Four pros reveal secrets for scoring double-digit releases!

Southeast Florida is the sailfish capital of the world! There is simply no denying it. If you're not convinced, consider this…

Some anglers fish a lifetime without ever landing a single sailfish. Many travel to foreign destinations like Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama where sailfish action is reportedly the best in the world. Granted, in these foreign destinations double-digit days are a common occurrence, but what about releasing over 400 sailfish in a single day? Is such a staggering number even possible? It is if you were fishing the recent Florida Yachts International Sailfish Kickoff, held right here in Miami in early December. The tournament posted what has to be an all time record. Sixty-five of the area's top teams successfully released over 400 sailfish during the first day of competition alone. The fast and furious action set a precedent that will undoubtedly be hard to ever match. Tournament radioman and committee member Capt. Dan Kipnis explained, “Release calls were coming in constantly with many at the same time. We didn't even have time to take bathroom breaks.”

Day one of the prestigious event started with lines-in at 8:00 am and ended at 4:00 pm. After the astonishing numbers we're finally tallied, on average, a sailfish was released every minute and ten seconds. The bite was so 'red hot', L&H, skippered by Capt. Neal Orange, Jr., even released a swordfish; a billfish species not typically caught during daylight hours or this close to shore. The day ended with Orange atop the leader board with a staggering 18 confirmed releases, a number comparable to the best days anywhere on the globe.

Such incredible sailfish action doesn't happen every day, but when ideal conditions all come together, and the fish are in the mood to cooperate, the bite can be monumental. To take full advantage of these and every opportunity, accomplished captains have fine tuned their approach for making the most of each and every outing. Let's hear what the pros have to say. Their livelihood depends on their success!

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Capt. Dean Panos Double D: Miami, FL.

Location, Location, Location.

--Off southeast Florida, the fishing kite certainly reigns supreme. While our fellow fishermen to the north prefer to troll rigged ballyhoo, and our angling buddies in the Florida Keys experience great success pitching pilchards to 'tailing' fish, here off of Miami a kite-fisherman will have the greatest opportunity to capitalize on red hot bites. You too can take full advantage of the super action as long as you come prepared, and you're fishing the right place at the right time.

--Hungry packs of aggressive sails are pushed down the coast as wintry cold fronts roll in to our north. Knowing exactly where the bulk of the fish may be located on any given day will be a major key to success. In the past few years, the area south of Fowey Light to Pacific Reef has been consistent during both January and February. Dependent on water quality, sails may also be plentiful from Haulover to Key Biscayne.

--Fish sharp color changes in 80 ft. to 300 ft. and work both sides of the break. Although this early in the year, the majority of sails will be found roaming the cleaner, blue side.

--Keep kite baits right on the surface and if the wind is up and the waves are cresting, keep a sharp lookout for sub-surface cruising fish heading your way.

--Lastly, no matter how hard you try, you can't catch 'em standing on dry land. Get out there and give it your best shot - I'm sure the rewards will be worth the effort!

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Capt. Cory Burlew Reaper: Pompano Beach, FL.

Proper presentation!

--Multiple release days are all about proper presentation and precise execution. The common goal is obviously scoring the greatest number of releases. To make that happen, the best guys understand the fish's habits and cater their approach's accordingly.

--Sailfish encountered off northern Broward County are always on the move, unlike the numbers of fish which have taken up temporary residency off Stuart and the Florida Keys where huge concentrations of ballyhoo, sardines, and other baitfish are incredibly abundant.

--Ideal conditions include a north to northwest wind. Stiff breezes generally force sails toward the surface; hence known as 'tailing fish'. Northeast to southeast winds usually push sailfish deeper as they continue on their southerly migration. In other locales, these easterly winds may be best, but not here. Optimum conditions wouldn't be complete without a strong northerly current which often brings with it a constant flow of fresh fish heading south, setting the stage for a banner day.

