Live Lining Bluefish For Mako
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retriever, it depends on the size of the Bluefish, if all I am catching are VERY large ones, I will use a bridle, however my preference is for a single hook through the back on a medium size fish. Even a 100lb class shark can inhale a Bluefish without any problem, however, I think the traditional bridles may actually hinder his effort to inhale the bait cleanly in 1 effort. If the Bluefish is a little too active, you can trim his tail with sissors.
I have never used live Flounder, but have used whole dead Fluke.
MakoMatt
(This post edited by MakoMatt on 02/07/2003)
I have never used live Flounder, but have used whole dead Fluke.
MakoMatt
(This post edited by MakoMatt on 02/07/2003)
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Bridle is the only way I go!
In that past, I tried the hook in the back, the hook in the dorsal, or even in the shoulder. After loosing a few fish, I swore I would never take the easy way out again.
Now I take the time to "bridle" all live bluefish. Keep in mind, I only have a 24-foot boat, so I am talking about livies that I catch while sharking, not the 1-5 pounders from inshore. I dont have a livewell big enough (or the ****pit space) to get them out to the deep. Therefore, I am talking about bigger blues, 8-15 pounds.
Each bridle starts with a sampo ball-bearing swivel, then has 10 feet of 475 cable connected to a sampo ball-bearing swivel which is connected to (2) 5-foot wire leaders and then, of course, two mustad "straight" hooks. The first hook goes into the tail & the second goes into the soft meat behind the "gums." Place the hook pint itothe crease behind the "lip" and you see a thin layer of soft tissue ~ go in one side and out the other.
Basically, the fish needs to be able to SWIM NORMALLY! I experimented with shorter wire leaders ~ 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet ~ but the fish died within 1 hour. The two five foot leaders keep him swimming around for hours ~ but I hope it doesnt take that long! I have had on on from 8 am to 4 pm ~ kicking around like nothing was wrong. Contrary to that, in this year's BAY SHORE MAKOMANIA ~ we live-lined a blue at 8:08 ~ mako on at 8:27! 3RD PLACE!
Haven't lost a fish since!
(This post edited by Makoman16 on 02/07/2003)
(This post edited by Makoman16 on 02/07/2003)
In that past, I tried the hook in the back, the hook in the dorsal, or even in the shoulder. After loosing a few fish, I swore I would never take the easy way out again.
Now I take the time to "bridle" all live bluefish. Keep in mind, I only have a 24-foot boat, so I am talking about livies that I catch while sharking, not the 1-5 pounders from inshore. I dont have a livewell big enough (or the ****pit space) to get them out to the deep. Therefore, I am talking about bigger blues, 8-15 pounds.
Each bridle starts with a sampo ball-bearing swivel, then has 10 feet of 475 cable connected to a sampo ball-bearing swivel which is connected to (2) 5-foot wire leaders and then, of course, two mustad "straight" hooks. The first hook goes into the tail & the second goes into the soft meat behind the "gums." Place the hook pint itothe crease behind the "lip" and you see a thin layer of soft tissue ~ go in one side and out the other.
Basically, the fish needs to be able to SWIM NORMALLY! I experimented with shorter wire leaders ~ 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet ~ but the fish died within 1 hour. The two five foot leaders keep him swimming around for hours ~ but I hope it doesnt take that long! I have had on on from 8 am to 4 pm ~ kicking around like nothing was wrong. Contrary to that, in this year's BAY SHORE MAKOMANIA ~ we live-lined a blue at 8:08 ~ mako on at 8:27! 3RD PLACE!
Haven't lost a fish since!
(This post edited by Makoman16 on 02/07/2003)
(This post edited by Makoman16 on 02/07/2003)
I have only heard of the flounder rig and it was dead. I'd rather eat him anyway.What is your theory on hook set? We tend to let him hit it with the clicker on, make a return run and then nail him. We've played with circle hooks and a drag at strike with some success. We had a big Mako hit a hole live bluefish, which was bridled, next to the boat at the bow. What a trip to walk a Mako from the bow to the ****pit of a sportfisher all the while he's going airbirne. Much easier on a center console.
Bridle
Good input on the bridle rig. I'll have to give it a try. We go to the trouble of lacing through the eyes and back for a second hook to the tail. Your longer 5'single leads seem to make sense.Have you ever had any problems with the two leads tangling and kinking? Who in this group ties rigs all winter? I couldn't begin to use all my rigs in 2 seasons let alone one, yet I keep on tinkering.
