choose?

When it comes to picking a fishing trip based on inshore versus offshore, the first thing to consider if your time restrictions. Time required for inshore and offshore trips can vary by location, but generally you'll need about 8 hours for an offshore fishing trip, while inshore fishing trips can be as shorts at 4 hours. So, if you're short on time or don't want to spend the whole day fishing, an inshore trip is the best option for you.

It’s also important to consider your experience level when picking a trip. Offshore fishing requires strong tackle to catch huge fish and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Inshore fishing is great for beginners because the tackle and fish have a shorter learning curve. Inshore waters also tend to be calm while offshore conditions can get pretty rough. If you get seasick taking an offshore trip can be risky because there’s a chance you will be sick while everyone else is having fun.

Book Your Next Fishing Charter Online

Choosing between an inshore and offshore trip can be a tough decision, especially if you're looking to get out on the water for the first time. At Captain, we make it incredibly easy to find, compare and book fishing charters, whether it's a deep sea or inshore adventure.

If you're still undecided on what type of trip you should take, give us a shout at (833) 227-8246 and we'll help provide you with the best option for your group.