--Fishing a 55 ft. Ocean, my most impressive release numbers have been accumulated through a combination of kite and rigger fishing. I hang two baits from a single kite, with two more high on the surface off outrigger clips. I finish things off with two goggle-eyes or blue runners deeper in the water column. With this approach, I can quickly find the exact depth and location of feeding fish. Plus, my maneuverability is increased with only a single kite in the air. I can chase down hooked fish quickly, resulting in healthier releases and more time with baits in the water. When everything comes together, release numbers add up quickly.

--Fish different baits. Goggle-eyes, ballyhoo, and threadfins are local favorites, but don't rule out tinker mackerel, runners and speedos. Fish the ballyhoo on the rigger rods right on the surface. As sailfish swim into the spread, any smart ballyhoo will leap-frog out of the water in an attempt to escape becoming lunch. The commotion usually entices already excited fish into an unstoppable charge. Remaining baits, depending on exactly how they're rigged, are equally effective both on the surface and deeper in the water column.

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Capt. V.J Bell Bone Shaker: Stuart FL.

Drag Dredges!

--For us guys up here, finding sailfish off the Treasure Coast is most often accomplished by trolling rigged baits with dredges loaded with natural or artificial mullet or ballyhoo.

--The best hook baits are small ballyhoo rigged to swim with 1/8 oz. leads on 60 lb. leader material with either a 9175 Mustad or Eagle Claw EL 2004 circle hook.

--Run offshore looking for 'fishy' water which can include distinct color changes, temperature breaks, birds, flying fish, and other forms of prevalent structure or suspended bait. Pay close attention to current and wind conditions, and keep additional baits in the water as long as possible when hooked up so you can turn singles into multiples.

--Smooth drop backs with a patient retrieve and easy setting of the hook is the best way to make a solid connection.

--Pay attention to your exact location at all times and thoroughly cover and re-cover productive water. Make smart moves and anticipate how the existing conditions will affect your presentation. An appealing trolling spread which encompasses multiple hook baits and a pair of teasers is dependent on a hard working mate. It takes a lot of effort to make sure everything is 'right'.

--Treasure Coast captains appreciate the effort and rewards of dead bait trolling, though clearly understand the importance of being ready for any situation. When the bulk of the sailfish are stacked south of St. Lucie Inlet, we'll often switch to live bait. Like our buddies down the coast, we'll fly a kite or two and drift appealing areas. Hook baits will be whatever we were able to net that morning. If the bait is lively and presented properly, regardless if it's a herring, big sardine or runner, it will usually get slammed.

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Capt. Vinnie LaSorsa Margaritavich: Palm Beach, FL.

Small details make big differences!

--Focus on temperature breaks. If you're serious about sailfishing this season, you better hope your boat is equipped with a temperature gauge. Monitor it closely and look for variations when searching for an ideal stretch of potentially productive water. When you notice a change of at least a degree, there is a good chance sailfish won't be far away.

--Healthy baits are a must. Hardy, small to medium blue runners are my favorite and often much easier to come by than goggle-eyes which have skyrocketed in price. Use soft cloth bait nets instead of the stiff mono type. Soft nets do a much better job at protecting the bait's fragile slime coating.

--Bridle baits. Avoid injuring baits as much as possible. The small difference will make a big difference

--Fish with high speed reels for your kite baits. Fast retrieve reels loaded with fresh line are perfect. The extra speed allows you to quickly crank the slack out of the line when a sailfish grabs one of your baits and pops the line out of clip. Come tight quickly to avoid potentially harming the fish with a damaging gut hook.

--I am sure you've heard this fundamental before, but let me reiterate. Sailfish bite best with a fast moving northerly current. Once on scene, stop and keep a close eye on the latitude and longitude numbers on the GPS. Determine exactly which direction you're drifting and how fast. Then reposition accordingly.

By: Vinnie LaSorsa
http://www.GoodFellasCharters.com
Swordfishing & OffShore Charter Boat Captain Vinnie’s love for the sport of fishing began at an early age. His love for fishing has taken him all over South Florida including the Everglades and the Florida Keys , the Bahamas and the majority of the Caribbean Islands.

