Off the back of your boat while sailing ? How do you do it?, and what have you caught? Post some pictures of your catch !
How many of you Fish ( Troll )
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Fishing and sailing, the best of both worlds.
I fish almost always. I have a pretty sturdy rod with a strong braided line. I pull a red/yellow/green feathered lure. I use to troll lead heads but have had more success with the feathers. I usually catch bonito and sea bass. Still waiting for that yellow tail. I use a star drag reel with the ratchet and drag set to about 7#'s. I don't pay much attention to it until I hear the clicking. I turn into the wind or even down wind and crank it in. I keep a gaff in the cockpit but haven't needed it since using the heavier rig. I do keep a lighter rod with a spinning real set up with a hook and sinker for when there is no wind. I have a pole holder mounted to the vertical support of the back rail. When I mounted it on the horizontal tube the mount tended to torque around the tube. When the wind is really blowing I usually don't fish, too much to concentrate on and having too much fun. Frank
I fish almost always. I have a pretty sturdy rod with a strong braided line. I pull a red/yellow/green feathered lure. I use to troll lead heads but have had more success with the feathers. I usually catch bonito and sea bass. Still waiting for that yellow tail. I use a star drag reel with the ratchet and drag set to about 7#'s. I don't pay much attention to it until I hear the clicking. I turn into the wind or even down wind and crank it in. I keep a gaff in the cockpit but haven't needed it since using the heavier rig. I do keep a lighter rod with a spinning real set up with a hook and sinker for when there is no wind. I have a pole holder mounted to the vertical support of the back rail. When I mounted it on the horizontal tube the mount tended to torque around the tube. When the wind is really blowing I usually don't fish, too much to concentrate on and having too much fun. Frank
Fishing and sailing, the best of both worlds.
I fish almost always. I have a pretty sturdy rod with a strong braided line. I pull a red/yellow/green feathered lure. I use to troll lead heads but have had more success with the feathers. I usually catch bonito and sea bass. Still waiting for that yellow tail. I use a star drag reel with the ratchet and drag set to about 7#'s. I don't pay much attention to it until I hear the clicking. I turn into the wind or even down wind and crank it in. I keep a gaff in the cockpit but haven't needed it since using the heavier rig. I do keep a lighter rod with a spinning real set up with a hook and sinker for when there is no wind. I have a pole holder mounted to the vertical support of the back rail. When I mounted it on the horizontal tube the mount tended to torque around the tube. When the wind is really blowing I usually don't fish, too much to concentrate on and having too much fun. Frank
I fish almost always. I have a pretty sturdy rod with a strong braided line. I pull a red/yellow/green feathered lure. I use to troll lead heads but have had more success with the feathers. I usually catch bonito and sea bass. Still waiting for that yellow tail. I use a star drag reel with the ratchet and drag set to about 7#'s. I don't pay much attention to it until I hear the clicking. I turn into the wind or even down wind and crank it in. I keep a gaff in the cockpit but haven't needed it since using the heavier rig. I do keep a lighter rod with a spinning real set up with a hook and sinker for when there is no wind. I have a pole holder mounted to the vertical support of the back rail. When I mounted it on the horizontal tube the mount tended to torque around the tube. When the wind is really blowing I usually don't fish, too much to concentrate on and having too much fun. Frank
Fishing and sailing, the best of both worlds.