Good input on the bridle rig. I'll have to give it a try. We go to the trouble of lacing through the eyes and back for a second hook to the tail. Your longer 5'single leads seem to make sense.Have you ever had any problems with the two leads tangling and kinking? Who in this group ties rigs all winter? I couldn't begin to use all my rigs in 2 seasons let alone one, yet I keep on tinkering.
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retriever, I while away the the cold winter months making up my rigs too, however, I am a little behind spending too much time on this board, but, there is plenty of time left. I usually have about 50 rigs ready to go before the season starts.
Makoman16, as you can now see, I single hook the fish through the back.
I will post information on my bridle later, gotta get to work right now. It's very simple, and works great.
MakoMatt
Makoman16, as you can now see, I single hook the fish through the back.
I will post information on my bridle later, gotta get to work right now. It's very simple, and works great.
MakoMatt
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Guys,
You need a bluefish anatomy lesson
Seriously, next time you kill a bluefish take the head and remove all the skin and meat. You will see that there is a little hole in the skull, up high on the head just behind the eyes. You can stick a hook through theis hole on a livey and he will swim all day. We've even let them go after an unproductive swim. You have to be careful, its easy to kill the fish while trying to find the hole. But the hole is big enough to fit a 10/0 7699 through. Try it, you'll like it.
You need a bluefish anatomy lesson
Seriously, next time you kill a bluefish take the head and remove all the skin and meat. You will see that there is a little hole in the skull, up high on the head just behind the eyes. You can stick a hook through theis hole on a livey and he will swim all day. We've even let them go after an unproductive swim. You have to be careful, its easy to kill the fish while trying to find the hole. But the hole is big enough to fit a 10/0 7699 through. Try it, you'll like it.
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To answer you Retriever.....
I have never had a single problem with that 5-foot wire/10-foot cable rig. Not one kink, not one lost fish, 3 places (2~1st, 1~3rd) in tournaments over the last 3 years.
HOWEVER, a few years back I did read something on bridles that is worthy of note. The author had a live blue out when a blue shark hit it. The blue was on the back hook ~ which left the head daggling on the front hook ~ GUESS WHAT? You guesed it! A MAKO hit the head section! Rare ~ but funny!
Tight lines!
I have never had a single problem with that 5-foot wire/10-foot cable rig. Not one kink, not one lost fish, 3 places (2~1st, 1~3rd) in tournaments over the last 3 years.
HOWEVER, a few years back I did read something on bridles that is worthy of note. The author had a live blue out when a blue shark hit it. The blue was on the back hook ~ which left the head daggling on the front hook ~ GUESS WHAT? You guesed it! A MAKO hit the head section! Rare ~ but funny!
Tight lines!
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Living large
Golden,
I like to live line sometimes buy my concept is a little different.
When I live line a bluefish I jump to a 14/0 hook Single hook setup, no bridle. The bluefish is never out of my sight. His purpose is to swim and attract. The other two baits are still in their normal spots approx. 30 & 70 feet down.
When the bluefish is swimming I keep a pitch bait filet of bluefish on hand. As the bluefish is swimming a crew member is always holding the leader. If a mako come along into the sight zone, depending on its size, I either give him the swimmer or lure him close by pulling in the swimmer and then pitching the filet for an easier hookup. A lot of this depends on how agressive the fish is. If he is really hot I like to switch. If he is a little slow I give him the swimmer to play with.
Back to the question, I hook the bluefish right behind the head with as little meat as possible.
My largest confirmed mako was taken on a live bluefish, single hook and he had no problem getting it down. However he was over 400 pounds. I have also have bluesharks up to 250 same way.
In closing, the live fish is used more as a lure when I fish that hook bait. I would never fish an ocean bluefish out of sight, because it would be very hard to decide when to setup the
the fish.
I still thing the pitch bait filet is the way to go. Think about it. What do YOU eat faster filet of flounder or whole seabass?
PS NO SLEEPING, FISHING THIS WAY IS HARD!!!!!!!!!!!!
(This post edited by captainlarry84 on 02/07/2003)
Golden,
I like to live line sometimes buy my concept is a little different.
When I live line a bluefish I jump to a 14/0 hook Single hook setup, no bridle. The bluefish is never out of my sight. His purpose is to swim and attract. The other two baits are still in their normal spots approx. 30 & 70 feet down.