Fishing information courtesy of Resources For Attorneys, a legal and lifestyle directory for attorneys, lawyers and the internet public.

There are a few basic methods that are effective in catching catfish. Bear in mind that specific methods are applicable to specific kinds of waters. That is because techniques and baiting mixtures are formulated for specific targets.

The following methods are simple, yet proven successful when used:

1) Rigging method - Depending on the bait used, loop the bait holder or the treble hook from a line to a preferred distance to the end. Bait movement is not suggested; therefore, a weight must be used to allow the rig to be still. A good distance shall be about 18" to 24."

Same as the first method, using the Slipweight to make the bait stable is also effective. The weight does not matter as long as it can slide in the line. The fish will not feel any weight and it will be late until they realize that the bait is fake.

Multibait technique allows multiple catches at once. Simply place three-way swivel along the line. As it draws more strikes it makes a great choice for catching more catfish at the same time.

2) Bait - Experts opt for chicken livers or medium sized shrimp from groceries. The shrimp's tail and skin must be removed and body should be big enough to slide up in a number 6 hook. This is simpler than the chicken which necessitates the use of pantyhose. A diameter of a quarter is wrapped in a piece of pantyhose leaving a tag end then attach it through the treble hook. Blood worms, minnows, catfish paste, night crawlers, snails, living or dead small fish, and dough baits are also good choices of baits. Remember that the best baits are always those that nature produced.

3) Chumming - Fishermen catch more catfish with this method. This is simply throwing balls of mixtures of natural recipes in the fishing area. This attracts more catfish; the trick is that the mixture should be right enough for the catfish to feed heavily. The hook that will be used to fish normally must have the same recipe for the bait. Adding a good smelling flavor into the pasty mixture attracts catfish more.

4) Tackling - Although the technique involved in this method is by far effective, it's still the bait that attracts and brings the catfish in. As simple as it is, the tackle should be about 6 feet long with a spinning real. Choose heavier lines to allow more battle between the fisherman and the catfish. It doesn't necessarily have to be expensive. The experience you get from a cheaper tackle is no different from an expensive one.

Make sure the grip is secure hooks are removed by pliers after catching the fish. Avoid being stuck with the fins as some are poisonous. Just simply sliding the hand up to its belly from tail, placing the fingers behind one side and thumb behind the other can remove the catfish from the hook without any harm. Happy catfishing and good luck!

By: Zack Lim
Zack Lim is the owner of fishinginfor.blogspot.com/ providing quality free information on Fishing. For more free report and article, click http://www.fishinginfor.blogspot.com.

Fishing information courtesy of Resources For Attorneys, a legal and lifestyle directory for attorneys, lawyers and the internet public.

Eskimos do it. So do polar bears and seals. People in Norway, Sweden, New York and Minnesota do it too. What is it? It's ice fishing! Wherever there's a lake with ice thick enough to walk on, you will find people ice fishing. This charming sport has entertained fishermen in the 'off' season for ages. Putting on layers of warm, dry clothes, you can't help but feel a part of the long line of ice fishers before you.

So you think you can plod out onto the ice, drop a line and start hauling in the fish? Think again. There are many small details involved in ice fishing that the novice might not have thought about. There is so much more to this sport than waiting and trying to keep warm until 'the big one' tugs on your line! There are a few steps in the process, from the moment you make the hole in the ice to the moment you release the fish from your hook. Your goal is to have a successful day, not sit out there shivering in the wind because you have nothing better to do.

The first thing you should do when arriving at the lake is to make sure it is completely frozen over and thick enough to withstand the weight of you and your equipment. The next step is to begin drilling. The pros say that you should drill your holes first because the noise of the drill can frighten the fish temporarily. If you drill early the fish should have returned by the time you are ready to drop a line. It is smart to drill at least ten feet from shore. Begin by drilling a number of holes in a line and repeat, making several lines.

