That's My Story

SUPERSIZE ME – published July 2006 – Western Outdoor News

Over the last two weeks, I conducted an unofficial and totally un-clinical experiment just for the fun of it.

I charted the fishing results of each of our fishing pangas and/or cruisers. I added up the fish that were caught as well as those that were released. I talked to the anglers and skippers. I checked out perhaps 40 different fishing trips.

I had always wanted to see if there’s any truth to the maxim that, “big bait gets big fish.” When I used to deckhand more regularly and even now that I guide, it always seemed to me that there was some validity to the statement. But, I just wanted to see what happened if I did an informal study.

What I found was interesting. Eight out’ve ten times, the anglers who used the larger baits (mackerel, ladyfish, mullet, caballitos) got the larger fish. Interestingly, the guys who used chunk bait (method of tossing chunks of baitfish into the water and one with a hook into it to entice the fish to eat) also generally got the larger fish.

That’s not to say the guys using say, sardines, had a bad time. On the contrary. Guys using the sardines got more fish and had more action on the whole. Using the smaller live baits, these anglers got bit 2 or even 3 times more often than the guy soaking, trolling or chunking a big bait. But the guy with the larger bait seemed to have the best shot at the larger fish, albeit he might not have as much action as his compadre.

Years ago, a marine biologists buddy of mine told me that fish are a lot like people. Despite their reputations of charging after whatever comes within biting distance of the teeth, fish are lazy just like people. They love to “supersize” and the larger the fish the greater the tendency to be lazy and prefer the larger food pieces. This is because the larger the fish, the more energy it takes to move and hunt for food. Hunting burns energy and requires more food to stoke the fish’s furnace. Eating one big bait is simply easier and more “efficient” for the predator than chasing a bunch of little baitfish around just to get a mouthful. It’s why we order a Big Mac instead of two or three smaller cheeseburgers. It’s wasted energy.

So, next time you’re mucking around in the bait tank and the fish are boiling around the boat, remember that size matters. Pin on a big one and let it fly. Let your amigo have fun with the punk fish. You’re going after the beast!

HEADS UP – Aero Cal might just be up and running by the time you’re reading this. At least, that’s what they say. Or not.

In the meantime…Alaska Airlines has applied to fly the Los Angeles/ La Paz route beginning in late October. Interjet is now flying in various parts of Mexico with plans to expand to Baja at a fraction the cost of Aero Mexico and Mexicana. Avolar Air is flying non-stop from Tijuana to La Paz and other destinations at reduced rates. Avolar started just a few weeks ago and reports are that most planes are full.

That’s my story. If you ever want to reach me, my e-mail is riplipboy@aol.com.
Jonathan