When Traditional Enticements Come Up Short, Competitive Crews Look To Dredge Teasers To Pick Up The Slack.

With sailfish season in full swing, you’ve likely already connected with a few of these majestic predators. And while your typical trolling techniques may be producing, why not spruce up your spread with a lifelike baitball?

There’s no denying the fact that rigged-mullet are highly effective offshore offerings, however, it is safe to say that these are some of the most underutilized baits of all finfish species. Often taking the backseat to ballyhoo – which can be rigged and acquired with relative ease – mullet are highly regarded among tournament professionals, as they account for numerous strikes from trophy-fish each season.

Two kites are better than one, as long as you can stay out of trouble.

Kite-fishing is far from a new concept, as primitive anglers around the world have been utilizing makeshift fishing kites for centuries. Indo-Pacific island tribes created fishing kites from large banana and breadfruit leaves threaded with thin strips of bamboo, while others used wide strips of palm leaves sewn together with vegetable fibers. Thankfully, technological advancements have led to user-friendly designs that can withstand the elements better than a brittle leaf.

Though soft baits are most commonly associated with inshore casting baits, they very much have an effective spot in your arsenal offshore. Their soft, fluid action presents an extremely lifelike action that I argue is even more natural than rigged dead-bait. Don’t forget that mother-nature builds in the action to a real baitfish. Soft-baits are ergonomically designed to swim as the pull through the waters.

Advancements In Outrigger Technology

Outriggers have been an essential ingredient in offshore fishing for decades, yet the task of selecting and installing the numerous components that create the perfect combination of optimal performance and presentation still troubles many. While modern outriggers often come standard on new boats with user-friendly packages, many choose to upgrade beyond out-of-the-box kits.

It doesn’t matter if you enjoy drifting and dreaming for broadbill swordfish on the 50/50 line, chasing yellowfin tuna on the other side of the Gulf Stream, or trolling for blue marlin in The Bahamas, targeting powerful pelagic predators is far from child’s play and requires the proper rigging techniques and serious tackle maintenance.