Once your holes are drilled and structure is set, it is time to start fishing! For beginners there are two different approaches to take when ice fishing, active or passive. When most think of ice fishing they imagine the passive method, where you set a few lines and relax, trying to stay warm while you take part in something else like cooking or listening to the game. On the other hand the active approach, as the name implies, is well, active. It is considered active because you fish by jigging by hand or with a wind-operated tip-up.

Using a set line is the most common way to ice fish. A set line will usually be rigged with a single small wire hook tied to the end and a split shot attached six to eighteen inches up the line. After hooking a minnow to the end the line is lowered to near the bottom or in the optimal strike zone. You may also use bear paws to add dropper lines to your main line. A dropper line makes it easy to fish at multiple depths with one line. Once the lines are set all that is left to do is sat back and enjoy the winter weather while you wait. Bringing in a fishing line by hand can be a real challenge, and you have to be careful not to get lost in the excitement or you may lose the fish. Take your time and keep the line taut. When you have brought one hand up as far as you can go, grasp the line with the other hand and keep pulling the line. You are also going to have to figure out how active the fish is before you attempt to bring it through the hole. If the fish is fighting too much, you might end up losing it. Be patient and try to get the head through the hole. Once you've done that you're home free and the fish is all yours!

By: John Packer
John Packer is an avid fisherman and recommends GoFishin.com for all your fishing tackle needs. Sign up for the newsletter and get weekly specials on fishing poles and various fishing equipment to fill up your tackle box.

Fishing information courtesy of Resources For Attorneys, a legal and lifestyle directory for attorneys, lawyers and the internet public.

Shad or more precisely American Shad is more often than not over looked as a species of fish suitable for fly fishing. And what a shame that is. First off unlike many other more common and perhaps glamorous species shad numbers are often very healthy and getting healthier. North Carolina's Neuse River, for one, boasts of a huge resurrection in shad numbers. Oregon's Columbia River shad numbers over 2 million fish annually. The legendary Delaware River has over 300 miles of shad habitat. So why are shad frequently ignored by fly fishers?


I suppose tradition as much as anything. Most of us were raised fly fishing for trout, steelhead or perhaps salmon. Anything that did not taste good in the frying pan or over an open fire was reduced to the status of trash fish. But as fly fishing has migrated from eating your catch to more likely releasing your catch, so has fly fishing. Not that shad aren't good to eat, many people consider them a delicacy, and although bony and difficult to fillet there are ways to slow cook them as to melt the smaller bones altogether.


The American Shad is an anadromous fish, migrating from fresh water to salt water and back again to spawn. Migrating season varies widely with the location. Temperature plays a large part in the migrating season. The further south one is the earlier the season. In Florida's St. Johns River for example the season can begin in November. Further up in north the Roanoke run starts in February usually peaking in March. More northern reaches might not start in earnest until June, particularly on the west coast.


What really makes shad a treat for fly fishers, besides their numbers, is their incredible fighting ability. Nicknames in various locations as 'poor man's salmon' or 'poor man's tarpon' they have a well deserved reputation as literally ripping a fly on a run that will send you and your reels screaming with delight.


The best time to fish for shad is low light conditions preferably early morning or overcast days. Evening times generally produce fewer strikes, perhaps their interest is on the reason for their return at this time. It is generally thought shad are not actively feeding inland; although this opinion varies widely from location to location. In general the longer shad have been in the fresh water the less interested in food they. However shad can and do return to the ocean after spawning. Unlike pacific salmon their digestive tract remains intact. Undoubtedly some strikes will be aggression, some instinctual, some curiosity, and some out of hunger.


Shad's primary food source in the ocean is plankton, but they will eat other common sources of food. Plus since they were born in fresh waters, sources of food there are not going to be totally foreign. Nevertheless most fly fishing for shad is done with brightly colored patterns offering lots of movement. Woolly Buggers, Clousers, and Crazy Charlies are all common offerings for shad.

