AS SEEN IN THE 2004 FALL ISSUE

I unexpectedly received a frantic call from Capt Mike Genoun on a typical sweltering South Florida summer day. I can’t remember his exact words, but he was talking a thousand miles an hour and I believe it went something like this: “Hey Bobby, a buddy of mine just called me on my cell. He’s six miles off beatin’ on 10 to 15 pound dolphin! Wanna’ go?” Other than having a sword trip scheduled for late that evening, my afternoon was clear, so my response was a quick “when & where?”

The next thing I knew, we were on Mike's ProKat leaving a white wash behind the screaming pair of Suzuki 250's. The 4-strokes made quick work of the six mile run to the fishing grounds. As luck would have it, by the time we arrived the main body of fish had diffused. Our hopes sank and we felt our best option was to drag some lures in the hopes of locating a few scattered fish. We quickly set 6 baits, and also deployed a Stripteaser. 

Minutes later, the right rigger popped, but that wasn’t what caught our attention. As the dolphin on the line broke the surface in the distance, Mike and I were astounded by what we saw next. Our dredge was trailing thirty feet behind the transom and we were amazed to see it completely surrounded by a school of curious dolphin. There must have been thirty fish investigating the pod of imitation baits! As we slowly glided forward, the inquisitive dolphin seemed to hold the bait, and our attention, captive as they surrounded the pod from all sides.  Even at this slow speed, the astute fish believed what they saw was real. In our rush to get out on the water we neglected to bring a camera but regardless, this was an unforgettable sight.

Every so often a revolutionary product comes along that redefines the sport fishing industry. Holographic fish teasers are such a product. For decades offshore anglers have utilized teasers to attract attention to their trolling spreads. Cumbersome spreader bars, bulky umbrella rigs, messy dredges, painted boat fenders, plastic birds; you name it and blue water fishermen have pulled it! Though all achieve results, who would have imagined a simple strip of clear vinyl and some reflective fish images would create an even deadlier illusion? 

These featherweight holographic fish teasers can be trolled directly on the surface or deeper in the water column. They can be fished off flat lines, outrigger clips, planers or downriggers. Their applications are only limited by your imagination. Holographic fish teasers are a cinch to rig and are available in individual strips containing up to 15 laminated fish. Each strip comes equipped with a convenient snap which quickly connects to your terminal gear. When you’re done fishing, unsnap, rinse with fresh water and put them away. That’s all there is to it.

Along with an enticing swimming action, holographic teasers create an irresistible display of flash and color that can be seen from great distances. A small conical plastic head leads the strips through the water, which not only leaves behind an inviting smoke trail, but allows the imitation fish to swim with a lifelike, mesmerizing motion. Add in the flexible characteristics of thin vinyl, and you can imagine just how realistic the reflective, flashing baitfish appear. It’s no wonder that any skirted lure or rigged bait trailing behind is bound to get whacked!

Individual strips of holographic fish can be rigged ahead of your favorite trolling lure, or a number of strips can be pulled on spreader bars or multiple arm dredges, creating the realistic illusion of a large bait ball. Trolled individually, there are no wires, cables, steel bars, or other pieces of bulky tackle to tangle or detract from the incredible lifelike swimming action. Holographic fish teasers work by triggering the aggressive nature in all pelagic species. Drag the strips behind your boat at 6 to 10 knots. All dolphin, billfish and tuna see is a frantic school of evading baitfish, followed by your ‘wounded’ hook baits. Predatory impulses instinctively take over and the fish charge the spread.

Since that outing, I’ve increased my catch ratio by including holographic fish teasers in my trolling spreads. I have also found that holographic fish teasers are particularly effective for enticing blackfin tuna, a species that is more often caught on live bait. Tuna have been appearing in my patterns substantially more often since the addition of the flashy teasers.

Thanks to modern day technology, holographic fish teasers are now putting smiles on the faces, and fish in the freezers of anglers from the Panhandle to the Florida Keys. Scientific studies have actually proven that holographic fish teasers increase strikes by as much as 200 to 300 percent! They so closely imitate schools of natural baitfish that you'll have trouble telling the difference yourself!

Due to their unique design, these flashy little teasers are easy to rig, extremely versatile and very effective! They’re lightweight and inexpensive, and create a tremendous amount of fish-enticing appeal. Get your hands on some holographic fish teasers and start experimenting. You won’t believe your eyes.

Game over!

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