When the bluefish is swimming I keep a pitch bait filet of bluefish on hand. As the bluefish is swimming a crew member is always holding the leader. If a mako come along into the sight zone, depending on its size, I either give him the swimmer or lure him close by pulling in the swimmer and then pitching the filet for an easier hookup. A lot of this depends on how agressive the fish is. If he is really hot I like to switch. If he is a little slow I give him the swimmer to play with.
Back to the question, I hook the bluefish right behind the head with as little meat as possible.
My largest confirmed mako was taken on a live bluefish, single hook and he had no problem getting it down. However he was over 400 pounds. I have also have bluesharks up to 250 same way.
In closing, the live fish is used more as a lure when I fish that hook bait. I would never fish an ocean bluefish out of sight, because it would be very hard to decide when to setup the
the fish.
I still thing the pitch bait filet is the way to go. Think about it. What do YOU eat faster filet of flounder or whole seabass?
PS NO SLEEPING, FISHING THIS WAY IS HARD!!!!!!!!!!!!
(This post edited by captainlarry84 on 02/07/2003)
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HARD WORK! NO SLEEPING!
I couldn't agree more with Larry Legend's last line....."fishing this way is hard."
It certainly is A LOT of work. I will give you 2 examples. A few years ago, fishing the Linda on a 28 BERTRAM, we had 2 live bluefish out. The other 3 guys "took an afternoon siesta." I was alone watching two live rigged blues ~ my equivalent to baby-sitting two kindergarten children after bringing them to Friendlys for a 5-scoop sunday! Nonetheless, after a dozen trips around the boat with each one ~ they both eventually hooked-up. One 90-lb blue shark and 1 125-lb mako. Both fish were released before anyone woke up!
Second scenario was this years BAY SHORE. We had a live blue bridled in the first 30 minutes. He was a royal pain. As Capt Larry says, we try and keep him within sight. He was such a pain trying to "swim the slick," my buddy actually wanted him dead. I begged to differ and promised I would be in charge of him. I wasn't ten annoying minutes later ~ 150-pound mako jumped him right before my very eyes. Keep in mind, the water quality wasn't the greatest during that tourney. We stopped at the Virginia ~ tested the water color ~ a went another 11 miles to the Schooner. So now you know how close he was the boat!
Using live bluefsh is very rewarding ~ but it certainly isn't easy.
(This post edited by Makoman16 on 02/08/2003)
(This post edited by Makoman16 on 02/08/2003)
I couldn't agree more with Larry Legend's last line....."fishing this way is hard."
It certainly is A LOT of work. I will give you 2 examples. A few years ago, fishing the Linda on a 28 BERTRAM, we had 2 live bluefish out. The other 3 guys "took an afternoon siesta." I was alone watching two live rigged blues ~ my equivalent to baby-sitting two kindergarten children after bringing them to Friendlys for a 5-scoop sunday! Nonetheless, after a dozen trips around the boat with each one ~ they both eventually hooked-up. One 90-lb blue shark and 1 125-lb mako. Both fish were released before anyone woke up!
Second scenario was this years BAY SHORE. We had a live blue bridled in the first 30 minutes. He was a royal pain. As Capt Larry says, we try and keep him within sight. He was such a pain trying to "swim the slick," my buddy actually wanted him dead. I begged to differ and promised I would be in charge of him. I wasn't ten annoying minutes later ~ 150-pound mako jumped him right before my very eyes. Keep in mind, the water quality wasn't the greatest during that tourney. We stopped at the Virginia ~ tested the water color ~ a went another 11 miles to the Schooner. So now you know how close he was the boat!
Using live bluefsh is very rewarding ~ but it certainly isn't easy.
(This post edited by Makoman16 on 02/08/2003)
(This post edited by Makoman16 on 02/08/2003)
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I don't like to use the traditional bridles as I feel there is just too much hardware in the way, almost like a puppet hanging from lines, I think it can make it difficult for the shark to inhale the bait in 1 clean swallow.
A picture can tell a thousand words, I like to keep it clean and simple. The hook is secured to the base of the tail with a small snap tie pulled tight. The fish is able to move about freely and with just the 1 hook in his back he will live for hours.
MakoMatt
A picture can tell a thousand words, I like to keep it clean and simple. The hook is secured to the base of the tail with a small snap tie pulled tight. The fish is able to move about freely and with just the 1 hook in his back he will live for hours.
MakoMatt
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Makoman16, good job on the diagram!!!! Yes, that is what I would call the traditional bridle, and they work fine, it's what I used when I 1st. started. I just don't like all that hardware, the bait looks like a puppet, and I think it can create problems for the fish trying to inhale it all at one time which is what a large shark will do, but whatever works for you, go for it.
