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No Secrets Here... Learn How YakHawaii Makes His Trolling Rig

Written by Paul Belmudes
Thursday, 18 March 2010 20:42

magcover

Want to Catch a Toothy Critter?

With the weather being so crazy these last four weeks and lack of new video footage of catches, I put together this short video on how I rig my hooks for catching mahi, ono and shibi. There will probably be some critics who will say that I don't know what I am doing. But you have to ask yourself the question... "Am I catching pelagic fish here in Hawaii?" If you answered "yes" to this question, there is probably no need to watch the video unless you are curious on what I do. No secrets here! Do what is working for you. Hey maybe make a video and upload it to YouTube and I will post an article for you on YakHawaii. The more information to help those who seek more knowledge on Hawaii kayak fishing, the better! But if you answered "no" to the question, watch the video. Pick up a tip or two. I have adapted what was taught to me by one of the best kayak anglers on the Big Island of Hawaii and his name is Reggie Pare'.

Better yet, order a 75 minute DVD video of big game yak fishing tips titled, "Kayak Fishing - Hawaii" made by Reggie as he guides you to his past successes. This video will get you started with great fishing tips and thrill you with exciting big game catches. In one of his chapters, he comes up too close for comfort with a whale shark. Visit his website at http://web.me.com/kpare/Kayak_Fishing/Kayak_Fishing_DVD.html. Reggie does not know I am plugging him, but he is one quality kayak fishing buddy. And after watching his video, you will know Reggie better and it will help you understand Kayak Fishing in Hawaii. This morning, we fished together and every time we go out on the hunt, it's so much fun, even if we don't hook up!

Well anyways, I hope you enjoy my video and if you have the time and want to fish the Big Island with me, let me know! Maybe we can make this happen.


 

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Discuss...
Discuss (13 posts)
No Secrets Here... Learn How YakHawaii Makes Hi
Apr 16 2010 01:34:32
The thread was removed by accident. We'll do out best to recreate it by adding the photos. Ask your questions about the rig and we'll clarify them. Aloha!
#52
Re:No Secrets Here... Learn How YakHawaii Makes Hi
Apr 16 2010 01:45:59
Here are pictures of the rig. The floss on the double hook is used to close the eye on the double hook. By using dental floss or waxed string, just wrap to close the eye so the wire leader (80lb. Malin Wire) does not slip off the hook. I sometimes call it piano wire. You would be surprised how many fish I lost before I figured this one out!





#53
Re:No Secrets Here... Learn How YakHawaii Makes Hi
May 27 2010 06:56:37
I copied your rig and gave it a try on Tuesday- I guess I did it right, as I had a 4-5 ft ono up to the boat before he shook the hook. I was boosting him hard the whole time, as the conditions had turned nasty and needed to get out of there. The only thing I did differently on my rig was use the little cut-off wires from the haywire twists to wrap around the double hook shank instead of twine or floss. Seems to be quite secure.

Oh- and just stuffed a 3/8 oz weight in the opelu's mouth. Everybody was sold out of one ounce egg sinkers in Hilo, so I couldn't mash on on the hook. I think that's great idea though.
#69
Re:No Secrets Here... Learn How YakHawaii Makes His Trolling Rig
May 28 2010 23:36:31
I like the no secret format plus how-to-s are always going to get tweaked and today's no fish activity will be tomorrow's hotspot. In the kayak fishing community the opportunity to land on a pile of fish and "get all you can get" is limited to space and stamina not cooler space and petro. To rig up paddle out, hook one up, bring home one good fish and tell a good story is what the trip and planning is all about. To share knowledge, partner up, and share the experience is in my opinion what's all about. DriftingSon the other day it felt as if I was sharing your hookup and fight with the fish; so matter that I never even get a strike.
#70
Re:No Secrets Here... Learn How YakHawaii Makes Hi
May 29 2010 04:11:01
After missing two strikes today- I think my stinger leader is too long. I was having to bend the wire a tad to get the double hook in the right spot. Anyone ever tried a double stinger- one on each side of the opelu?
#74
Re:No Secrets Here... Learn How YakHawaii Makes Hi
May 29 2010 08:56:37
I have been adjusting my stinger as well. In fact when I went out 2 days ago, I added a single hook to the tail section since the strikes were coming from the back side. Once I made the adjustment, I did not have any action. Maybe in the next 2 or 3 weeks, I can make the drive out to the east side and fish with you. I really like the way you write and if you would like to write an article for yakhawaii, just ask me and I will give you the access to do so. Keep up the good work and I really like your boat you are making.
#75
Re:No Secrets Here... Learn How YakHawaii Makes Hi
May 29 2010 09:16:00
I think I'm going to try a double hook on each side, with shorter leader. Hopefully the hooks just sort of look more like fins sticking out to the fish.

