There are many ways to skin an elk and many ways to hook a sailfish on dead bait with circle hooks. Captain Chris Sheeder aboard the Rum Line our 40’ Gamefisherman has caught over 16,000 sailfish and over 1,000 blue marlin. Six of the sails have been caught on 2lb. test. Two of the six have were caught by yours truly and filmed as an episode of “The Best and Worst of Tred Barta” for the Versus Network. I, as an angler, have caught hundreds of sails on 2, 4 and 6 lb. line – my favorite tackle!
As anglers progress from beginner to rank armature to skilled angler and then on to unmitigated experts, without question individual styles develop. These styles are often 180 degrees opposed to the captains who have proven to be the best in the world. Great captains recognize these differences and adapts their style to suit the angler. All the while continuing to perform at world-class levels. Just for the record, Chris Sheeder is unequivocally and non-negotiabley the best light tackle captain I have ever fished with; and one of the best captains in the world – period! However, the learning curve for the two of us fishing together with 2, 4 and 6 lb. has been painful! Let me illustrate four examples of how we have moved to the center and improved my performance…….
1. The acceptable method of hooking bait and switch sails on dead bait with a circle hook is as follows. As the sail is drawn in with the hookless teaser, the rod is held level with the gunnels at a 45 degree angle. This keeps the bait down in the water for better visibility and builds in a natural drop back when the sail takes the bait by pointing the rod at the fish and going to free spool with light thumb pressure. This method doesn’t work for me. I hold the rod at a 45 degree angle above my head. I can see the bait much better. I can also take the bait away from the sail usually a minimum of three times when he’s trying to eat it. This drives Chris crazy. Finally when Chris, myself and the mates can’t take it any longer, I reach 90 degrees over my head and lower the rod tip to horizontal and let him have it. By this time the sail or blue marlin is going berserk and attacks on a left or right viscous bite – by the way, only 15 feet behind the transom. With 2, 4 and 6 lb tackle, short hookups are preferred due to line stretch. Captain Sheeder has learned not to yell “give it to him” – he knows I’m not and will not until the sail is in a frenzy. What’s the net? We miss many luke warm fish, but the eaters – we bait in our lap! This method is called “tipping” a North Eastern technique – ask Chris how my hook up ratio is.
2. After tease and drop back, Chris often turns right or left and then slowly backs up – prior to me putting the mighty 2lb or 4lb in gear. This drives me crazy because I don’t know what he’s doing or why. Captain Chris is setting up the transom for the best hook up angle, as well as shortening the hook up. Thus eliminating line stretch and allowing me to use the most pressure on strike. This technique is absolutely brilliant – and works!
3. Upon sighting a bait and switch sail or marlin, I need to position my wheelchair to the transom. I grab a 2lb. or 4lb rod out of the rocket launcher on the way by, get my brakes on, bandelero harness tightened and launch my bait. By this time I have no idea where the fish is – shotgun Spanish is everywhere and on doubles and triples quite chaos reigns. When I finally get my ballyhoo launched, between my bifocals, ADD, ADHD and dyslexia, I need help! It’s then Chris says “look at me” – Chris points to the fish – I yell back I got him and do my thing. A very simple understanding, don’t say “left long” “left short” or “right long” – POINT for me please. This simple deal makes us very dangerous in hook up percentage.
4. The final game – to have the crew tease and put a sail in your lap, to drop back at six feet off the transom, for the captain to anticipate every move taking huge risks. Experiencing every person on board doing his job to perfection and then a quick release is ballet in motion. The exhilaration, commeradere and team work often leaves me speechless – if you can believe that! Yes everyone, this is Casa Vieja perfection – and there is not a captain or crew in the fleet that can’t deliver this perfection, and that everyone, is why I’m so proud to be Fleet captain and Director of Fishing Operations.
Till Next Tide
Tred Barta – Fleet Captain