It is difficult to use a fishing rod in a sailboat cockpit. Too much stuff to hit. I've read a little about handlines or handcasters. A company called gatorbuckets is supposed to make them. I can't find a place to order one. Also any tips on using a handline. My wife and I are sailors first!!! But a fresh fish for dinner(maybe Sushi) would be a great way to end the day. I understand that Mahi Mahi are routinely caught off of Panama City,Florida. The best sushi that I've eaten was yellowtail caught in the gulf stream. The poor fish was filleted while still flapping around. It doesn't get any fresher than 5 minutes fro Gulf Stream to sushi roll.
handline fishing
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Try Sidecasting
I am not much of a fisherman, but I use a sidecast horizontal motion with a regular rod and reel. The end of the rod is completely outside of the boat. It works fine.
I am not much of a fisherman, but I use a sidecast horizontal motion with a regular rod and reel. The end of the rod is completely outside of the boat. It works fine.
In a lake
I have fished from a sailboat on a lake. But I am talking about fishing in the open ocean. When you have bigger fish and waves working a rod may be too much. I hoping to catch 10# plus fish with teeth. tom
I have fished from a sailboat on a lake. But I am talking about fishing in the open ocean. When you have bigger fish and waves working a rod may be too much. I hoping to catch 10# plus fish with teeth. tom
Try K-Mart
I don't know if they're as popular in the panhandle as they are in South Florida, but down here you can buy the hand reels in the K-Mart sporting goods section or similar bargain stores. I've heard them referred to as "cuban rigs" (please, no offense intended), which may explain their availability down here. Regards, Marc_B
I don't know if they're as popular in the panhandle as they are in South Florida, but down here you can buy the hand reels in the K-Mart sporting goods section or similar bargain stores. I've heard them referred to as "cuban rigs" (please, no offense intended), which may explain their availability down here. Regards, Marc_B
yo yo winders
Kite flyers have adapted these to their purpose of storing their kite string. Go on line to any of the major kite companies (Into the Wind, Kitty Hawk Kites, etc) and order the largest yo yo winder, or halo winder that they have. They don't all have one side more sloped than the other (this helps in casting) but try to get this if you can.
Kite flyers have adapted these to their purpose of storing their kite string. Go on line to any of the major kite companies (Into the Wind, Kitty Hawk Kites, etc) and order the largest yo yo winder, or halo winder that they have. They don't all have one side more sloped than the other (this helps in casting) but try to get this if you can.
Gone fishing
The rig I use on Valhalla, H37C, is to attach an ordinary reel to the rear pulpit using s/s clamps. I use 80# mono and have it always rigged. I have caught Mahi mahi in the gulf stream, blues and strippers on Long Island Sound. It is simple, works and is easily deployable.
The rig I use on Valhalla, H37C, is to attach an ordinary reel to the rear pulpit using s/s clamps. I use 80# mono and have it always rigged. I have caught Mahi mahi in the gulf stream, blues and strippers on Long Island Sound. It is simple, works and is easily deployable.
Sportfishing YO YO style
I did some extensive cruising for about 6 years in the Caribbean aboard a 23 foot cutter...and alot of trolling. Although I would have loved to have the room to store good trolling rods, I didn't have it. When trolling, we used a yo yo (a plastic ring with monofilament wrapped around it) with heavy mono (at least 80# test). But also to absorb the shock of a fish hitting the lure when sailing at 6 knots, we tied a heavy rubber band to the mono and then attached the rubber band to the boat. When the fish hits it, the rubber band should break and absorb the shock, hence, not potentially breaking the mono...a rudimentary drag system. We've had some interesting experiences with large mahi mahi..having to run around the boat to make sure the fish didn't swim under...believe me, this would have been a much harder task with a big long trolling rig! We even caught a wahoo on a hand line (and raised a marlin, who was all lit up, but wouldn't take the bait!)
I did some extensive cruising for about 6 years in the Caribbean aboard a 23 foot cutter...and alot of trolling. Although I would have loved to have the room to store good trolling rods, I didn't have it. When trolling, we used a yo yo (a plastic ring with monofilament wrapped around it) with heavy mono (at least 80# test). But also to absorb the shock of a fish hitting the lure when sailing at 6 knots, we tied a heavy rubber band to the mono and then attached the rubber band to the boat. When the fish hits it, the rubber band should break and absorb the shock, hence, not potentially breaking the mono...a rudimentary drag system. We've had some interesting experiences with large mahi mahi..having to run around the boat to make sure the fish didn't swim under...believe me, this would have been a much harder task with a big long trolling rig! We even caught a wahoo on a hand line (and raised a marlin, who was all lit up, but wouldn't take the bait!)
we have a rod holder
mounted to the stern railing. I dont fish but, the girlfriend loves it. although a little diffcult she manages to haul 'em in and is quite the fisher(wo)man. she has caught both spanish and dolphin (the real name for mahi) in both Pensacola Pass and the Panama City Pass. she used a 25lb test line on a surf rig. our Jack Russell freaks out every time she pulls one in!
mounted to the stern railing. I dont fish but, the girlfriend loves it. although a little diffcult she manages to haul 'em in and is quite the fisher(wo)man. she has caught both spanish and dolphin (the real name for mahi) in both Pensacola Pass and the Panama City Pass. she used a 25lb test line on a surf rig. our Jack Russell freaks out every time she pulls one in!
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