Here's one way I rig these baits to target dorado, sailfish, couta, etc...
The kelee shad or "magumba" as they are locally known and small mullets, are readily available in Maputo bay and one can get them very cheap, fresh and in large quantities...
couta love them!
I use small cupped face konas, aka sailfish catchers... the pin rig with a bait spring is the same as those used with halfbeaks...
Preparing the split tail strip bait is easy:
1. Cut the fish head and ventral area including the guts.
2. Trim it as to have a nice, streamlined shape.
3. Midway of the bait, insert a sharp knife a cut along the bait towards the tail.
4. Once you reach the base of the tail, make a slight angle towards the lower half of the bait and keep sliding. This will
split the caudal fin in two.
5. Grab the bait and turn it belly up. Make a dead center incision 2-3 cm long and about 1 cm deep, from the front of the bait towards the middle. This is where the eye of the hook and the knot/crimp will sit.
6. Your pin wire should be inserted 1 cm from the edge of the bait and then use a bait spring (or elastic band) to keep tight and secure.
The bait shines in both sides and also releases some very strong flavors!
Please check the pics below!
Give it a try!
