For
simplification of discussion I shall only address the use of six types of
live bait at this time. The first of which might be the most favored of
the offshore fishermen. The goggle eye may be the most preferred by those
in quest of the sailfish. The bait is often bridled through the eyes and
suspended from a kite as well as drifted behind the boat on a flat line.
You may employ the same techniques while slow trolling. Practically all
species of game fish will respond favorably to this method of presentation.
The bluerunner, though not quite as desirable as the goggle eye, is far
more durable, and will stay lively for a longer period of time, under more
trying circumstances.
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Capt. Ralph Delph throwing cast net on
pilchards in Key West.
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One of
the most favorite baits that I use is the threadfin herring. When hooked
behind the head, it will swim up and down in the water column and would
appear to search for the predator, however, it must periodically be replaced
with a fresh bait. It is not a hearty bait and will succumb to abuse from
overcrowding, rough seas, or mishandling. I use this bait for offshore,
wrecks, reefs, and gulf fishing and if I had to use only one live bait,
this would be it.
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Live bait is the bait of choice for saifish.
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Pilchards
are one of the most favored baits in the Key West area. They are readily
available during the winter months
and they suffice for both chum and bait. A large number of pilchards are
collected and taken offshore where 6 or 8 at a time are thrown into the
water. As they head off in different directions, a circle of chum develops,
with the boat at its center. When schools of predators begin working the
area, they are drawn to the central area where the bait is the most concentrated.
A pilchard is used for bait and the strike is nearly instantaneous. Pilchards
also make an excellent bait for most of the bottom dwellers. Pinfish, though
not as desirable as most of the aforementioned, make a fairly good offshore
bait. They are readily available even when most other baits are impossible
to find, and they are a very hearty bait. They can be kept for weeks with
only
an occasional feeding.
As the pinfish spawns in large schools in the open blue water, it is no stranger to the pelagic species of the offshore, and it is quickly consumed by most of the bottom dwellers. In Key West the bait of choice is "Live Bait".
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Live pilchard hooked through nose for live
bait.
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