Reeling in Memories: A BOSS Korea Deep Sea Fishing Adventure off the Coast of Korea
- Robert Gault
- Jul 3
- 5 min read
BOSS, Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers, is one of those things you don’t realize you need until you go on your first trip. It’s a chance to get out of the barracks, see new places, and do things you might not normally get to do, like fishing off the coast of Korea or exploring local culture with people who get what military life is like. There’s something about being out there with other Soldiers, sharing laughs, learning something new, and just enjoying a break from the routine that makes these experiences stick with you.
I had no idea what to expect when I signed up for my first BOSS trip ever, but let me tell you about my experience deep-sea fishing in South Korea. Fishing expeditions have an early wake-up call. I left my barracks at 0335 and got on the bus that was waiting at the walk-out gate around 0400. From the walk-in gate, we traveled to the coastal city called Sinjindo-Ri just west of Taean. Here we found our boat at the port and made our preparations to get started.
Setting Sail with BOSS Korea: Starting Our Deep Sea Fishing Adventure
From there, we took the boat out to sea. It was a good thing I packed a jacket because the boat was moving quickly over the water, and the early morning air felt very cool as we made our way out into open waters. It was nice to watch the sun rising as we rode out into the deep blue waters of the Yellow Sea, also known as the West Sea by Koreans. It was very exciting to have the opportunity to catch some fish, as well as get to know some fellow service members.
Learning the Ropes of Deep Sea Fishing in Korea
To make sure we all had a successful fishing experience, everybody was shown a tutorial on how to set up our lines the proper way by the boat captain and some of the crew. We grabbed our fishing rods and added a weight for the line to be able to sink. Next, we added the bait. It was very easy to add to the hook as the bait was precut little pieces of bait that looked like strips of gum and felt a little bit slimy and cold. If someone couldn't add bait to their hook, the boat's help did it for them, and they were very helpful. From here, we all dropped our first lines of the day, hoping for a big catch!
The First Catch: Experiencing Deep Sea Fishing for the First Time with BOSS Korea
The first time I reeled in my line, there was actually a tiny little fish on the hook, but being as it wasn’t big enough to bring home, I said my goodbye to the fish and threw it back into the water. It was an exhilarating feeling waiting for the fish to grab my line.
Immersed in Nature: The Beauty of Fishing off the Korean Coast
Our fishing location was very scenic. The boat was positioned just between a few islands offshore. Hearing the sounds of the waves hitting the rocks on shore was delightful. Hearing the birds squawking as they were flying overhead, the weather was very nice, and I was even able to take my jacket off to enjoy the breeze.
BOSS Korea Support: Comfort and Camaraderie on the Water
The BOSS representative was very helpful in the whole process, checking in with everybody to make sure everything was going well. The boat even had a nice little room with blankets and pillows if you wanted to take a nap or lay down for a bit. Taking photos and videos of the expedition was allowed and encouraged. Every participant was capturing beautiful photographs for memories of the trip.
The Action Picks Up: Deep Sea Fishing Heats Up off Korea’s West Coast
Our fishing expedition was slow at first, but eventually fish began to bite. When somebody would catch a fish, it was motivating for everybody else who had their lines in the water. Every once in a while, the boat would make a sound which signaled us to reel in our lines. The boat would then move to a different spot so we could try and catch fish in different areas. Occasionally, we could see other boats of people fishing and would wave at the fellow fishermen trying to catch something as well. Eventually, around noon, there was lunch which was served to everyone on the boat. Our lunch consisted of a tasty ramen dish and also included a few different sides; there was also rice that was served.
Local Sea Life in Korea: What We Caught on Our BOSS Fishing Trip
It was interesting to see all the different types of fish that people were catching. Having no idea before the trip what local fish were in the area, it was fun to see all the different species people were hooking on their rods. The most common fish people were catching were flounders, which are bottom feeders that lie flat on the bottom of the ocean, almost like a dinner plate, along the sand. There were also some marbled rockfish, as well as some eels that were caught.
Catch and Keep: Bringing Home Fish from Our Deep Sea Adventure in Korea
If you caught any fish, you were permitted to keep them. As you caught fish, the Captain had us put them in a small red bucket, which we filled with water so the fish would stay alive until we got back to shore. Then you could choose to take it home and eat it or throw it back into the ocean.
Peace and Reflection: Why Deep Sea Fishing in Korea Is a Must-Try BOSS Experience
Spending time on the ocean was nice. It helped me to really enjoy nature and be in the moment with my thoughts. Around 1500, we headed back to shore, which was bittersweet. Part of me wanted to stay, but I also wanted to cook my freshly caught flounder at home. Thinking of all the different ways I could cook the fish flooded my mind. Eventually, I decided on frying the fish with some mustard and flour and serving it with some white bread and tartar sauce. As I thought about it, I could already imagine the taste.
Wrapping Up the BOSS Korea Deep Sea Fishing Trip: Final Thoughts and Takeaways
Once back on shore, I put my fish in a bag and got some ice from the store to ensure it was fresh and sealed on the bus ride home. Everyone who caught a fish held them proudly as we smiled for a photo on the dock, laughing about the amazing day we had all spent together.
After stopping once for a break to stretch our legs, we were able to get back to Humphreys' walk-out gate around 1700. Everybody signed out and said our goodbyes, and I headed back to my barracks with my flounder.
Overall, the trip was an amazing experience where I got to meet new people and try new things. If you have been debating joining a BOSS trip activity, think no more! Just sign up at your local BOSS, you won’t be disappointed. I plan on attending more BOSS trips in the future whenever I get the opportunity to do so again!