1.
This simple method of rigging
a strip of fish or squid is surprisingly effective when fish
are "on the go". The main disadvantage of baiting like
this, particularly with soft baits, is that the bait is likely
to be pulled right off the hook by small, unwanted species before
a big fish comes along.
2. This is the first step to making a strip bait
more secure when the fishing is a bit slow, or, when the bait
is deployed at some depth where it may be inconvenient to check
it often.
The diagram shows the leader
being pulled right through the bait.
3. Next we fold the strip and impale the fold
with the point of the hook. Not too deep mind you because we
don't want to obstruct the gap between the point and the shank.
If we do this, then the hook becomes ineffective.
4. This is a more secure bait presentation. However,
some anglers may be deterred by seeing how proud the hook sits
out from the bait. But that is a situation which can be easily
remedied.
5 . The first step in making the hook appear less
conspicuous is to cut the strip off below the hook.
6 . Fold the cut section over tightly and impale
the fold.
7. Push the folded strip down into the curve of
the hook.
This is a very effective bait
presentation which substantially hides the hook without reducing
its efficacy. Its disadvantage is that the bait is inclined to
spin on the retrieve or when fished in a current.
The spinning bait problem is
substantially solved in deep sea presentations when the hook
is rigged on a twisted dropper loop which is far less inclined
to spin and tangle around the main line.
Tuna circles are probably the
best live baiting hooks ever designed. This is how to bait them.
1. Impale the bait fish sideways through the nose.
2. This is the finished bait. Note particularly
that the gap between the point and the shank is not obstructed.
Tuna flesh without any skin
on it, a handful of pipis, mussels oysters, pieces of craytail
and bait fish like slimy mackerel and pilchards which have been
frozen then thawed out again are soft baits.
We attach these soft baits
to tuna circle hooks using hosiery elastic which is sold in fishing
tackle outlets as Bait Mate. Here is how we bait up with a pilchard.
A slimy mackerel requires the same treatment.
1. Drive the point into the bait Just behind the
breast bone, but not too deep. Then push it forward and bring
it back out again.
2. Lay the leader alongside the bait with a strand
of Bait Mate, preparatory to commencing a binding down the bait
from the tail wrist.
3 . Bind the bait tightly all the way down to
the hook.
4. Then bind it all the way back again, continuing
right past the tail, then back to the tail wrist before snapping
the elastic so that it bites into the bait and will not come
undone.
These baiting methods ensure
excellent results with conventional hooks as well, but they are
particularly suited to tuna circles because they do not obstruct
the gap between the point and the shank.