MakoMatt
MakoMatt
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Thanks MakoMatt.
Thanks for the kind words. It has been working for me (3 tourney wins in the last 3 years) ~ but I certainly will take your "way of doing it" into future consideration. Two ideas are always better than one.
I really respect your opinion and the opinions of the other "experts" on this pannel. I am the "youngster" in these forums, by age, not experience. I know there is always a lot to learn!
Thanks for the kind words. It has been working for me (3 tourney wins in the last 3 years) ~ but I certainly will take your "way of doing it" into future consideration. Two ideas are always better than one.
I really respect your opinion and the opinions of the other "experts" on this pannel. I am the "youngster" in these forums, by age, not experience. I know there is always a lot to learn!
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makoman16 that looks like a great setup i will have to try it this year but what size hooks are you useing i like the mustad 10/0 7699 offsets they work great and the 9/0 with a squid skirt and a bluefish filet
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MUSTAD HOOKS
I like MUSTAD hooks....10/0 ~ sometimes 11/0 for these bridles. I don't mind the offset version when I am drifting fillets, but not for the bridle rig. Keep straight hooks for this set-up. Unfortunately, I forgot the model number!
Keep this in mind too ~ if you need to slow troll at any time, the offset hooks cause the baits to "spin in circles." Therefore, that doesn't appear natural to any shark.
I hope this helps ~ it certainly has for me!
I like MUSTAD hooks....10/0 ~ sometimes 11/0 for these bridles. I don't mind the offset version when I am drifting fillets, but not for the bridle rig. Keep straight hooks for this set-up. Unfortunately, I forgot the model number!
Keep this in mind too ~ if you need to slow troll at any time, the offset hooks cause the baits to "spin in circles." Therefore, that doesn't appear natural to any shark.
I hope this helps ~ it certainly has for me!
It seems alot of people plan on doing alot of sharking this summer based on all these topics
Anyway, a quick question.
A friend of mine took a long threading needle went through the fish longitudinally (lengthwise) down the throat out the backside. Grabbed the wire leader pulled it through and has the hook dangling out the rear.
Is this an acceptable method for live lining a blue? Are these bridle methods better. Your opinions, thoughts, and critiques please.
somoan
Anyway, a quick question.
A friend of mine took a long threading needle went through the fish longitudinally (lengthwise) down the throat out the backside. Grabbed the wire leader pulled it through and has the hook dangling out the rear.
Is this an acceptable method for live lining a blue? Are these bridle methods better. Your opinions, thoughts, and critiques please.
somoan
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somoan, if I understand you correctly, by the time you are finished doing that you would be dead-lining the Bluefish, not a good bait. Go with a Bluefish fillet if he is dead, you are going to kill him as described.
A whole Mackerel rigged that way will make a nice bait, much smaller bait, but don't leave the hook dangling, the shank of the hook should be inside the body of the fish so that just the curved part and point is exposed.
MakoMatt
(This post edited by MakoMatt on 02/10/2003)
A whole Mackerel rigged that way will make a nice bait, much smaller bait, but don't leave the hook dangling, the shank of the hook should be inside the body of the fish so that just the curved part and point is exposed.
MakoMatt
(This post edited by MakoMatt on 02/10/2003)
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Somaon,
The patient died but the operation was a success. With big live baits you want the hook to grab as little flesh as possible. This way when a shark takes it, the hook will not bury in the bait. The method of wiring the fish through the anus and out the mouth is no longer the way to go, espectially with two piece leaders.
PS it is not that a lot of people plan on going shark fishing. It is that every L.I. fishermans dream is to catch at least one 350 Mako or better. Therefore we talk about it. All fish are great but when it comes to the hang shot and the mount, it this part of town, it is the one and only Mr. Mako: AKA MAN IN THE BLUE SUIT!!!!!!
Sorry anyone who fish offshore knows this.
The patient died but the operation was a success. With big live baits you want the hook to grab as little flesh as possible. This way when a shark takes it, the hook will not bury in the bait. The method of wiring the fish through the anus and out the mouth is no longer the way to go, espectially with two piece leaders.
PS it is not that a lot of people plan on going shark fishing. It is that every L.I. fishermans dream is to catch at least one 350 Mako or better. Therefore we talk about it. All fish are great but when it comes to the hang shot and the mount, it this part of town, it is the one and only Mr. Mako: AKA MAN IN THE BLUE SUIT!!!!!!
Sorry anyone who fish offshore knows this.
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