If it is your first time to go deep sea fishing, then Shark Men or Deadliest Catch may probably be your sole reference point. But for those who are already considered as “regulars,” they know that part of the appeal of going fishing in the ocean compared to freshwater fishing is that you don’t know what you’re going to catch. In most cases, a day on the water is far more relaxing compared to what you used to see on TV shows. So before you go, we’ve provided a list of things you need to expect for this type of outdoor adventure.

Find a place where you can store your gear the moment you get on the boat. Avoid the temptation to drop whatever it is that you have with you on the deck. This area is almost always wet plus, the other anglers as well as the crew needs all the space they can get and that means you cannot just leave your things anywhere you want. Once that’s done, don’t forget to sign in on the manifest of the ship. Get to know the crew. If they ask you if you want a bag for your fish, be sure to answer yes. It only costs about $1 to $2. You will also be given a bag number, which you need to memorize. If you manage to catch a fish later, a deckhand will take the fish off the hook and ask you for the number of the bag where they’ll put it in. They will also ask if you want to join the jackpot which normally cost between $5 and $10 per individual to enter. You will win the jackpot if you catch the big fish. Seasoned anglers often catch more fish. But you can get lucky, too. Who knows, you might just get that one big fish. Every person that joins the jackpot needs to have their own bag. Don’t worry if you are renting a tackle because you will get it later on.