Tackle Talk

CHANGING THE TAG POSITION - NEW TAG CARDS

Remember the textbook tag shot? Right in the shoulder. As with many aspects of billfish tagging, things have changed. Unfortunately, when going for that perfect tag shot, some were hitting the gill plate, head, or eye. The Billfish Foundation now recommends tagging billfish in a zone that starts at about mid-way down the dorsal fin. As always, make sure the tag is placed in the muscle, above the lateral line. Anglers and crews should also be aware and looking for tags as billfish come to the boats. Tags are easy to miss if you are looking only at the shoulder, or if they have become overgrown with marine life.

TAG CARDS... Those who have been tagging for some time may have noticed gradual changes in The Billfish Foundation's tagging report cards. Each successive gerneration has seen more data collection. But more than a means to gather data on specific fish, the cards are important tools in obtaining information on the overall nature of the recreational fishery. With that in mind, the newest generation of report cards requests specific information on bait type, hook type, and whether the fish were tagged in a tournament. These are all important in trying to assess recreational fishing efforts and post-release mortality. When tagging, please ensure that all applicable data is clearly and correctly complete on the tag card, before mailing it to the Billfish Foundation.

CIRCLE HOOK TECHNOLOGY

The first documented application of circle hooks in fishing were designed by "Mother Nature" and utilized by early man to help him survive. These hooks were used between 9,000 and 12,000 years ago. They were made from stone, bone, whale teeth and shells. The current circle hook design is engineered so that the point is more perpendicular to the shank than parallel. As soon as the jaws of the fish begins to close on the circle hook, the hook rotates in the direction of point penetration, and nearly alway results in the fish being hooked through the lip. If the whole hook is engulfed, it can usually be expelled without deep hooking the fish because the hook point is always turned away from the flesh. The "hookset" is accomplished through pressure, not strike force. As the hook rotates in the fish's mouth, the line comes tight as the hook penetrates the lip. Once a fish is hooked with a circle hook it is difficult for the fish to throw the hook even if the line is allowed to go slack. Unlike a J-hook, a circle hook can't back straight out; it has to be rotated to be removed. This feature makes it possible to land a very high percentage of hook-ups, even with barbless circle hooks. Catch more and kill less. All of these advantages are due to the geometry of the circle hook.
As an example of more sportfishermen using the circle hook is the fourth annual Presidential Challenge of Central America. This tournament is recognized as the first in the world to switch to an all circle hook format to promote the safe release of billfish.

GAFFING TECHNIQUES

A lot of fish are lost due to poor gaffing techniques. The first job is to clear the cockpit. Get the hoses, buckets, brushes, lures, and other rods out of the area. You don't want anything in your way while fighting, gaffing, or boating a fish.
Next, communicate! Crew and angler should talk to each other, especially if they're not used to fishing together. Gaffing is a team effort.
I you are the angler, yell out when you see the fish, or shout "color", and make sure the fish is under control as it comes up. You should always stay directly in front of the fish - "no angles, no tangles." You may have to make a few quick moves to keep the fish from going under the boat or tangling with another fish. Never be afraid of dipping your rod tip in the water. If the fish gets under the boat, you need to get the rod down as far as you can so the line will clear the running gear. Once the fish is under control, guide it into position and present it to the gaffer. Never lift the fish's head out of the water, as this can really make it go crazy.

Keep the cockpit clean and organized. Stow any unnecessary equipment or gear that could get in your way during the gaffing procedure.

Communicate! Make sure everyone knows his responsibility when the fish comes to boatside.

Back off the drag once the fish is gaffed.

Make sure the gaff hook is facing downward as the fish is brought alongside.

Gaff over the top of the fish for more control and to protect the belly meat.

DON'T

Use a gaff that is too long.

Try to gaff a fish that's to deep beyond reach. Be patient and wait for a clean shot.

Select a gaff hook that's too big for the fish you catch.

Place the gaff in front of the leader or line. You could be pulled overboard or break the line if the fish makes a sudden surge.

Gaff a fish in the tail.