THIS has to be one of the coolest Augusts on record. While it hasn't been exactly cool, the humidity has been a lot less oppressive than usual and, most amazingly, the seawater temperature both inshore and offshore is rather less than what might normally be expected. One must suspect that this trend is having an effect on the movements of migratory fish and as such changes seem to be occurring fairly rapidly, it only makes sense to think that the fish will do whatever they are going to do in short order as well.

To start off with, there are plenty of reports of "frigate" mackerel both in the inshore waters and out on the Banks. This generally augurs well; for with such a prime bait source who can imagine the wahoo and tuna failing to put in an appearance. The sad truth, though, is that such things have happened in the past so the pros are keeping a close eye on proceedings. Just recently there have been a couple of encouraging hauls of wahoo, both well into the double figures. While this cannot be expected for everyone, it does give some indication that there are schools of predators out there and continued optimal conditions should see some good, if not phenomenal, catches.

The real question is where do the so-called "frigates" come from? First off, they are not frigate mackerel. This moniker is reserved for another group of species of mackerel-like fish that does not occur in local waters. How it came to be applied to the "young of the year" mackerel (actually Atlantic black skipjack or false albacore, if you refer to the technical literature) is lost in the mists of time but the term has become pretty fully entrenched in those referring to the juvenile mackerel that so often grace Bermuda waters in the early autumn.

Although the juveniles are often encountered inshore it is unlikely that is where they are spawned. Along with other tuna-like species, they must spawn somewhere close to the open sea as there is no question but all these species are pelagic in nature. Where they go after that is anyone's guess because as near microscopic baby fish they are pretty much at the mercy of the ocean currents.

By the time they are recognisable as a frigate they must be some months old and in voracious feeding mode. Like most of the tuna clan, they grow very fast in their first year, so they require access to foodstuffs as well. Initially, this is probably some sort of plankton before they upgrade to small squid, flying fish or fry, should they find access to the beds of this that hang around the inshore or over the shallow reefs.

The best way to catch these baits is to troll a daisy chain or two, each equipped with a half dozen or so little feathered hooks. The addition of a small spoon or other, heavier, lure behind the last hook helps to cut down on the tangulations and tribulations that are the hallmark of daisy chains. A trolling sinker in front of the chain can also help to cut down on headaches but beware of tight turns. Remember to set the daisy chain on a very light drag that will allow the line to pay out as soon as something gets hooked. This allows the chain to stay near the school and will help to maximise the number of fish that can be caught at once.

The real trick to keeping the baits alive is a large live well with good circulation but most of us make do with keeping the spare frigates on the daisy chain up close to the boat where they are inevitably pilfered from by wahoo and barracuda. Basically, that is the cost of doing business offshore. Other species often mistaken for frigate but every bit as good as baits are juvenile oceanic bonito (skipjack tuna) ? look for stripes on the belly rather than spots ? and juvenile blackfin tuna that pretty much resemble the larger version. Beware that, every so often, some tiny little yellowfin show up. Although their bright yellow fins should make them unmistakable, it is amazing what can happen in the flurry of activity in the cockpit. Just remember that small yellowfin are protected by both Bermuda and international law, so an error could prove to be embarrassing at the very least.

When using such live baits, most anglers prefer use double hook rigs with wire leader joining the two hooks together. The best rig is the bridle rig that has the front hook attached to a piece of line threaded through the front of the bait's eyes with the trailing hook being inserted just under the skin alongside the after half of the fish. Another legitimate technique is to use a larger hook up forward, either on a bridle or through the fish, with the secondary hook secured to the tail stump by means of an elastic band. A common variation is to go to a third hook, using a small tuna-type hook through the bait's mouth with the business-end hooks being variously inserted in the front and back halves of the fish. Note that such a rig is not legal from an International Game Fish Association point of view and it won't be considered eligible for any tournament.

Another popular but illegal for sport fishing is a trailing, dangling hook that is not actually inserted into the bait but sort of waves around the back end of the bait in the hope of snagging any late striking 'hoo. There is no question that these small fish make prime live baits. They obviously figure high on the menu for both wahoo and tuna as evidenced by the stomach contents of fish that get caught. Other species such as marlin and dolphin won't turn up their noses at such offerings, either, so while wahoo strikes are expected, just about anything could cause a rod to keel over.

Don't forget that the deadline for the submission of entries is 5.00 p.m. Tuesday, September 5 to Flybridge Tackle or . Also make sure that the entry form is an original one, cut out of the newspaper. Photocopies, etc. are not accepted. If previous years are anything to go by, this is one of the season's largest tournaments and will likely draw a wide variety of participants. Casual anglers enjoy the competitive nature of an event that has the largest fish emerging as the overall winner and competitive anglers like the fact that they get an opportunity to show off their prowess on the lighter line classes. Provided the weather holds, next week Sunday, September 10, should be 2006's swan song for Tight lines!!!