I fish almost always. I have a pretty sturdy rod with a strong braided line. I pull a red/yellow/green feathered lure. I use to troll lead heads but have had more success with the feathers. I usually catch bonito and sea bass. Still waiting for that yellow tail. I use a star drag reel with the ratchet and drag set to about 7#'s. I don't pay much attention to it until I hear the clicking. I turn into the wind or even down wind and crank it in. I keep a gaff in the cockpit but haven't needed it since using the heavier rig. I do keep a lighter rod with a spinning real set up with a hook and sinker for when there is no wind. I have a pole holder mounted to the vertical support of the back rail. When I mounted it on the horizontal tube the mount tended to torque around the tube. When the wind is really blowing I usually don't fish, too much to concentrate on and having too much fun. Frank
I fish almost always. I have a pretty sturdy rod with a strong braided line. I pull a red/yellow/green feathered lure. I use to troll lead heads but have had more success with the feathers. I usually catch bonito and sea bass. Still waiting for that yellow tail. I use a star drag reel with the ratchet and drag set to about 7#'s. I don't pay much attention to it until I hear the clicking. I turn into the wind or even down wind and crank it in. I keep a gaff in the cockpit but haven't needed it since using the heavier rig. I do keep a lighter rod with a spinning real set up with a hook and sinker for when there is no wind. I have a pole holder mounted to the vertical support of the back rail. When I mounted it on the horizontal tube the mount tended to torque around the tube. When the wind is really blowing I usually don't fish, too much to concentrate on and having too much fun. Frank
Fishing and sailing, the best of both worlds.
I fish almost always. I have a pretty sturdy rod with a strong braided line. I pull a red/yellow/green feathered lure. I use to troll lead heads but have had more success with the feathers. I usually catch bonito and sea bass. Still waiting for that yellow tail. I use a star drag reel with the ratchet and drag set to about 7#'s. I don't pay much attention to it until I hear the clicking. I turn into the wind or even down wind and crank it in. I keep a gaff in the cockpit but haven't needed it since using the heavier rig. I do keep a lighter rod with a spinning real set up with a hook and sinker for when there is no wind. I have a pole holder mounted to the vertical support of the back rail. When I mounted it on the horizontal tube the mount tended to torque around the tube. When the wind is really blowing I usually don't fish, too much to concentrate on and having too much fun. Frank
I fish almost always. I have a pretty sturdy rod with a strong braided line. I pull a red/yellow/green feathered lure. I use to troll lead heads but have had more success with the feathers. I usually catch bonito and sea bass. Still waiting for that yellow tail. I use a star drag reel with the ratchet and drag set to about 7#'s. I don't pay much attention to it until I hear the clicking. I turn into the wind or even down wind and crank it in. I keep a gaff in the cockpit but haven't needed it since using the heavier rig. I do keep a lighter rod with a spinning real set up with a hook and sinker for when there is no wind. I have a pole holder mounted to the vertical support of the back rail. When I mounted it on the horizontal tube the mount tended to torque around the tube. When the wind is really blowing I usually don't fish, too much to concentrate on and having too much fun. Frank
My kid is planning on it
My 7 year old won a fishing pole for selling cub scout popcorn. I am hoping hanging the pole off the back gives him an activity makes sailing a bit more interesting (I'll bet it is good for a half hour of less whining).
My 7 year old won a fishing pole for selling cub scout popcorn. I am hoping hanging the pole off the back gives him an activity makes sailing a bit more interesting (I'll bet it is good for a half hour of less whining).
Try Fly FIshing!
Sorry I don't have a pic, but the real test of skill is fly fishing off a sailboat! It can be done, and you can catch fish!
Sorry I don't have a pic, but the real test of skill is fly fishing off a sailboat! It can be done, and you can catch fish!
It depends upon conditions
I have trolled behing my boat in the lake and in the ocean. Light to moderate winds are required with light being better in a lake. In a lake I look for a long downwind shoreline. It doesn't have to be dead downwind just aft of the beam. I have caught bass and walleye by trolling slowly close to shore. In the ocean I like to rig a handline and troll as part of normal sailing. We have had mixed results and have lost several lures when something big broke the line. We have caught lil tuna and King Mackeral. Again in high wind conditions we have not had any luck. Usually 4-5 kts is best using a rapalla type lure. I have used jigs and spoons but didn't catch anything. We are now on a lake and I like to take my flyrod and fish from the dinghy after the anchor is down. I get bored easily so I like to catch fish. I usually catch a lot of sunfish with a few bass and crappie. We have caught catfish using bait such as hotdogs or coldcuts. I remember hooking one catfish that pulled our boat around until it finally got off. I humbly suggest that you go after smaller fish in the less than 10# range. I 5# tuna can make a mess. When they start bleeding they get blood all over the cockpit. I like to have a bucket or trash bag handy and put the fish where it can't spread it's blood. Wear gloves as many ocean fish have good sized teeth.
