Deep-sea fishing is a chance to feel the adrenaline of catching a fish while riding the wild waves of the sea and experiencing the mystery of what might bite on the other end. Will you catch a red snapper, mahi-mahi, or will you hit the jackpot with something more exotic?
While an afternoon of deep-sea fishing alone is nice, you may find yourself thinking how magical it would be to see the wonder on your child’s face when they catch their own fish. First, you have to find out what the limit for deep sea fishing is.
The Limit for Deep-Sea Fishing
Like anything that relies on certain safety measures, deep-sea fishing has its rules and limits. They aren’t there to bar people from having fun, they only want everyone to be safe while having a great day on the water.
The first thing you have to do is find out if there is an age limit to deep sea fishing and who enforces those limits.
Age Limits for Deep Sea Fishing
If you’re setting off from the U.S. Gulf coast, you have to go by state. For instance, in Alabama, the rules might differ from a coastal town in Texas or Louisiana. Here, the age rules for being on a fishing boat don’t apply.
Additionally, there aren’t any state height limits for having your child on a boat. You’ll need to speak to a representative of a children’s fishing charter to see what their height and safety regulations are.
Age Limit for Fishing License
In most states, there are rules and regulations for fishing with or without a fishing license. The same goes for fishing on the Gulf, and you’ll need to research each state’s limit for deep-sea fishing.
In Alabama, the fishing license rules are simple and to the point. Anyone sixteen years of age or older who wants to be on the deep-sea fishing boat has to have a fishing license. Anyone under the age of sixteen who wants to fish does not need to have a license.
Other Things to Consider Before Taking A Child Deep-Sea Fishing
No matter your child’s age, it’s still critical that you follow all safety procedures when you have a child on board. Make sure they wear their life vest and keep them close so they don’t wander too close to the boat’s edge. Keep a hold of them while they hold a fishing pole so they don’t get dragged into the water if they catch a large fish.
Something else to consider is your child’s attention span. The idea of having them on the water with you sounds great in theory. As excited as you are about the picture you have in your head, does their disposition match it? You have to be honest with yourself about whether they can handle the lull before the big catch.
Get Out There and Fish
Now that you know everything you need about the limit for deep sea fishing, it’s time to take action. Charter your boat and gather the family for a Gulf adventure they won’t soon forget!
