Well, since it's fresh in my mind, I need to post some things for us all to keep in mind when fishing long range. Some of these are repeated, as I have posted them on other sites from time to time. Don't get me wrong, I'm just back from a trip with a bunch of wonderful anglers. There is always room for improvement.
KITE FISHING : Granted, while kite fishing, you are in your own little world. Trying to watch your bait, which disappears from time to time behind the swells, listen to the kite master as to what you need to do to make your bait attractive to the fish, and dodge the other fishermen and wahoo and tuna coming over the rail.
Sounds pretty overwhelming, right?
Well, it is. Keep in mind the dividend could be a Giant Yellowfin Tuna!
Those reels get heavy, the time on the kite can get boring, glare in your eyes, but you have to remember there are 20 or so other anglers.
So, if you are on the chunking side, please remember those chunking will need to keep getting by to follow their chunks. Sometimes it’s very critical for those chunking, as they might be a victim of the boat swinging over the top of the line, and they need to clear the corner. Or they could get a bite, and have to get around or saw another fish off.
On the other corner, be in mind that is where the sardine, or bait fishermen make their casts. A little help from you, the kite angler, can make it easier for them to cast and fish. Bear in mind that there is no way to replenish the sardine supply. If you are in the way of them making their underhand or overhand casts, you are the culprit who is wasting bait! Don’t be a baitwaster!
Also, as they make their casts, sometimes just pointing your rod one way or another will allow them a nice area to make their casts without going over your line. Be considerant of the others around you, and it makes for a happier group.
BAIT FISHING: Probably the most used method on a trip, so make the most of it. When you walk up to the tank, if someone else was there before you, let them get their bait first. I’ve seen it time after time that one angler who is slow in his process of catching and pinning the bait on ties up the scoop and area, only to have someone else slide right in behind him, and take cuts. We are going to be fishing together for a couple of weeks, don’t take cuts. Don’t scoop up 4 or 5 baits, dump them in the handwell, pick one and fish it. Before long, well have every handwell loaded up, and those baits will be wasted.
On our trip, the current was running (when it ran, not nearly often enough) off the port corner. So the best way to present bait was to cast or lob bait off the starboard corner, try to get it away from the boat, and work your way across the stern. Starting at any other point was simply a mess. Don’t do it! There are also times when the current is running strong straight off the stern. Start at the outsides, and work your way into the middle. You cast in the middle, plan on losing your topshot and some spectra, as well as losing your friends.
While at the rail, watch the other anglers and their lines. If they need to slide by to stay straight, so be it! Let them by. I saw countless times where somebody didn’t want to let the angler slide by. By being stubborn, you are being a baitwaster.
JIG FISHING: Don’t cast into the stern where the bait anglers are working. Stay on the bow, or on the sides slightly forward of the bait fishermen’s lines. You drag them in; it’s a tangle, wasted bait, and perhaps a kinked topshot. Not cool, so try your best to avoid it. Once in awhile it happens. If so, let the angler know you picked him or her up, to allow them time to pick up the slack, and lessen the damage. And try not to do it again.
GENERAL STUFF: Unless you bring your mom or wife on the trip, and they pick up after you, pick up after yourself. There were times on this trip where you couldn’t get a seat on the benches, as they were loaded with rods. Finished with a rod, put it in the rack. Once in awhile, you might have a great chunk or bait on the line you want to save. And perhaps lunch or nature calls. Leaving it on the tank is ok for a short time, but try to make it a short time. Less clutter means a safer place to fish, less chance of your rod getting knocked over or the reel getting doused by a wayward hose.
Speaking of stuff, don’t bring your whole garage! It’s nice to have plenty, and being prepared is great, but lordy, 2 or 3 tackle boxes, a plastic bathtub or two with assorted junk, and 16 rods isn’t cool to your fellow fishermen. After installing your reels on your rods, put the reel boxes in your room. Keep your topshot containers in your room. Don’t leave clothes, spools of line, camera bags in the galley for days on end. The chefs have it tough enough; they aren’t your mother either.
I’m sure in the discussion that will follow; there will be more I missed. That’s fine. Point is, you are on vacation, but don’t be a Griswold!