Thanks for the kind words- I'd be interested in writing something for the site, for sure. Just need to find a topic.

I'd like to fish over there with you too- we go to Ke`ei a few times a year with friends who have a house there, and maybe we'll get a chance soon now that school is out. That would be a great spot to go out (another great launch spot, Pueo).
#78
Re:No Secrets Here... Learn How YakHawaii Makes Hi
May 29 2010 09:35:31
I was also thinking of adding a separate "J" hook made from stainless steel and wrap to the double hook so it creates a treble hook and have the double hooks stick out instead on in the flesh. I have been having a tough time landing fish these last 2 months, So now I am trolling 2 lines and keeping one the same and experimenting with the other. I have to break out of my slump sometime here.
#80
Re:No Secrets Here... Learn How YakHawaii Makes Hi
May 29 2010 18:48:35
Aloha Paul and Fellow Kayak Anglers,

I have used Paul and Reggie rig and it has worked well for me. I have also modified it by adding another hook with a zip tie which turns the trailer hook into a triple hook. It worked fine but it seemed to keep the hook further away from the body of the fish.

I plan on going out over this 3 day weekend so I have altered my rigs again so that the trailer hook is actually two double hooks back to back with a small zip tie. It seems to attatch to body of the fish better and keeps the exposed hooks much closer to the body of the bait fish that I'm trolling with.

Recently I caught about a 7' shark which i released but it has proven to me that my rods, reels and rigs are strong enough to help me catch some of the bigger game.

Hopefully I can post some pictures after the weekend of some fish and my revised version of my rigs.

Take care and good luck fishing to all

Maui Mark
#81
Re:No Secrets Here... Learn How YakHawaii Makes Hi
May 29 2010 19:34:01
Great Mark! I look forward to see all photos of a revised rig. I am always looking for ways of improvement. Hook placement is really a key to landing the fish. Forgot what it is like! Tight Lines!
#82
Re:No Secrets Here... Learn How YakHawaii Makes Hi
Jun 02 2010 22:20:01
Quick update

I did not land any fish with my revised rig but I did get several big time hook ups. One hook up was in front of Mala Harbor here on Maui. Talk about the Hawaiian Sleigh Ride this monster fish pulled me approximately 3/4 of the way to the Island of Lanai about 45 minutes. I pulled my rudder up because I almost hulied and forced my rod to face the front and the ride was on:) Unfortunately whatever it was eventually broke my 100# braided line which was connected to a 200# three and half foot long SS braided leader.

Boy Howdy I sure love this sport even when you miss em!

Take Care

Maui Mark
#88
Re:No Secrets Here... Learn How YakHawaii Makes Hi
Jun 03 2010 00:10:55
I heard the navy was testing their mini subs in Maui at about the time you were fishing and at the same location. Maybe you hooked onto one of those! Just kidding. Sounds big to me. The first time I had that sensation and power on the other end of the line, I cut the line and took my loses w/o second thoughts. Be safe!
#92
Re:No Secrets Here... Learn How YakHawaii Makes Hi
Jun 17 2010 16:13:57
Got a cool rig that seems to be working well. I just need to carve out some time to take pictures and post. Any free time is currently spent fishing so I need to make myself spend some time doing some maintenance, cleaning and forum catch up.

Take Care

Mark
#102

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