Fishing Techniqes we have learned along the way

BACK GROUND

Before we started cruising we had no idea what to expect, as far as fishing went.  We tried to read books on the subject, but they all seemed either too ‘vague’ or too ‘technical’. Like most things on the boat, we have learned, the simpler you can make things the better.

Since coming to the Pacific we have had to become better at getting big fish in.  Mahi Mahi from Pacific crossing.

WHAT DO YOU NEED?

If you are fishing for food, and not sport,  we have found your needs are simple.

(1) At least 25m of high test fishing line (100lb test min.)

(2) Hand reel, to store line without tangling.

(3) Small squid lures ( Red and black is always lucky.  Blues and greens have also been lucky).

(4) Protective gloves for your hands when bringing in line.

(5) Sharp filleting knife.

(6) A small bottle of horribly cheap alcohol.

(7) Bungy cord.

With a simple hand reel set up you can fish off the boat, shoreline or while sailing.

Because of the risk of CIGUATERA POISONING we have rarely eaten anything but pelagic species caught away from reefs on transits between islands.   The Western Caribbean is the exception to this rule, but in general, I would recommend avoiding reef fish without local knowledge.

In this blog we will share with you the set we use on our boat while sailing.

If we can do it, anyone can!

THE SET UP ON SPIRIT OF ARGO

Most of our fellow cruisers just use hand reels off the back of their boats.  There are some great set ups using bungý cords as shock absorbers on the internet.  This is the way to go if you have area on your boat.

We have a problem on Spirit of Argo.  She has davits,  a big dingy and a dive compressor all blocking access to the stern of the boat.

So we have added fishing rods and holders out each side so the lines go out the sides and clear the obstructions at the back. Even though we are using fishing rods, we still bring the line in by hand.  This is where the gloves come in handy.  One person brings the line in ‘hand over hand’ while the other person winds in the slack line.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP TENSION ON THE LINE or the fish can get off the hook.

Being dragged through the water at boat speed and reeled in, even the biggest fish are a little tuckered out.  But they can give you a little ‘last burst’ of fight aboard, so one person holds the fish down while the other slips a little alcohol into the gills.  The fish instantly stops.

PRESTO!

You have even a monster fish aboard safely and easily.

We keep a little bag at the back of our boat ready with gloves, alcohol and a small knife.

Using this technique our success rate has improved.

HOPE THIS HELPS OUR FRIENDS WITH THEIR FISHING EFFORTS!

Send us any of you questions, other set ups and successes and we will get back when we have internet access.

Remember: There is also a little luck involved in fishing too.