Rigging a Harpoon the Right Way
CENTRAL TO THE SUCCESS OF HISTORIC whaling fleets, harpoons might seem barbaric due to past association but actually represent one of today’s most sustainable methods of harvesting surface cruising bluefin tuna and broadbill swordfish. Selecting and capturing mature fish one at time with a harpoon eliminates the potential for accidental harvest of juveniles and bycatch species.
While selective techniques like this represent the future of sustainable commercial fishing, in pursuit of the ocean’s most formidable predators recreational anglers need to have all of the necessary tools at their disposal. Gaffs cover duties with dolphin, wahoo, kingfish and cobia, but when you are attempting to harvest swordfish it would be wise to have a properly rigged harpoon onboard. In this exploit when a large, ornery swordfish is on the leader there’s a fine line between securing your prize catch and watching it carelessly sink off into the depths.
Additionally, along Florida’s southeast coast there has been an increase in out of the ordinary tuna sightings. Whether daytime swordfishing in the Florida Straits or kite fishing the edge in 150 feet of water, triple digit yellowfin and even bigger bluefin encounters force astute anglers to leave the dock prepared for any battle. Fortunately, a multi-piece harpoon can be easily tucked away in a deck hatch, and unless you are following IGFA regulations, a harpoon is a much better option than a flying gaff when attempting to harvest big game. It not only ensures deeper penetration, but a deeper reach too and with less risk to the mate’s safety.
This story is from the May - June 2018 edition of Florida Sport Fishing.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May - June 2018 edition of Florida Sport Fishing.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A Whole Different Animal - Wild Cats that Got the Cream
MOST ANGLERS HAVE STRONG BELIEFS ABOUT WHAT HULL TYPE IS BEST. Running hard in rough water requires a seaworthy platform with the strength and stability to keep you safe, comfortable and dry. Among the different trends that have consequently become evident from the evolution of center consoles, boat builders are cornering a new niche of complex and competitive catamarans harnessing more outboard power than ever before. Breaking the barrier with innovative hull designs and deck layouts, the newest catamarans offer unobstructed fishability while providing increased fuel economy and speed per applied horsepower.
Pulley Ridge 2.0 The Jig Is Up
WE’RE FORTUNATE TO HAVE SOME of the most rewarding bottom fishing north of the equator. If the Sunshine State’s countless reefs, wrecks and ledges aren’t enough to keep you entertained, then you should know about a unique deep-water coral community that exists within a day’s boat ride from Key West. For adventurous anglers lucky enough to have experienced these rich waters, the area has proven to yield a bottom fishing bonanza beyond anyone’s imagination. However, the approach at Pulley Ridge has changed dramatically since we first started exploring the depths nearly a decade ago.
The Lotus Effect - Exploring The Science Of The Shine
THERE HAVE BEEN COUNTLESS TECHNOLOGIES AND INNOVATIONS inspired by the animal kingdom, with the science of emulating nature known as biomimetics. Evolution has perfected natural designs and environmental approaches over hundreds of millions of years, providing chemists, biologists and engineers with a perfect platform to advance modern materials and manufacturing processes. Learning the way of the lotus leaf has revealed remarkable self-cleaning properties resulting from the unique flora’s ultrahydrophobic surface architecture producing water droplets in nearly perfect spherical shape.
Everglades Enlivened
Ailing Florida Bay Shows Promising Signs of Life
Yellow [Fin] Fever
Amid the Confines of Pristine Natural Habitat, Tuna Aplenty Defines This Pacific Island Hideaway
Reeling In The Magic
Add Big Bass to Your Next Disney Adventure.
Big Sky's The Limit
Carving Turns and Catching Trout in the Land of Lewis and Clark.
Underwater LEDs
MY CENTER CONSOLE WAS RECENTLY OUTFITTED with full spectrum color-changing underwater LEDs and I can’t wait to test them out. I’m aware of their ability to attract forage and predator species to the boat from dusk till dawn, but are high intensity LEDs effective at attracting life during the day? If so, what color shines brightest amid the natural light of the sun?
In-Depth
The Real Deal on Reporting Draft
Three-Pointer
Treble Hook Selection for Specific Applications