CAPTAIN James Robinson saw some stunning wahoo action when he landed an amazing 51 wahoo during one day's fishing! And that beats the previous record of 49 set by Reel Addiction last year.

Captain Robinson aboard his Wound Up first started the day on Challenger Bank where he landed 28 wahoo. Then it was time to slip over to Argus where the bite was just as hot. With one crewman Captain Robinson worked flat out and caught another 23 'hoos for his grand total of 51 wahoo on a single day trip.

With the weather improving and becoming more reliable along with the sea temperature warming up the fish are definitely starting to cooperate.

While not everyone can expect the fortunes of Captain Robinson the numbers continue to be pretty good with most boats managing four or more wahoo. The class of fish is pretty good, probably averaging better than 30 pounds with some beauties in the 70-plus bracket mixed in with the occasional "lizard". Naturally, some boats occasionally get really lucky and move into double figures but that is the old knack of being in the right place at the right time.

Now is a good time to carry a selection of lures and baits. A smaller rig can get the attention of mackerel or other species which have potential as bait, either live or as chop-up.

A large rig should be carried on the off-chance of a billfish putting in an appearance; bright colours like hot pink are often the choice of white marlin, some of which are most likely running with the schools of wahoo that are scattered along the drop-offs around the Island.

A natural bait fished a long way back is effective on wahoo and tuna and there is no question that the down riggers are the primary way of enticing wahoo strikes. The dolphin that have been caught lately have not been particularly finicky and will crash most any offering with abandon.

Chumming is a bit questionable at present. While there are some fish willing to please, the wahoo are more apt to take moving targets. The exception is, of course, live baits should you be fortunate enough to get the robins up. There is some small game around and a few tuna, mostly blackfin, might pay a chum slick a visit.

Yellowfin tuna continue to be scarce and for no apparent reason. Recent assessments of yellowfin stocks in the Atlantic have been good, so it probably isn't due to a general lack of fish. That leaves us with the migration patterns which include the availability of bait. Of course, all of this is something of a moving target and there isn't much we can do but wait until the schools of tuna show up.

l Those who spend time on the internet news sites may have come across an interesting tidbit on the BBC recently. This documents a flight by a flying fish that lasts for some 45 seconds. Now, all of us who venture out on the briny have seen this creature (actually it is creatures because there are several species that occur locally) and noted some rather lengthy flights. We all tend to exaggerate and it is doubtful if anyone has put a stopwatch to any flight, so the following helps put things in perspective.

Flying fish are highly adapted to their existence. The bottom of their body is pretty much flattened, so as to allow a clean take of. The lower part of the tail fin is extended to allow the fish to be out of water and still able to develop some propulsion by wagging its tail. The pectoral fins are elongated and care made up of a membranous web that when extended resemble wings. These "wings" do not flap and although we do call them flying fish, they are more properly "gliding fish".

The news report goes on to quote an expert as saying that this has got to be close to the physical limit that a flying fish can remain airborne. He cites the fact that because fish cannot breathe air and need to be in the water in order to respire, there has to be a limit to the time that the fish can remain out of water. Given that running through the air probably dries out the gills (as in a fish out of water¿.), he has a point.

There also have to be several other contributing factors to the length of a flight. In the case in point, the sea is calm, almost mirror-like and similar to the calms we often get in August. Obviously, rougher seas would greatly increase the chances of shortening a flight as a wave is likely to rear up right in the fish's path. Still, all things considered, this adaptation must prove to be a life-saver for many a flyer.

Not that anything is fool-proof. Plenty of flying fish end up as dinner for other predatory species. It has often been observed that a flying-fish will exit the water and skim over the surface only to re-enter the water with the predator pretty much waiting for it. While flying the fish casts a shadow which can be followed by the predator with fairly predictable results. Some other more ambitious predators have no problem with bursting out of the sea and taking the flying fish in mid-flight. All part of the web of life.

l The International Game Fish Association has now ratified Cindy Mitchell's two women's line class records for yellowtail snapper: 3 lb 4 oz on 4-lb test line and 7 lbs on 8-lb test. Both catches were made last November with Andrew Marshall as guide.

Coincidentally, William and John DuVal (father and son) have had five gray snapper records accepted. These men's records were caught on line classes from 4-lb test to 20-lb test and were made off Key West, Florida. The fish ranged in size from 1 lb 10 oz to 3 lb 8 oz. There are also two new women's line class records from Florida both in the two-and-a-half pound range. These should be considered a challenge to the snappers that are to be found locally, making this a relatively easy way to get yourself into the record book.

This weekend sees the official start of the summer season and the waterways are likely to be crowded. Caution and courtesy should be stressed because, as the adage goes, worse things happen at sea. Dinghy races and picnicking will probably put paid to piscatorial activities but such distractions will have the advantage of getting the boat ship-shape. Some exposure to salt water will get the blood flowing again and the desire to head out in search of sport will become paramount.

The tournament schedule swings back into action on Sunday with the Bermuda Fishing Clubs Annual Tournament and the Sandys Boat Club events hopefully taking place. The former is limited to recognised club members but the latter is open to the general public. Details can be had from organisers and tackle shops.

So, it is fishing season and high time to get back into the swing of things. The early season trolling is often exciting because all the summer species are arriving on the grounds and you can never be too positive of just what will be providing the Tight lines!!!