Offshore techniques have since changed dramatically. For example, kite fishing has been refined to the point that it’s relatively zipless. I personally prefer slow-trolling, since it lets me cover more water, but who can argue that kites allow anglers to fish more effectively with less-than-perfect baits? Take sailor’s choice or grunts. In the end, a lot of it comes down to presentation.

Squeezing a few splitshots onto the kite edge allows you to steer it right or left.

Kite philosophy is basic: Once fish are located, it’s relatively easy for anglers to get one or more kites aloft while keeping their boats in position. They can then fish multiple kite lines, along with freeline baits and ones with sinkers attached. Kite rigging techniques are standard and are frequently pictured in this magazine. I asked Mike Bondurant, a member of Team Risky Business and recent high-point angler in the Fort Lauderdale Billfish Tournament, to share a few strategic observations. What he offered was revealing:

“We always carry at least 10 kites. That includes everything from extra-light wind models to kites for heavy breezes. We also carry Bob Lewis Kite Balloons and disposable helium canisters (available at party stores). I typically rig with 60-pound mono, but I sometimes add a short piece of No. 5 wire if I want to land a king or a wahoo. As far as hooks go, all of us use Eagle Claw 2004 ELF light wire 7/0s.”

“The real secret lies in finding fish. Since they ‘band’ according to depth, I head for the depth I want and start looking for clear water.”

I asked about temperature. As far as Mike’s concerned, he seldom notes differences of more than half a degree between Boynton and Fowey Light.

Kites work well whenever there’s a breeze—except when the wind doesn’t cooperate. It was on a day like that that J. C. Cleare demonstrated the value of helium by inflating balloons and taping them to kites. I was fascinated. Like he said, “Sometimes you have to improvise.”

When I asked for more details, J. C. explained, “I’ll buy some giant balloons from a party store, where I can rent a helium canister (a slightly different approach than Bondurant). The balloon helps get the kite aloft where it’s easier to catch the breeze.”

Bondurant, who competes against Cleare, abhors dead air:

“On really calm days, we’ll actually slow-troll the kite in order to keep it aloft.”

Kite fishing is basic. I’ll be busy watching several live baits dip in and out of the emerald swells when I hear a release pin pop. Invariably, whatever has taken the bait moves deliberately north to south or vice versa.

At this point the angler reels. When the line comes tight, he lifts the rod against solid resistance. A few seconds later, the drag starts running and somewhere in the vicinity the strike occurred, the sail launches into a series of gyrations.

Few would argue against the virtues of live bait, even if methods of presenting it vary according to location. Take, for example, the waters off Miami Beach, where charterboat skipper Bouncer Smith frequently anchors and chums.

“We do other things, too. But anchoring gives my customers a chance to catch other species while still hooking plenty of sails.”

When I asked about bait, Bouncer didn’t hesitate about spilling his preference: “I like pilchards, not only because the sailfish do, but because my customers enjoy a better hookup ratio.”

Bouncer, who’s a confirmed circle hook addict, releases all unwanted fish. He insisted that J-hooks complicate the process. “My customers catch just as many fish on circles, without causing a lot of damage.”

“Whenever we’re forced to use a bigger bait like a speedo or frigate mackerel, we’ll rig it on a bridle. Otherwise, we miss a lot of strikes.

“As for anchor depths, anywhere from 70 to 200 feet of water is okay. I look for productive bottom, like over a wreck, and put out a chum bag.”

I’d seen the results of chumming. However, did he consider it that effective for sailfish? When I asked how many sails his customers released in a year, his answer said it all:

“A lot.”

FS