InTheBite

DIY Teak Deck Sanding with Captain Tyler Andresen

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Capt. Tyler Andresen using a 6” Festool sander with 60-grit sandpaper on the deck.

By Dale Wills

“I’m sanding my own teak to save the boss money,” says Capt. Andresen from the deck of the 78-foot Rybovich and Sons Persistence. For a captain new to the luxury of teak decks, a DIY attempt at sanding them without a little guidance and know-how can easily turn into a big mistake. If that happens, do what most uber sportfishing captains decide to do and grab your iPhone, search Yelp for a highly rated sub-contractor and continue on with your other boat duties.

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Tackle Tips: DIY Outrigger Tune Up

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This image demonstrates a simple fix to tightening a spreader bar stud.

This image demonstrates a simple fix to tightening a spreader bar stud.

By Dale Wills

Coastal Riggings President Brendon Ziemba, along with his brother Preston, have been specializing in outrigger installation, repair and maintenance for 25 years. Before watching Brendon get into his work, I had no idea an outrigger could be broken down into so many different parts. Watching them disassemble, service and reassemble a pair of 3-spreader outriggers was an education. While my intent here is to offer some quality advice on keeping your outriggers tuned, I don’t advise any of you to perform a full service yourself. There are too many intricacies and nuances to remember. Check out the video on our website, and I think you will agree.

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Dredge Pulling Tricks from the Pros

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angler with dredge

Photo courtesy Pepper Ailor

By Ric Burnley

The first time I saw a marlin dredge I had two thoughts. First: that looks ridiculous. Second: that looks awesome! At first, 40 rigged mullet dangling from a web-work of bars and leader looks like a cluster FUBAR waiting to happen. Put the dredge in the water, and dozens of swirling and flashing baits look like a school of bait on the run. Fish cannot resist.

Many anglers had the same experience when they first saw a dredge. We caught up with five pros to find out how they use dredges now, and how they plan to use them in the future.

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How to Tie a Better Snell Knot

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snell knot

The earliest known inhabitants of the Pacific crafted eyeless hooks from bone and shell with impressive elegance and ingenuity. A variation of the primitive methods employed in lashing hooks to line, the snell knot is widely favored across global fisheries. Creative anglers keen on advancing their collection of skills continue to perfect the craft with the latest iterations preventing tackle failure at traditional breaking points.

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Blood Lines—Perfecting the Fishing Knot

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By Steve Dougherty

Excited for the dawn of each day, as fishermen we’re always innovating and adapting rigging techniques to beat fish with the greatest efficiency and consistency. Whether we are catching bait or blue marlin, advancements in tackle and technology continue to offer an unfair advantage. Yet considering the many variables we have no control over, tying reliable knots and creating fortified connections rests at our very own fingertips.

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Lure Color—Does It Matter?

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fish-eyedale

Can marlin see color? Look into the eye of this marlin and it’s difficult to think a marlin can not see color with such a human-like eye. 

By Capt. Bart Miller

It’s an age old question that may never be answered scientifically, as it is far too subjective and intermingled with personal superstitions and general preference for one color versus another.

For example, nearly all men like the colors blue, black, white, purple, silver, green and gold. Is it any wonder that these very same colors are [Read more…]

Slant vs. Cupped Head: Action Makes the Difference

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By Capt. Bart Miller

In early 2018, sportfishing legend Capt. Bart “Black Bart” Miller passed away. Bart left behind a lure company bearing his name and a list of marlin fishing feats that will likely never be duplicated. Miller was a veritable legend in the sportfishing industry and InTheBite is proud to have published some of Miller’s perspective. Here, from the archives, is one such piece.

As far back as I can remember, lure designs were very basic: bullet-shaped heads and slant heads. Slant heads fell into two categories, one being a tube-shaped head with a slant nose; the other being a cylinder-shaped, tapered head with a dished out nose. The dished-out shape was [Read more…]