Wet fly swing is probably the most effective technique for shad. Imparting motion can help when nothing is working. Also allow your fly to hang down for a good fifteen seconds at the end of each cast. Often times they will grab, and I do mean grab, and the end of a swing. Shad hit hard, be ready, but stay calm. They will hook themselves.


Shad feed in schools in the ocean, and move in schools upriver. They tend to set up camp in seams, below rapids, and move all at once. They are light sensitive, but many sunny days they do adjust to the light by midday. Although your best slam dunk time is early morning. Vary sink rates and depths until you find one, and then don't leave the spot you find them.


Shad weigh in at 2-3 lbs. for males and five pounds or so for females. Size can vary depending on location. Hickory Shad common in Washington D.C. are smaller. Depending on river size 7-9 wt rods are recommended. Sink tip lines in most situations are helpful especially if fishing large rivers, you want to get your fly down quickly.

By: Cameron Larsen
Cameron Larsen is a retired commericial fly tier. He now owns and operates Big Y Fly Co. A retail and wholsale fly fishing outlet find it at http://www.bigyflyco.com.

Fishing information courtesy of Resources For Attorneys, a legal and lifestyle directory for attorneys, lawyers and the internet public.

Some people just don't take well to night fishing. They get disorientated, their casting begins to fall to pieces, and they may find they lose their sense of balance in the water. But for those that can deal with these problems, the rewards can be spectacular! I do a fair percentage of my fishing at night, possibly as much as half. Yes, its nice to be out in the sun, wandering up a small stream, but if you want to catch the BIG ones, then after dark is the time to go.

Equipment and Flies For a start, use a good stout leader, and shorter than you would use during the day. A 10lb tippet is not unreasonable, any less and you will risk losing the big fish. And there is no need for a leader any longer than perhaps 7-8 feet. Another advantage of this is that there is less likelyhood of getting your fly and leader tangled. Much of the best night fishing in the South Island tends to be in the lower reaches of the main rivers. There can be some huge sea-run trout entering these rivers, and they will tend to be most active during the hours of darkness. I feel that fly pattern is less important than size and the speed of the retrieve. So a few of the patterns to carry could be: Mrs Simpson, Rabbit fly (black) a Grey Ghost, and a Red Setter. Usually sizes between #2, and #4 will be enough.

Know Your Fishing Area If you are planning a trip out at night, it really does pay to have a good idea of the area that you will be fishing. Apart from the obvious safety aspects regarding water depth, currents etc, you want to be confident that you will be casting into good fish holding water. I have been caught out with this before - wasted time spent casting along what looked to be a good stretch, only to find out later that is was no more than ankle deep!

Effects Of The Moon This part of the article may be a little controversial! The common belief is that the more moon, the worse the fishing. And in general, trout dont like moonlight. They tend to avoid it. Fresh sea-run trout are a different matter. Moonlight has less of an effect with these fish, although the longer they are in the river, the more they start the avoid the moon.

Having said this, some of the best night fishing can be had with a full moon! You just have to be fishing the right places. I have sat down on the banks of the Opihi river during a full moon, and watched the trout feeding on sedge flies. The moon was rising behind the willow trees, casting a deep dark shadow over the pool.

The trout were all rising in the shadow, not a single one rising in the moonlight. And as the moon rose higher, the shadows shortened, and the fish moved with them.

Since that time, I have fished a full moon, with good success. I look for pools or runs with a good cover of willows that cast a decent shadow. So you have to fish from the correct side of the river - it's no good fishing with the moon at your back. And a clear night is actually better than an overcast night. Cloud cover will disperse the light, and you will lose the deep shadows that hold the fish.

One last word on night fishing. If you find you lose your timing when casting in the dark, then try slowing down your whole cast. A common fault is to begin the forward cast too quickly, when there are no visual cues available. Wait just that little bit longer for the line to straighten and load the rod. It's something worth working on, because the rewards can be fantastic. Give it a try - it may open up a whole new experience for you!

