|
|
|
Here's some favorite fishing tips of the ZeeBros. All tips are approved by the Professional Charter Boat Captain.
Poodle Rigging 101
It's been well known since the dawn of time that certain mammalian species make very effective bait for certain offshore fish species. In this article, we will be concentrating on the common Toy Poodle (canine yappus annoyus ). First used in the early 16th century by Norwegian explorers to supply food on long voyages, the yappus was grilled on board the early sailing ships. It was soon discovered, however, that they were useless as a food source for there is very little meat on them, despite their annoying "bark". Credit is generally given to Red Peterson for discovering the poodle's effectiveness as fish bait. After coming off of night watch while sailing the North Atlantic, one of the yappus in the hold would not let him sleep for its incessant noise-making. Red arose and threw the hapless animal over the side of the boat. Feeling victorious that he would no longer have to deal with the trouble it was causing, he paused to light a Lucky. Puffing away, he nearly immediately noticed a large dark shadow under the thrashing mop shaped figure. Upon closer examination, he saw that it was, indeed, a tuna of titanic proportions. In one fell swoop, the tuna (estimated by modern reckoning at nearly 900 lb.) inhaled the yappus."Uh-oh" said Red. "You didn't!" said his wife Helga. "That was my Fluffy!". Being the deep thinker, Red deduced that it would be more efficient to employ the yappus on board for bait rather that as a mainstay. What follows is a refined technique of Reds first rigging.
It helps to select the correct yappus. If possible, pick out the yappus yourself rather than relying on someone else. In a pinch, any of them in the house or around your neighborhood will do, since they are little more than glorified rats. Try to choose one that is rather frisky at the onset; they will attract more attention once rigged than one that will just lay there and sweat. Once chosen, a certain amount of preparation is in order. This includes proper grooming of your bait to enhance its size and shape. If possible, groom the fur around the head, shoulders, butt and tip of the tail into large, gaudy looking balls. The larger the better. Some people in California try to reach the proportions of a beach ball, as this is very effective when it streams out around the animal in the water. Once properly groomed, it's time to hit the water!
As you are approaching your honey hole, have someone feed the yappus a number of jalapenos. This will energize the yappus for more action. First, if drift fishing, attach a zircon encrusted collar around the neck of the yappus. The extra flash will act like a beacon to those deep dwelling tuna. Taking a minimum of 175 lb. Test, wire leader being preferable, proceed to wrap the leader around the hind legs of the yappus, taking care not to bind the legs as this will inhibit action, with a 20/0 heavy wire circle hook dangling between its hind legs (this area is useless for anything but producing more yappus anyway). Run the leader under the yappus, between the front legs (be very careful here. They have claws like razors. ) and through the D ring on the collar. It's suggested that you employ a 6-foot double leader then attach it to a 250-lb. swivel. Once the line is attached, dip a dry corncob in alcohol and rub it across the yappus' rectal area. This will cause even more action. Your yappus is now ready for fishing.
Casting is not really recommended while rigged this way as it tends to ball the yappus up, inhibiting action of the bait. Rather, lower the yappus into the water and slowly motor away about fifty feet, allowing your reel to free-spool. With the yappus the proper distance away, set your reel to the strike drag setting and be sure to secure your rod. The top water attack is sure to be spectacular and quick as the yappus can draw fish from as much as two hundred feet, often resulting tuna coming out of the water as much as 10 feet while inhaling the yappus. Hold back on your urge to immediately set the hook; allow your trophy to take the time to properly get the yappus in his mouth. A premature hook set may result in a missed fish. Once the fish has taken, say, 25 feet, reel down and hammer him. Now it's your job to hold on because you're in for the fight of your life!
Trolling with a yappus requires a different rigging technique. Special rear leg holding rods can be bought or easily made. Whatever you choose, these are very important to the rigging of your bait. The rods are about 8 inches long with straps on each end to secure the rear legs of the bait apart. To rig the yappus, secure the rears legs with the rod (this is where commercial adjustable rods are handy) so they are spread apart. Run the leader through the hole in the rod, through the front legs and attach it to the collar. Yes, you'll troll the yappus backward. It's not known why this is so effective, perhaps because it resembles a Giant Flying Squid fleeing danger. Once rigged, drop the yappus over and motor away till it's 75-100 feet behind the boat. Engage your reel and throttle up to 25-30 knots for ten minutes. The enema effect at this speed will cause the yappus to grow in diameter and therefore increase its top water chugging effect. One the bait is at the desired size, slow down and troll at a steady 8 to 10 knots, remembering to maintain a head wind. A strong tail wind could cause part of the buck tail type fur to fly off the bait and hit the boat, wreaking havoc on mechanical boat systems and possibly choking passengers. Trolled this way, billfish of various species are known to rise and slap the yappus with their bills before striking. This is a spectacular sight that must be seen to be appreciated. Sizable wahoo, tuna and sharks will simply attack at top speed, engulfing the bait.
