How To Hook The Big Fish

Fly Fishing is a passion of mine and I enjoy sharing my tips so that others can learn to catch the Big Fish!

I usually go out from the Boca inlet in Boca Raton, Florida. Then I drift for hours luring the fish. As much as I enjoy catching the fish I truly enjoy the peace and quiet of the ocean. It certainly does clear the mind from the hustle and bustle of life.

When the species of fish I am searching for aren't hungry for the flys that I present them then I use conventional tackle. That may consist of either live or dead bait. Then I go out to the desired depth to where the species of fish congregate. Usually starting with a depth of about 110 feet of water and drifting out to over 200 feet. I use three light tackle rods with 15 lb test on each one. That gives the fish less chance of seeing the line.

I fish each rod at a different depth in the water column. The first rod I fish live bait or dead ballyhoo with a short piece of leader wire. Let the line out until the bait is at least 75 yards from the boat.

The second rod I add a small egg sinker, enough to get the line down about 20 to 30 feet. I let this line out about 50 yards. I use live pilchard, live goggle-eye or sardines that are either live or dead.

The third rod I fish on the bottom depending on how much current there is I use either 4, 6, or 8 oz sinker. Whatever it takes for me to get to the bottom. Using no leader I thread the egg sinker through the line and tie my pre-made rig to the hook. Then I hook a dead sardine or 1/2 a ballyhoo through the mouth with a circle hook and hook the treble hook on the rear part of the bait. Then drop the bait to the bottom and slowly move it up and down off the bottom and that is when I get most of my strikes.

When using light tackle on the bottom it is very important to have the rod tip next to the water and the line tight so when you setup to hook the fish you can bring the fish up off the bottom quicker. Otherwise the fish will go into a rock hole and break you off.

I have learned many techniques over the years and one of the most important things is what is the most effective rig. These rigs are most effective for catching any fish but especially those that live on the bottom, especially Grouper and Snapper.

If you look at the first photo you will see me holding two pieces of titanium wire that is flexible. You can bend the wire without being concerned that it will break. The rig is made with a 5/0 circle hook and titanium wire attached to a treble hook. I catch 90% of my fish on the treble hook.

The length of the wire is determined by the bait that you are attaching it to. Shorter wire for shorter baits and of course longer wire for longer baits. The photos show roughly how far to place the treble hook from the tail of the bait. After you cut the wire to length to install the hooks you must use a barrel sleeve and crimp it onto the wire to secure the hooks.

Once I have my catch of the day I then prepare dinner. One of my other passions is preparing the fish. Fresh fish is delicious and of course healthy. Hopefully you will have a successful day of fishing and enjoy some of my recipes.

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