Sometimes, bluewater fishing is so slow that even a novice or child can become bored. Small, aggressive dolphin, aka bailers, can provide just the tonic.
“A school of bailers can save any day fishing,” said Durham’s Ed Roberson, who offers these tips for how to catch fish from a school of juvenile dolphin, known as bailers.
• Always have at least four spinning rods rigged with a single hook.
• When a school is located, approach slowly so as not to spook them or spread them out.
• Provide food, and they will feed.
• Use cut bait from ballyhoo, the belly of a caught dolphin or squid; even pieces of sandwich squeezed on the hook will work.
• When everyone’s rod is baited, give the command to toss baits into the water. The goal is to make sure that one fish stays hooked at all times; this acts to lure dolphin into frenzy.
• If you have enough people, one person should be in charge of baiting and one person should be in charge of removing the hooks from fish as they come aboard.
• Use the raw-water washdown hose and spray a stream of water onto the ocean’s surface to create excitement that keeps the fish interested.
• When you have caught what you will use, don’t be greedy; leave some for another day.