I have trolled behing my boat in the lake and in the ocean. Light to moderate winds are required with light being better in a lake. In a lake I look for a long downwind shoreline. It doesn't have to be dead downwind just aft of the beam. I have caught bass and walleye by trolling slowly close to shore. In the ocean I like to rig a handline and troll as part of normal sailing. We have had mixed results and have lost several lures when something big broke the line. We have caught lil tuna and King Mackeral. Again in high wind conditions we have not had any luck. Usually 4-5 kts is best using a rapalla type lure. I have used jigs and spoons but didn't catch anything. We are now on a lake and I like to take my flyrod and fish from the dinghy after the anchor is down. I get bored easily so I like to catch fish. I usually catch a lot of sunfish with a few bass and crappie. We have caught catfish using bait such as hotdogs or coldcuts. I remember hooking one catfish that pulled our boat around until it finally got off. I humbly suggest that you go after smaller fish in the less than 10# range. I 5# tuna can make a mess. When they start bleeding they get blood all over the cockpit. I like to have a bucket or trash bag handy and put the fish where it can't spread it's blood. Wear gloves as many ocean fish have good sized teeth.
Streamers?
What are you using to fly fish with, streamers? I haven't tried fishing off the sailboat but do take the dinghy into some back creeks where there should be some nice bass. Tried some old deer hair poppers I had tied but need something new as they're beat. I used to be able to pull a lot of fish out with them in lakes where I live in PA. No luck in the waters off the Chesapeake though. Think I'll try some of the local tackle shops in the spring for their suggestions.
What are you using to fly fish with, streamers? I haven't tried fishing off the sailboat but do take the dinghy into some back creeks where there should be some nice bass. Tried some old deer hair poppers I had tied but need something new as they're beat. I used to be able to pull a lot of fish out with them in lakes where I live in PA. No luck in the waters off the Chesapeake though. Think I'll try some of the local tackle shops in the spring for their suggestions.
Poppers yellow and green works
When it is warm and there are a lot of bugs around I like to use a popper. I have caught everything from sunfish ,bass and even a 6# catfish using a popper. I usually pick up mostly sunfish but crappie bass and very rarely even a catfish will take a popper. Here in the south there are no natural trout but spotted bass and redeye bass(a type of smallmouth not to be confused with a rock bass) live in the streams and behave much like trout. For stream fishing I have a small kayak that I paddle over the deep spots and then I fsh the shallows by wading. Most of the spotted bass are caught in the rapids. This is actually more fun than trout fishing as the water is warm most of the year and the spotted bass fight harder. Local conditions vary but I've caught more fish on a popper than all other lures combined. Also esthetically I really love to watch the fish come up and take the bait.
When it is warm and there are a lot of bugs around I like to use a popper. I have caught everything from sunfish ,bass and even a 6# catfish using a popper. I usually pick up mostly sunfish but crappie bass and very rarely even a catfish will take a popper. Here in the south there are no natural trout but spotted bass and redeye bass(a type of smallmouth not to be confused with a rock bass) live in the streams and behave much like trout. For stream fishing I have a small kayak that I paddle over the deep spots and then I fsh the shallows by wading. Most of the spotted bass are caught in the rapids. This is actually more fun than trout fishing as the water is warm most of the year and the spotted bass fight harder. Local conditions vary but I've caught more fish on a popper than all other lures combined. Also esthetically I really love to watch the fish come up and take the bait.
