Bait and Switch
Bait and Switch
Bait and switch fishing might be the most exciting thing in the world. Because we have so many fish—and so many opportunities to catch them—Guatemala is among the best places in the world to learn this fine art.
The Best Sailfish Fishery in the World. A Click Away.
We specialize in teaching our clients how to hook fish for themselves. It is great fun—the bites are visual and exciting. Because we use circle hooks, it is also great way to ensure healthy release of marlin and sailfish.
The basics
Our standard approach to catching marlin, sailfish, and dorado is by trolling. We troll a combination of hookless teasers—normally two teasers from the bridge, two from the flat lines—and a rigged ballyhoo fished out of each outrigger.
The teasers attract fish. When a marlin or sailfish attacks the teaser, we will retrieve the lure. At the same time, the angler will grab a rigged pitch bait—either a ballyhoo or a mackerel (for blue marlin)—and drift it back into the spread.
When the pitch bait is in position, we’ll yank the teaser clear of the fish. When it all goes according to plan, the fish will then pile onto the pitch bait.
The angler then gives the fish a drop back—allowing the fish to consume the bait free of resistance. After a few seconds, the angler will engage the reel and wind until the line comes tight.
When it all comes together, the circle hook finds its place in the corner of the fish’s jaw, and you’re on. Sometimes Captain Jono will keep the boat in gear, trying to hook another fish.
This is interactive fishing. The bite takes place on the surface, often with a swirl or an explosion.
The sight of big blue marlin leaving a “hole in the water” is one that you will never forget. Neither will you and your friends forget navigating the process of baiting and switching, and hooking out of the riggers—a four-pack of sailfish.
Want to Learn Bait Switch? There’s no place better than Guatemala aboard the Allure II
These days bait and switch fishing is perhaps the most common method of catching billfish in the sportfishing world. It takes a bit of practice to get used to hooking your own fish.
Guatemala, because we get so many bites, is perhaps the best place in the world to learn. Not only that, Captain Jono loves helping anglers get better and more proficient at hooking fish off the teaser.
He’s not only expert and experienced, but a great teacher. He’s fished around the world and really enjoys helping clients become more confident and proficient at dropping back and hooking fish.