Either way you choose to fish the yappus, it's a fun, exciting way to go for the big ones. As a side benefit, you'll also be ridding these pests from the human population. Don't worry, you'll never be able to use enough to endanger the species since they proliferate, especially in some areas.
Next month, we'll cover using the Chihuahua ( bugeyeus quiverus ) for Spanish Mackerel. Till the, keep the spray in your face and your lines tight!
LittleZeeBro
Chapter President, the Society to Conserve Through Incompetence.
|
| |
|
The Splashing Meow
As requested, I spent a great deal of time doing research at Billy Bubba's Regional Library/ Gas Station/ Bait and Tackle/ OB-GYN Clinic on the topic of bait cats, felinus pussyus . What follows is a synopsis of the great volumes availed by Billy Bubba himself.
It seems that the use of pussyus is not our original idea, dating back to the times of the Iwanna Wanna Laya Tribe of Indonesia. The technique, of course, has been refined for modern times; for example the Indonesians employed separate anglers to put the pussyus on the fishing line. These were called the "hookers". Many modern fishing charters don't allow the use of dedicated hookers, so we've got to adapt. It is truly a tragedy that much of the knowledge of the Iwanna Wanna Layas was destroyed during the brewery explosion, but it is known that they were fond purveyors of pussyus. What follows is gleaned from their lore.
One may use a wild, unkempt pussyus if preferred, but there are many ways to employ a pussyus and most are effective for many types of game fish. Bear in mind that an attractive pussyus will draw more species and more strikes. What ever you choose, stout tackle and a long, stiff rod is best to use with a pussyus.
How to rig the pussyus is mostly personal preference; some simply wrap a line around the bait with a large circle hook dangling below. This is called a tied or bound pussyus. Others will run the hook through the flesh of the bait. This is called a pierced pussyus.
The first step is to dip your pussyus in a bucket full of chum to get the correct fish smell on it. You don't want to employ a pussyus that has unnatural odors.
Some prefer to get their pussyus well heated before use as this will enhance the action. You may use a plain, heated pussyus successfully.
Some go a step further and take their heated pussyus and proceed to get it drunk on spirits, presumably to increase its lost, wandering action. Some say this will cause the pussyus to lose its inhibitions and increase the number of hits on it.
The ultimate is to shave your pussyus. This will reduce the drag on the pussyus as it wanders about the water and also makes it more attractive since it no longer looks like a mop dropped from a thousand feet.
However many of these preperations you employ, it's important to soak the pussyus to temper it. This will make its transition to the water more bearable. If you choose to employ ALL these steps, it's now time to take your hot, tight, bald, wet pussyus to the water.
It's not reccomended that you attempt to troll the pussyus. A much more effective way is to find a hot spot where your quarry is holding at mid depth and cast your pussyus no further than 25 feet from you. At this point, allow the pussyus to do its thing out there, keeping a keen eye for any activity around it. Keep your reel at it's strike setting and relax those reflexes; should you pull the pussyus away from your quarry too quickly, it won't be as profitable as letting your game mouth it for a while. Once your game has the pussyus firmly in its grasp, set the hook with mighty force and enjoy the fight. Once boated, inspect your bait. If treated with care, the pussyus is very resilient to many uses. If your pussyus appears to be injured, a little coddling may be in order at this point. When done correctly, this will almost assure that you mill be able to use your pussyus again, thereby eliminating the need to spend valuable fishing time at the 'wrong side of the tracks' looking for more pussyus.
|
| |
Bathing the Cat
Guide for bathing your CAT
Even though you may think that your adorable cat keeps itself very
clean,
the fact is that a loving cat owner does need occasionally to bathe
their
cat. To do the job effectively, you should carefully follow these
instructions:
1. Thoroughly clean the toilet.
2. Add the required amount of cat shampoo to the toilet water and have
both lids lifted.
3. Obtain the cat and soothe him while you carry him towards the
bathroom.
4. In one smooth movement, put the cat in the toilet and close both lids. (You may need to stand on the lid so that he cannot escape).
CAUTION: Do not get any part of your body too close to the edge, as his
paws will be reaching out for any purchase they can find.
5. The cat will self-agitate and make ample suds. Please disregard the
noises that come from your toilet. Your cat isactually quite enjoying
this.
6. Flush the toilet three or four times. This provides a "power wash and
rinse" which I have found to be quite effective.
7. Have someone open the door to the outside and ensure that there are
no
people between the toilet and the outside door.
8. Stand as far away from the toilet as you can, and quickly lift both
lids.
9. The now clean cat will rocket out of the toilet, and run outside
where he will happily dry himself.
Sincerely,
The Dog
|
|
|
| |
If you're one of those that wants to remove "One Nation, Under God....."
Give us your e-mail address so we can tell you where you can go ! |
|
|
|
|
