bought new offshore boat, looking for fishing tips

[fish raptor]

from the few posts I just got I realize I already made a big mistake. I should have mentioned....

I had a 26 foot Formula power boat for years. Took the coast guard coarse and have all the safety equipment. Just bought the top of the line Icom hand held with GPS and the most important DSC feature which at the push of a button signals distress call and give all rescuers your GPS coordinates. if dropped overboard the handheld Icom floats, swauks and flashes strobe. I can back, front and sideways and am always over cautious. purchased Boat US insurance with unlimited towing. I plan on taking the Coast Guard corse again just for giggles as it was 1980 when I took it last and insisting my girlfriend comes along too so she is as prepaired too. I know my first post painted me a as a zealous newbie with full throttle ahead, stereo blasting and a cold beer in one hand while I adjust my Super Striker fishing cap with the other, but that is not the case, BUT I do appreciate the heads up and concern. Just want to get to be a great offshore fisherman as fast as possible, safely.

[nightfighter]

Not a big mistake. At least you have witnessed what we see over and over again. The sea can instill humility very quickly. I have sat in my den after 4th of July fireworks and heard guys on the radio asking for help to get home in the dark......
As for steepening the learning curve for your offshore fishing, get some locals to join you or travel with another boat. Depends on what you really want to gear up for. I am a geographically undesirable as far as your location, but there will be some here very local to you come June. (Besides, given last season, I think I have forgotten all I ever knew about fishing.....)