Our Catch
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Bait and Switch
It’s no secret that one of the most effective ways to target marlin or sailfish is the bait and switch practices. This is simply trolling with many hook less teasers and pitching live ballyhoo's rigged with circle hooks once you’ve raised a fish. Bait and switch requires a little bit of teamwork and timing, but generally it’s pretty straight forward as long as you keep everything simple. We will run 2 teasers 15 yards off the back of the boat, and a long teaser at about 30 yards. In addition we will have two lines out with ballyhoo rigged with circle hooks on the outriggers, and one pitching reel out of the water for the flats (center and short area of the boat). The more teasers you add to the equation, the more confusion you bring for both the crew and the fish. When the sail or sails come, all hell breaks loose in a controlled matter. The Captain will have control of at least 1 to 2 teasers and he will call out the position of the fish. For example ‘’Left rigger’’, or ‘’right teaser flats’’ ,etc.From there the mate (or a guest!) will reel in the teasers as fast as possible while you release the ballyhoo on the way out and make the ‘’switch’’. The boat is moving at about 6 or 7 knots usually so the bait will make the exchange in a hurry. The fish will quickly become hot for the live bait and usually hit the ballyhoo with no convincing needed. Once you see the sail or marlin take the bait you will unspool the line for a 4 to 5 second count with your thumb lightly guiding the line out (please move your thumb back and fourth to avoid line burn), then you will lock the drag to strike, start reeling low and fast parallel to the water along the opposite side that the sail takes the bait. Remember you are aiming for the corners of the mouth when dealing with Bill Fish and number 7 circle hooks. This is where the softest tissue is, and in order for the circle hook to work properly this is your preferred area of choice. Now the fun begins as you will witness tail walks, and incredible out of water leaps by one of the most impressive game fish on the face of the earth. Please be careful, this type of Sport Fishing is habit forming and extremely addictive. Hints the reason why many of our clients are repeat bookings. Adios!
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