Billfishing — Bait-and-Switch

For Billfishing, hookless teasers run in the spread. When a billfish raises on a teaser, the crew brings it to the boat. The angler positions the circle-hook rigged pitch bait beside the teaser; only then does the crew clear the teaser. When the fish eats, the angler feeds line in free-spool through the drop-back, then engages the drag so the circle hook finds the corner of the jaw.

Season

August to September; edge windows in July and October only with confirmed activity.

Tackle

Conventional stand-up tackle, circle hooks, rigged natural baits and hookless teasers; harness and fighting belt aboard.