By Pickled Onion

Longer days, bright sunshine and warmer weather should have put the wintry malaise into the past and angling should become a priority as time flies by and the year inexorably progresses. Although we try to do so, it is hard to define the fishing year on a calendar and the best cues come from the conditions and results posted by offshore expeditions.

As might be expected, the wahoo action seems to be picking up.

Part of this is the time of year, but another factor worth considering is that effort has increased considerably. Commercial fishermen have to roll with the punches, as it were, and with lobsters no longer on the agenda, finfish become the target.

While some concentrate on bottom-fishing, this has its drawbacks. Not only is it likely to involve an anchor, but the fish are, for the most part, on the small side. As a result, it takes quite a catch in terms of number to actually produce a profit.

Trolling, on the other hand, is more likely to produce fish that weigh considerably more, so that even a catch of a few fish can cover the costs associated with the operation. Even a small wahoo is likely to be in the 20lb range. Chumming for tuna is another option, but it is a bit on the early side for this to be at its most productive.

Any tuna on the move are also likely to take trolled offerings, so this is a good strategy for the sportsman who wants to catch game fish and amass points for club competitions.

Although most every angler is familiar with the standard garfish rigs that are the bread and butter of trolling, something that used to be common practice on charter boats early in the season seemingly has been forgotten.

This was the trolling of a daisy chain up close to the boat. This was intended for little tunny, or mackerel, which provided action for the clients but also was a ready source of live baits.

Live mackerel, some surprisingly large, were double-hooked and trolled up close to the boat on a heavy rod in the hope of attracting a strike from a large wahoo. It also functioned as a “live” teaser and was probably responsible for wahoo strikes on the outriggers and flat lines.

Before deep trolls were adapted to ocean fishing — it is hard to imagine fishing without them — the trick was to use heavy lures or trolling weights to take the baits below the surface. Although it all seems a bit “bush”, it did work and accounted for plenty of fish back in the day.

Although the gear today is more versatile and bulky, heavy lures a thing of the past, the idea of using live baits during early-season trolling is probably still valid and trolling a daisy chain, or even just a small lure, will produce the mackerel necessary.

Bermuda’s Edge seems to be the area providing the most action at present and whether that is a remnant from a spring run now past or just reflective of the distribution of the species at the moment is irrelevant. It is well-defined area and closer to land, so it can be a bit easier on the fuel bill and provide some fresh fish without necessarily tying up an entire day.

At the moment, the “bite” seems to be early in the day, so being on the Edge at first light is probably advantageous. If the fish co-operate, then it is possible to be back on shore by midday. This generalised trolling tactic also produces dolphinfish and the odd billfish without having to use special rigs or tackle.

Inshore angling is also stirring from its winter hiatus as grey snappers make their way inshore to take up sentry posts around docks and other structures. Off the South Shore, some fine light-tackle action can be had from palometa (pompano) and the bonefish are taking advantage of the sunny days to muddy through the grassy flats and sandy bottoms along beaches and sandy coves.

Schools of jacks are now running through the harbours and bays, and these will take small lures and spoons that are slow-trolled. Mackerel run with these jacks and often get to the lures first. On suitable tackle, this can be good fun and such fishing is imminently suitable for children who want to try trolling but are not quite old enough for the offshore scene.

Worthy of mention is the 2014 Offshore World Championship, which is being fished at Marina Pez Vela, Costa Rica, is receiving the attentions of a Bermuda team in the form of Allen DeSilva, Bobby Rego, Danny Fox and John Cramer. One of the 64 international teams participating this year, they are scoring points primarily from catching and releasing Pacific sailfish.

Already known as accomplished light-tackle anglers, this contingent are holding on to fourteenth position at present, with 44 billfish to their credit. The leading team have managed to release 68 billfish thus far, leaving the Bermudians with a lot to make up on the final day.

With the week ahead offering a long weekend, this is not particularly auspicious for angling. The Good Friday holiday is the one festive occasion that actually discourages boating activity and angling, with almost everyone staying ashore and flying kites as an alternative source of Tight Lines!!!