Can't find my fly tying gear
Unfortunately I can't find my fly tying gear or I'd whip up a couple of deer hair poppers. They float real nice and you can dance them across the water when they land. Usually a real teaser. Just haven't been able to raise anything, but then again have only tried a couple of times on one creek. Just got back into it late last year but plan on doing more this summer. USually go out at dusk when the water is like glass and the bugs are active. I love to see a fish take the fly off the top of the water. Just a lot of fun and very relaxing. BTW anything I catch goes right back in. The wife doesn't like fish and she's the cook
Unfortunately I can't find my fly tying gear or I'd whip up a couple of deer hair poppers. They float real nice and you can dance them across the water when they land. Usually a real teaser. Just haven't been able to raise anything, but then again have only tried a couple of times on one creek. Just got back into it late last year but plan on doing more this summer. USually go out at dusk when the water is like glass and the bugs are active. I love to see a fish take the fly off the top of the water. Just a lot of fun and very relaxing. BTW anything I catch goes right back in. The wife doesn't like fish and she's the cook
Stealth Trolling
Fishing with the sails up, or stealth trolling, is a great way to catch fish. I have caught numerous bluefish and rockfish by trolling off of the back of my boat in the Chesapeake Bay. I love catching rockfish in season because I will keep them, clean them while at ancor, and grill them. I haven't flyfished off of the back of my boat much. You have to have a pretty good rollcast if you do this. I usually go out in the evenings in my dingy and do some fishing. I have caught rockfish on the fly and that is a blast.
Fishing with the sails up, or stealth trolling, is a great way to catch fish. I have caught numerous bluefish and rockfish by trolling off of the back of my boat in the Chesapeake Bay. I love catching rockfish in season because I will keep them, clean them while at ancor, and grill them. I haven't flyfished off of the back of my boat much. You have to have a pretty good rollcast if you do this. I usually go out in the evenings in my dingy and do some fishing. I have caught rockfish on the fly and that is a blast.
Stealth trolling, with sails up
and no motor running is a lot of fun. Fishermen up here on the Long Island Sound typically troll between 2 - 4 knots and usually drag their lures 100 yards or more behind their motorboats. While stealth trolling I have found that we could catch bluefish within 50' of the boat as there is little noise created by the hull propelled by wind. I have had my best luck with those surgical tube lures that look like an eel and come in various colors. The fish seem to have a sense of fashion as one color may be hot early in our season while another works better in the fall. Go figure. I read about some guys closer to Boston who just drag a popper type lure behind there boats as they sail at 6+ knots with the lure screaming behind them. When they do catch something it is pretty big. I have not tried this approach yet as I think that the smaller bluefish (2 - 5 #) taste better and are less oily than the larger beasts that lurk out there. I know I am stating the obvious but what may work in one region and season may not be applicable to another region. Try to find out what the local fishermen are using for lures near you.
and no motor running is a lot of fun. Fishermen up here on the Long Island Sound typically troll between 2 - 4 knots and usually drag their lures 100 yards or more behind their motorboats. While stealth trolling I have found that we could catch bluefish within 50' of the boat as there is little noise created by the hull propelled by wind. I have had my best luck with those surgical tube lures that look like an eel and come in various colors. The fish seem to have a sense of fashion as one color may be hot early in our season while another works better in the fall. Go figure. I read about some guys closer to Boston who just drag a popper type lure behind there boats as they sail at 6+ knots with the lure screaming behind them. When they do catch something it is pretty big. I have not tried this approach yet as I think that the smaller bluefish (2 - 5 #) taste better and are less oily than the larger beasts that lurk out there. I know I am stating the obvious but what may work in one region and season may not be applicable to another region. Try to find out what the local fishermen are using for lures near you.
Jigs, streamers, and plugs...... on my!
On the upper Ches. trolling @ 3 knots or less is best .... and the slower the better --- over or near 'structure' for stripers and wh. perch .... and fluke (on the bottom). My favorite for stripers: muddler minnows (streamers); BIG atom-popper when surfacing (dawn & dusk) wh. Perch: white maribou streamer with peacock side; y. perch: yellow maribou streamer ..... If lazy, then plastic 'twister tails' on jigs. Flyfishing direct with streamers or jigging the flies/jigs (from bobber/ down-rig ball or 'free'). Favorite times: out-going tide, dawn or dusk and REAL DARK nights. MOST favored time for stripers.... all night with NO moon. When the fish are deep I use a down-rigger ball attached to the stern. In the southern bay troll speed is unimportant ... I hook into mackerel at near hull speed using spoons.
