Rigging Flying Fish

[Ponce]

Went out yesterday with 2 other boats fishing the Jig-A-Thon. Had a great time and met some new guys.

On the way out we picked up a passenger about an 8 inch flying fish.

Has anyone rigged on for trolling? If so do you rig them just like a Bally Hoo? I want to try to rig him up the next time I go trolling.

On a side note on one of our jigging drifts in about 350 we saw a pretty big bill fish going to town on some bait about 50 yards from the boat. Couldn't tell the type but, it was pretty big and very cool. The bait was good sized and jumping out of the water with the bill right on his tail.

[Glenn W]

Four words describe rigging a flying fish--- pain in the ass for what you get.
You can rig like you would a mullet or like a ballyhoo but the fat head and body makes them inferior swimmers to ballyhoo or mullet IMO. The few times I've fooled with flying fish I've used a right big chin weight to counter the big round head. Also tried flossing the pecs out, and tried wire inserts to hold the wings out---- just doesn't tickle my pickle and can't ever recall catching anything on a flyer. I know they will work as trolled baits, but IMO a split tail mullet is much better, easier to rig, and lasts longer--- if a fish passes over a mullet or ballyhoo because it can somehow tell it ain't a flyer swimming (unlikely) I don't think dragging a dead bait is what they are after--- Now a live flyer bridled or hooked in the dorsal under I kite, I've never tried, but no doubt it would be the ticket when the flyers are thick in the area.

[calebw]

Caught one at the dock, at night, last year. Rigged him up like a spanish and caught a nice dolphin off it the next day. Glenn W is right they are a pain to rig, for no swimming action but the dophin seemed to like it.