Dolphin Fishing - Tools and Accessories

Main Takeaways from Dolphin Fishing - Tools and Accessories

• Essential tools and accessories for successful dolphin fishing
• Files for sharpening hooks and mono cutters for cutting lines
• Pliers, crimpers, knives, and measuring tapes for various tasks
• Chum bags, planers, dehookers, and nets for attracting and securing catch
• Safety equipment like throwable foam balls and basic necessities like gaffs, buckets, and rags

RJ Boyle meticulously goes over all the essential tools and accessories needed for a successful dolphin fishing trip. This list is the result of years of experience and follows the adage, "It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it."

Essential Dolphin Fishing Tools

1. Files: A sharp hook is crucial for a solid hookset. Keep a file handy to maintain the sharpness of your hooks.
2. Mono Cutters: When fishing for mahi, you'll be dealing with monofilament lines. Mono cutters are essential for quickly and cleanly cutting these lines.
3. Dikes & Pliers: These versatile tools come in handy for various tasks, from cutting wire to removing hooks.
4. Crimpers: When using heavy-duty connections, crimpers are a must-have for securing them properly.
5. Knives: A variety of knives, such as bait knives and fillet knives, are necessary for preparing bait and cleaning your catch.
6. Measuring Tapes: To ensure you're adhering to size regulations, always have a measuring tape on hand to measure your catch.

Accessories for Attracting and Securing Your Catch

1. Chum Bags: Chumming is a popular technique for attracting dolphin. Knowing the right size chum bag for your needs is important.
2. Planers & Dehookers: Planers help get your bait down to the desired depth, while dehookers are vital for safely removing hooks from your catch.
3. Nets: A quality net is essential for securing your catch once it's alongside the boat.
4. Menhaden Oil: This oil acts as an attractant for fish when dispersed in the water.

Basic Necessities and Safety Equipment

1. Gaffs, Buckets, and Rags: These basic necessities are always good to have on hand for various purposes.
2. Throwable Foam Balls: Safety should always be a top priority. Throwable foam balls can be a lifesaver in case of a man overboard situation.
3. Cutting Boards: Whether you're preparing bait or cleaning your catch, a cutting board provides a stable surface to work on.
4. Plastic Bags: Having plastic bags on hand is useful for storing your catch or keeping things organized.

By ensuring you have all these tools and accessories on your boat, you'll be well-prepared for a successful and safe mahi mahi fishing trip.