On the upper Ches. trolling @ 3 knots or less is best .... and the slower the better --- over or near 'structure' for stripers and wh. perch .... and fluke (on the bottom). My favorite for stripers: muddler minnows (streamers); BIG atom-popper when surfacing (dawn & dusk) wh. Perch: white maribou streamer with peacock side; y. perch: yellow maribou streamer ..... If lazy, then plastic 'twister tails' on jigs. Flyfishing direct with streamers or jigging the flies/jigs (from bobber/ down-rig ball or 'free'). Favorite times: out-going tide, dawn or dusk and REAL DARK nights. MOST favored time for stripers.... all night with NO moon. When the fish are deep I use a down-rigger ball attached to the stern. In the southern bay troll speed is unimportant ... I hook into mackerel at near hull speed using spoons.
Usually do
I drag a lure a lot both in the bays and offshore, though mostly when offshore. I have one lure of choice, a spoon. In the summer we catch dorado, tuna, king mackeral, and who knows what else. A wire leader is a must, and still loose a lure to a big fish from time to time. I used to drag a Mann's stretch 25 or 30, but just too much work.
I drag a lure a lot both in the bays and offshore, though mostly when offshore. I have one lure of choice, a spoon. In the summer we catch dorado, tuna, king mackeral, and who knows what else. A wire leader is a must, and still loose a lure to a big fish from time to time. I used to drag a Mann's stretch 25 or 30, but just too much work.
Fishing in the Gulf
Nice N Easy and I caught several fish in the Gulf last summer off the back of our Hunter 36.
Nice N Easy and I caught several fish in the Gulf last summer off the back of our Hunter 36.
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Changed my mind
There was a time when fishing from my sailboat was a no no. Then I realized that some of the best striper fishing on the north shore was at my mooring . It was so good that we soon had charter boats lining up to take the moorings when we went sailing ! My wife and I would take turns with a 7 foot rod with 12 lb test . The rules were you had a count of 30 to catch a fish , then had to pass the rod . If you failed to catch you got 1 point! We really got to 10 ! Then we went to trolling for blues . Wow is that fun . last year I said that we should bring the lure in for we were going to fast . As soon as I picked up the rod Wham , a real nice blue ! Well that's my fishing tails and I am sticking to it !
There was a time when fishing from my sailboat was a no no. Then I realized that some of the best striper fishing on the north shore was at my mooring . It was so good that we soon had charter boats lining up to take the moorings when we went sailing ! My wife and I would take turns with a 7 foot rod with 12 lb test . The rules were you had a count of 30 to catch a fish , then had to pass the rod . If you failed to catch you got 1 point! We really got to 10 ! Then we went to trolling for blues . Wow is that fun . last year I said that we should bring the lure in for we were going to fast . As soon as I picked up the rod Wham , a real nice blue ! Well that's my fishing tails and I am sticking to it !
How do you keep your line from twisting?
Everytime I fish my line ends up a tangled mess even when uing a swivel. How many oz lure are you trolling behind? How are you rigging it?
Everytime I fish my line ends up a tangled mess even when uing a swivel. How many oz lure are you trolling behind? How are you rigging it?
Hey Capt. Ed
What kind of bait and tackle do you use for stripers? I'll be sailing in your area in the Spring and would love to catch some.
What kind of bait and tackle do you use for stripers? I'll be sailing in your area in the Spring and would love to catch some.
A real fisherman
won't tell but sailors will . We use cut herring on 5/6 hooks , let bait drift on current ,don't let it go to bottom ,you will be visited by skates . Look for grassey bottoms with current , Small plastic shads work well for schooling fish . Under way use a stiff boat rod with 20/30 lb test and any fishy looking lure will work . Offshore blues will give you a thrill . You will also run into football tuna ,if you do WOW good luck boating them . When in Salem area look me up sailsalem .
won't tell but sailors will . We use cut herring on 5/6 hooks , let bait drift on current ,don't let it go to bottom ,you will be visited by skates . Look for grassey bottoms with current , Small plastic shads work well for schooling fish . Under way use a stiff boat rod with 20/30 lb test and any fishy looking lure will work . Offshore blues will give you a thrill . You will also run into football tuna ,if you do WOW good luck boating them . When in Salem area look me up sailsalem .
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