Just about the time when we might think we’ve seen technology as applied to fishing taken as far as it can go, something new and exciting pops up, and something new has arrived- the Starlink satellite internet system. Although an internet connection while on the fishing boat may be a new idea for many anglers, it seems beneficial for those who go far offshore in pursuit of the big hard-pullers of the deep blue water of the open Gulf of Mexico. While traditional internet systems often have trouble working well when taken offshore, there is a very interesting option for anglers to consider. Starlink for boats promises to give anglers who go far offshore the same kind of internet connection land-based systems do.
What Exactly is Starlink?
To understand the attractiveness of the Starlink systems for offshore anglers, we need to recognize that being offshore for most of human history meant that the angler was isolated and cut off from the land-based and maritime world. Of course, radio service helps, but most marine radios are limited in range.
Offshore anglers, just like people everywhere, need communication and information, and sometimes we need instant communication fast. That’s where Skylink comes in.
Starlink is a satellite constellation system built and launched by the SpaceX company that provides broadband-level internet access. With this service, SpaceX’s goal is to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet connections to parts of the planet that are traditionally underserved, like rural areas or offshore on the big blue water.
Customers connect to the satellites via a relatively small satellite receiver they install at home or for anglers, on their boat. These satellite terminals — the newest versions of which were approved by the FCC in November 2021 — can be installed anywhere there is an open view of the sky.
Key Benefits of Starlink for Boats
Before delving into how to use Starlink on a boat, it’s essential to understand why this service is so compelling for the maritime community: Here are some of the Starlink system’s benefits:
- Global Coverage: Starlink’s satellite constellation covers the entire globe, making it an excellent choice for boaters exploring remote and off-the-grid locations.
- High-Speed Internet: Starlink offers impressive download and upload speeds, even in areas where traditional internet options are scarce or unreliable.
- Low Latency: The LEO satellite network minimizes latency, making activities like video conferencing and online gaming feasible even on a moving vessel.
- Ease of Use: Starlink’s user-friendly setup and equipment make it accessible for boaters of all experience levels.
- Reliability: The redundancy in the satellite network ensures a robust and consistent connection, even during adverse weather conditions.
What Does Starlink Offer Offshore Anglers?
Capt. Adam Peeples with One Shot Charters, a very experienced and successful offshore captain who charters trips out of Destin, Florida tells us, “ Starlink is very helpful for those times when I need to be texting and also for keeping in touch with folks on shore. Once you get offshore, you have to have satellite service to communicate with others.”
Peoples adds, “ Starlink is very helpful for pulling up weather broadcasts or to contact Hilton’s for more information. And the Starlink system on my boat works better than the service I have at my house.”
”Setting up Starlink on an offshore boat is pretty straightforward. You mount a receiver on the boat- mine is on the tee-top, and then you have a router and a modem. You may have to use an inverter on your boat to power the system,” says Peoples.
As far as the cost of the Starlink system goes for an offshore angler, Peoples tells us that his system cost $2500 to get the hardware and set up and there’s a $250 monthly fee.
How About Working with Hilton’s?
One of the most reputable and effective information suppliers for offshore anglers is the Hilton’s Fishing Charts’ system based in Houston, Texas which provides a wide range of specific information to save time and fuel for offshore anglers.
Some of the specific information that Hilton’s provides anglers from its satellite system are surface temperature, altimetry, chlorophyll readings, bathymetric information, currents that are present, and salinity levels. All of these things can help anglers eliminate dead time on the open Gulf and instead find big pelagic fish much quicker and easier.
Tom Hilton tells us, “All of Hilton’s information is accessible on the Starlink system. Anglers can use Starlink for boats anytime and anywhere to download the latest satellite shots to help navigate to the best areas for pelagic fishing.” Hilton adds, “ Starlink works exactly as any land-based system.”
Hilton says, “Starlink is Elon Musk’s high-speed WIFI system which uses low-orbit satellites just like any other WIFI hotspot system. Starlink provides anglers with real-time weather data and real-time weather forecasting.”
Leveraging Sat2Nav with Starlink for Enhanced Offshore Navigation and Success
While Starlink provides a powerful internet connection for offshore anglers, pairing it with specialized tools like Sat2Nav takes the setup to an entirely new level. Developed by Thomas Hilton, Sat2Nav brings real-time updates and interactive navigation directly to compatible multi-function display (MFD) units, such as Garmin, Furuno, and Raymarine, via Starlink’s high-speed connection. The integration of Starlink for boats with Sat2Nav offers anglers a seamless, comprehensive toolset for offshore fishing.
With Sat2Nav, anglers can tap into Hilton’s dedicated online resources directly from their chart plotters, accessing critical updates on sea surface temperature, chlorophyll levels, water color changes, and other real-time oceanographic data essential for locating pelagic fish. By receiving real-time, location-specific data on conditions in the open ocean, anglers can plan optimal routes to reach highly productive fishing spots.
Sat2Nav Brings Multi-Source Data to the MFD
Hilton’s Sat2Nav also enables anglers to switch effortlessly between internet browsing and navigation. The system includes access to streaming services like ESPN and WhatsApp, allowing crew members to stay connected to fishing charts, or watch a football game! Sat2Nav’s split-screen function further enhances its value by displaying side-by-side comparisons of data from Hilton’s site, Roffs, and other sources. This allows anglers to see multiple views of key data points simultaneously, providing a deeper understanding of current conditions and improving their decision-making on where to target fish.
Hilton described Sat2Nav’s role with Starlink as transformative. “The ability to update your device with real-time data means you’re navigating based on the most accurate conditions, not yesterday’s or last week’s forecasts,” he explained. For offshore anglers who rely on precise navigation, this real-time adaptability can make a significant difference in fuel savings, time management, and overall fishing success.
Optimizing Offshore Fishing with Current Data and Historical Tracking
With Sat2Nav, anglers gain access to a rich set of historical data as well. By overlaying recent temperature or color-change data with imagery from earlier in the day, anglers can trace the movement of structures like temperature breaks or chlorophyll fronts. This allows them to gauge the speed and direction of critical fishing structures as they evolve, allowing for proactive route adjustments and better fishing efficiency. As Hilton put it, “The days of heading offshore and hoping to stumble upon fish are over. With Sat2Nav, you’ll know exactly where you’re going before you even leave the dock.”
For anglers using Starlink for boats, adding Sat2Nav makes the investment even more valuable. Sat2Nav’s annual subscription, priced at $260, typically pays for itself in fuel savings and reduced idle time, offering a substantial return on investment.
Is Starlink for Boats Right for You?
Probably the biggest consideration for offshore anglers considering a Starlink setup for their boat is the electrical consumption of the system. The satellite receiver itself is not overly large, and it can be mounted at any place on a boat that has a clear view of the sky.
Anglers installing Starlink on their boats will need to make sure that adequate electric power in the right form is ready for use. Starlink is designed to plug into AC power. On most boats, this means an inverter must be used to provide power from the house battery bank. The Starlink system then converts that power back to 48-volt DC internally to power its antenna. Starlink is already a massive power hog, and the added inefficiency of converting from DC to AC and back to DC only makes matters worse.
However, for many offshore anglers, the convenience and safety of Starlink for boats makes doing whatever modifications or hacks to successfully apply the equipment to their boat well worth the time and effort and expense.
