Tackle Tip Showcase: Captain Jeff Donahue, Hatterascal Hatteras 59 GT

The Hatterascal became Hatteras Yachts’ demo boat in 2019. The finely appointed 59 GT set out with Captain Jeff Donahue at the helm and mate Tyler Davis running the cockpit.

Fishing aboard a factory boat requires a diverse skillset — from kite fishing in Florida, live baiting in the Gulf and dredge fishing in the Northeast — not to mention the personability to showcase the brand and the boat to people far and wide. Last April, Captain Jeff and crew showcased the boat and some kite fishing tactics out of Sailfish Resort and Marina in Palm Beach.

Stickable, Removable Needle Quiver

Getting lines deployed quickly while kite fishing requires organization, coordination and skill. It also helps to keep track of your bait needles. This ingenious set up uses a wine cork glued to a suction cup. Simply run your bridle rubber bands through the open eye of the rigging needle and stick your needles into the cork. No more lost needles, no more scrambling for rubber bands.

Keeping the Baits in the Zone

Mate Tanner Holly keeps the baits in the zone. When deploying kite baits, the long baits go in the center and the short baits on the outside. With all the crew on the headsets, there is no more yelling when a fish comes up top.

Rigged and Ready

Two spools filled with rigged leaders are suction cupped to the wall of the cockpit. Each is full of hook/leader sets, all the same one atop the next. After releasing a sail, the team simply pulls off the next fully prepared leader. Each spool is labeled with hook and leader size. This time saving tip keeps baits in the water longer.

Portable Helium Source, Balloon Stowage

When you’re lucky enough to find a spring day that isn’t windy enough to blow the pelicans away, you might need some helium for your balloons. Tyler says the team gets theirs using portable helium tanks available at Wal-Mart (“You get about a balloon and a half out of each tank,” he says.) On the ride on the kites are tucked beneath cushions up top. On the ride between spots, they in the cockpit.

Drawing a Crowd

If you’re ever feeling lonely or just want a bunch of people to come talk to you, you can either bring a puppy to the beach or fillet a tuna around lunch time.