MAY/JUNE 2010

Still confused over lure head designs and proper placement? Read on so you, too, can pull the ultimate spread.

No matter how jaded you are, there are few visions that provide as much of an adrenaline rush as an aggressive game fish rising to the challenge and viciously striking a vibrant trolling lure. In order to be consistently successful, competitive big game crews are meticulous in regards to the preparation and deployment of these incredible fish enticements, and you should follow suit.

Trash or Trophy

Within the realm of recreational sport fishing there are several species commonly referred to as trash fish. Bonito, triggerfish, houndfish, ladyfish, catfish, toadfish and lizardfish are all deserving of this discriminating distinction. The common denominator among these less than magnificent predators is their severe lack in food value. But what about bonefish? They have absolutely no food value and yet a 10-pound bone is considered a true trophy. Held on a high pedestal anglers go crazy in hopes of connecting with a double-digit flats ghost.

Some boat designs claim to raise fish. The almighty express, a proven configuration that has been in existence for decades, has a successful track record that clearly speaks for itself. A favorite of charter crews and seasoned anglers worldwide, an express features a wide open cockpit ideally suited for hardcore blue water fishing, with the benefit of a roomy interior loaded with the features and amenities you'd expect to find in a larger yacht.

There is much more to a stand-up rod belt than what meets the eye. We took a close look at a number of the leading models, and this is what we learned…

Step into the cockpit of any well-equipped sportfisher, regardless if it's a tricked-out outboard-powered center-console or turbo diesel battlewagon, and there is certainly one accessory you will find ready, waiting, and always within easy reach—a stand-up rod belt.

You see green. I see GOLD!

While offshore fishermen are extremely opinionated, there's certainly one thing we can all agree on—the shear popularity of dolphin. Five or 55-pounds, everyone loves them. These fast growing, relatively short-lived carnivores are abundant in tropical and subtropical seas throughout the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. They are routinely taken in the Gulf of Mexico, throughout The Caribbean and as far away as the Mediterranean and Sea of Japan.

Visit your local newsstand or bookstore and thumb through the pages of the current saltwater sport fishing publications. You'll likely be floored by the visual overload of frontier fishing destinations claiming to be the next blue water Holy Grail. While intriguing they are, it is an unfortunate fact that most of us won't ever have the opportunity to visit these fantasy destinations. As Floridians we're lucky. One thing we have in our favor is a prime location with easy access to the amazing island archipelago of the nearby Bahamas. Lets face it, the action won't rival a full moon bite in St. Thomas, but for quality shots at billfish and a wide assortment of secondary opponents, The Bahamas can't be beat.

Photography: Steve Dougherty

Mission Objective: Investigate & Reveal

Have you ever wondered what goes into producing the tackle, gear and accessories we use today? Anglers and boaters often take for granted the tremendous effort it requires to engineer, design and manufacturer the countless components that combine to enhance our on-the-water experiences. You name it, and somewhere in Florida a team of skilled craftsmen are dedicated to producing the finest equipment for our use. We wanted to learn more about these professionals and about the products they specialize in. We're confident that you, too, will be fascinated with what we discover in our ongoing investigation.