Game fishing with a kite originated off the coast
of California, but was developed and perfected by
sailfish enthusiasts off Florida. However, the system’s
effectiveness extends far beyond Florida sailfish, in
fact, it offers huge potential throughout Australia,
New Zealand and the entire South Pacific region.
HOW MANY DO YOU MISS?
Big gamefish have large eyes and good vision. It’s
what they use to hunt. Clear waters enable gamefish
to see everything – including your fishing tackle.
Although fish don’tunderstand whattackle is, they
are able to perceive it as being something foreign
and unnatural. Theirreactiontoyourhardwareoften
makes the difference between getting a strike or
getting a refusal.No matterhow lively and realistic
your bait appears,when thepredatorsarewary, the
sight of a heavyleader,swivelorhookwilloftensend
them elsewheretofindfood.Mostof thetimeyou’re
unable to see thishappening,butwheneveryou’renot
getting enoughstrikes,thismaywellbethereason.
Many gamefish travel in schools, which providesLeft: Deploying a fishing kite on the giant bluefin tuna grounds
in Canada. Kites are often the only technique that fools big, wary
bluefin, particularly since to land a 500kg tuna you need a sturdy
hook and leader on your livebait.
Above: A kite can dangle your livebait right on the surface, where
it splashes and attracts attention, looking vulnerable. The leader and
hook are completely hidden from the fish, since they are suspended
up in the air.
Below: A yellowfin tuna bursts through the surface to snatch
a livebait dangling from a kite.bluewatermag.com.au 41