Navigating Offshore Coordinates: The Art and Etiquette of Finding Your Own Fishing Hotspots
When it comes to offshore fishing, there’s one question that inevitably pops up in every discussion: How do I find the best fishing numbers? For many saltwater anglers, having a cache of GPS coordinates that lead to prime underwater structure or artificial reefs can be the difference between a forgettable day on the water and the trip of a lifetime. But as any seasoned offshore fisherman will tell you, simply snagging a set of coordinates isn’t always enough—and the etiquette of sharing and using those spots can be complicated. Below are some insights on building your own numbers library, verifying their accuracy, and mindfully collaborating with other anglers—along with a few tried-and-true resources you can turn to for guidance.
1. Building Your Own Library of Spots
a. Start with Publicly Available Resources
Even if you’re new to offshore fishing, there are plenty of starting points. Government agencies and conservation groups often maintain lists of artificial reefs or known wrecks, complete with coordinates. By beginning with a few public “community holes,” you’ll learn not just how to navigate, but also how to read charts and interpret offshore structure.
- The Hang Book: Popular among anglers in certain regions (particularly the Gulf Coast), this compilation of coordinates includes known reefs, wrecks, and other offshore “hangs” that hold fish.
- NOAA Wrecks and Obstructions Database: A searchable online database of thousands of known wrecks and underwater obstructions, which you can download and add directly to your own charts or mapping software.
b. Use Your Electronics
Once on the water, rely on your fish finder, GPS, and navigational charts. Keep a keen eye out for changes in bottom contour, bait concentrations, or submerged structures. Mark each spot on your GPS, and always save those waypoints. Over time, you’ll compile a personalized list of productive sites that no one else can replicate.
c. Explore and Experiment
Part of the thrill of offshore fishing lies in discovering new waters. Don’t just rely on numbers—drive around, watch your sonar, and try drifting over different areas to see if they hold fish. It might take extra effort, but forging your own path means you’re less dependent on someone else’s numbers.
2. Verifying Accuracy and Conditions
a. Check and Recheck
Coordinates can be mistyped, shared incorrectly, or saved with different coordinate formats (for example, degrees-minutes-seconds vs. decimal degrees). Make sure you confirm the format on your electronics. If a spot seems off, cross-reference the numbers on an online map or a chart-plotting application before heading out.
- Online Charting Websites: Tools like Navionics WebApp or NOAA’s online chart viewer let you plug in coordinates to double-check their location.
b. Account for Seasonal Factors
Just because a reef or wreck was loaded with snapper one season doesn’t guarantee success year-round. Water temperature, currents, and bait availability will shift. Keep notes in your log about the season, water clarity, and depth so you can return during prime conditions.
c. Continual Logging
Each trip out is an opportunity to refine your numbers. If a coordinate doesn’t pan out, remove it or mark it accordingly. Likewise, if you discover a new honey hole, document all relevant details. Accurate record-keeping is the key to building a truly valuable library.
3. Sharing and Etiquette
a. The Value of Hard Work
Many anglers hold their best spots close to the vest—and for good reason. Finding productive offshore numbers requires time, fuel, and effort on the water. If you receive coordinates from another angler, treat that information with respect. Avoid broadcasting it to every fisherman you know.
b. Trading Is Common, but Tread Carefully
Some fishing buddies swap numbers or arrange reciprocal deals (e.g., you share your favorite reef coordinates, they share their top snapper spots). Always clarify expectations before handing over your data. Are these numbers for that person’s personal use only? Will they give you something of similar value in return?
c. Respect the Resource
Hot spots can be easily overfished if word spreads. Using a spot responsibly means adhering to bag limits and size regulations—and encouraging others to do the same. Overharvesting from a known location not only diminishes the fishery but also strains relationships among anglers.
4. Best Practices for Offshore GPS Navigation
-
Multiple Backup Systems
Don’t rely on a single device. Have a backup GPS or at least a paper chart in case your main unit fails. Waterproof notebooks or phone apps can also help preserve your notes. -
Waypoint Organization
Group waypoints by type of structure or target species. This helps you navigate quickly and switch locations when one spot isn’t producing. -
Mark Depth and Conditions
Adding depth, bottom composition, and water temperature to each waypoint can help you recall the best times to fish that specific location (e.g., “Wreck—80 feet—summer kings”). -
Stay Flexible
Conditions change rapidly offshore. Be open to moving if your numbers aren’t producing, and keep a list of backup spots. Sometimes, an unplanned drift over a seemingly empty seafloor can lead to a new honey hole.
5. Useful Resources for Finding and Managing Coordinates
- The Hang Book: A classic print resource for Gulf Coast anglers (and beyond) listing known “hangs” like wrecks, rocks, and reefs. Often region-specific and updated regularly by local anglers.
-
NOAA Wrecks and Obstructions Database:
https://www.nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/data/wrecks-and-obstructions.html
Contains thousands of wrecks, reefs, and obstructions with coordinates that you can import into many chart-plotter or navigation apps. -
Navionics WebApp:
https://webapp.navionics.com/
A detailed online chart that shows bathymetry, bottom contours, and user-generated markers. It’s a great way to cross-check your coordinates or explore new areas. -
State Artificial Reef Programs:
Check your state’s fish and wildlife or parks and recreation website. Many list official reef coordinates along with guidelines on how to fish them responsibly. -
Online Fishing Communities:
Websites and forums like 2CoolFishing, TheHullTruth, or local Facebook groups can provide tips, although be mindful of etiquette when asking for or sharing coordinates.
6. Finding Your Sweet Spot: Balancing Community and Solitude
Offshore fishing is as much about community as it is about solitude. The camaraderie built through exchanging tips, occasionally sharing a productive coordinate, or simply chatting about fishing tales can be part of what makes this sport so enjoyable. At the same time, there’s a unique satisfaction in hitting a remote patch of bottom structure you discovered through your own research and skill.
If you’re new to offshore fishing, start small. Use public spots, refine your electronics skills, and stay observant for anything that hints at undersea action. Before you know it, you’ll be building a robust list of numbers that’s all your own—numbers that will keep your cooler full and your fishing stories even fuller.
Final Thoughts
Finding, verifying, and using offshore coordinates is both an art and a science. It requires diligence, research, and a willingness to put in hours on the water. Whether you’re collaborating with fellow anglers or blazing your own trail, always remember that the ocean is a shared resource. Treat it—and the trust of your fellow fishermen—with the respect they deserve, and you’ll enjoy fruitful offshore excursions for seasons to come.