And a final tip!

Heres a good tip for those of you that enjoy night fishing.

When using a torch to change flies, unhook a trout etc, it can ruin your night vision, and it may take 5-10 minutes for it to return. Try this -- before you turn off the torch, close your eyes. Then switch it off, and open them again.

You will be surprised how well you retain your night vision, compared to switching the torch off with open eyes. It really does make a difference.

By: Jonathan Bowler
For more fly fishing articles, fly patterns and other related information, visit http://www.NZFlyfisher.com.

Fishing information courtesy of Resources For Attorneys, a legal and lifestyle directory for attorneys, lawyers and the internet public.

The village of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo has recently been revitalized as one of the most popular sport fishing destinations in Mexico. Schools of abundant game fish inhabit these waters. The most abundant species is the Pacific Sailfish which is available all year long. Vacationing and retiring anglers often purchase vacation properties and condos to enjoy the extraordinary fishing on a regular basis. Your local Mexico realtor can provide you with a list of properties for sale or rent.

Anglers can expect to have more than a dozen opportunities per day with these hard fighting billfish during peak months. Much larger sizes and harder to find are Blue and Black Marlin, which come into the area from January through July. These giant members of the billfish family average 300-400 lbs, but marlin over 1000 lbs have been landed.

Offshore species also includes the delicious and beautiful Dorado (mahi-mahi) as well as yellow fin tuna that can exceed 300 pounds. Many local restaurants will prepare your catch of the day in an authentic Mexican dish. Inshore angling is just as inviting. World record Roosterfish prowl the beaches and nearby rocky lairs. Anglers fishing inshore can expect to catch snook, pompano, rainbow runners, bonito, snapper, grouper and a host of other fish.

Ixtapa Zihuatanejo has deep ocean water just minutes from the bay and favorable currents allow larger numbers of game fish to migrate along these waters throughout the year. The nutrient rich inshore water carries huge amounts of baitfish and the area teems with marine life. The sport fishing is fantastic and accessible shortly after leaving the dock.

First time anglers and families with smaller children enjoy the normally gentle seas. Visitors can rent a wide variety of boats from the sleek 25 foot super-pangas to the high-tech 35 foot Cabo yacht. Charter prices range from 210.00 USD per day for a “super-panga” to a high range of 700 USD per day for the top of the line luxury Yachts. Your local Mexico real estate agent can provide more information about things to do and see in Ixtapa Zihuatenejo.

Tag & release was introduced to the captains and crews in 1994. Each year more and more crews participate and several have been recognized internationally for their conservation efforts. This area is also home to the “Ixtapa Zihuatanejo total Tag & Release tournament” designed to increase awareness of the conservation effort of marine life. The tournament consists of both an inshore and an offshore division and both are recognized as qualifying events for the international Game fish Associations Invitational Tournament.

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo deserves its reputation as being “Twice as Pleasing”. The incredibly beautiful weather, calm seas, huge populations of game fish, experienced captains, well equipped boats, internationally recognized sport fishing tournaments, and value driven pricing makes the area attractive to visitors and residents. Contact a local Mexico realtor to explore properties for sale and rent in this beautiful area of Mexico.

By: Tom Budniak

Your beachfront condo in Playa Del Carmen is within your reach. Contact Tom Budniak for insight into this booming market.

Check out the listings of Playa Del Carmen Beachfront Condos, plan correctly to Finance Playa Del Carmen condos and homes, and plan for a beautiful future today.

Tom Budniak operates, owns, and manages Realty Executives Mexican Carribean here in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Tom's office is considered by many in the industry to be the top office in the Playa Del Carmen. Tom, from Realty Executives Vallarta and Mexican Caribbean is a Certified Member of RMRE and MLS 4 Riviera Maya. Check out all of the resourcesavailable through Tom and Realty Executives Mexican Carribean.

Fishing information courtesy of Resources For Attorneys, a legal and lifestyle directory for attorneys, lawyers and the internet public.