Last month we covered a scenario of live bait fishing, open water drift fishing.  Well there are times when you will be anchored at spots like Guadalupe or Benitos Island.  Many of the same rules apply for anchor fishing as drift fishing.  But there are a few things that do not. Bait selection and hook placement are always top priority but where to cast and casting distance play a larger role while anchor fishing.

Please do not fall victim to “it’s because of his gear”, why someone hooks-up. The primary reason certain anglers get more hook-ups than the rest when anchor fishing is that they get their bait to the feeding zone of the fish.  This is a very simple idea but many anglers just do not understand it. 

So how do you get your bait into the feeding zone?  First off, you have to know where the feeding zone is.  The best way for this is to see who is hooking the most fish. If an angler is continually hooking fish follow their lead. Watch where the hot stiks are dropping in, how far they are casting, and how far back they are when they get hooked-up.  Something as simple as casting out on the starboard side of the vessel can increase your chances two fold.  Or even the hook placement is enough to increase your chances.  It is usually the little things that help the most.  Some anglers will tell you everything, some will tell you nothing and some just enough to give you a chance.

Also look to see how crowded the rail is.  You really don’t want to drop you bait in with 20 other anglers.  Besides reducing your odds on getting hooked-up you’re increasing your odds of getting in a tangle.  Start at the end of the line and working your bait out from there.  Many times the current is strongest off the sides and that too will get your bait back to the fish quicker.

Please do spend time to practice casting before your trip. And when I say practice I mean practice.  Three casts the day before your trip is not enough to prefect your skills for a trip. I cannot stress enough how important casting your bait is when your fishing.  Be it on the anchor or drifting.

Many times that extra 10 feet of distance an angler has will help them get hooked up.  What that extra distance does is allow the bait to get back to the feeding fish in a move lively condition.  Remember that bait did not have to swim that extra distance dragging mono.

If you are having difficulties casting please ask someone on the trip to help you. But, do not expect the crew or passengers to cast your bait out for you the entire trip.  And if casting is just something that you cannot master, simple drop you bait in the water and let the current and your bait drift back to the feeding fish.  You’ll still get a few fish that way.

Many top anglers use a combination of spectra and fluorocarbon to improve their chances of getting hooked-up while live bait fishing.  While some still refuse to believe that fluorocarbon does improve your chances I am a believer in fluorocarbon.  But this combination of spectra and fluorocarbon is not for everyone.  It takes a “feel” to use spectra.  If you have difficulties following your line and your bait (now be honest with yourself here) I do not recommend you use this combination.  Spectra can cause ugly tangles and can take several minutes to clear.  You will be out valuable fishing time and well as a few dollars lighter in the wallet.  After you have taken a few trips and have learn how monitor your line then maybe give it a try.  The reason why the top anglers use this combo is that want that little extra advantage.  But these same top anglers have also put in many hours on the rail to perfect their skill.  So maybe the best way to improve your own your catch ratio is to spend sometime at the rail too.