Machine gun fishing
Machine gun fishing consists of using a fishing line on which hooks and feathers are fixed as well as a lead, a paravane or even better a Japanese board. It is generally practiced in the summer. With this fishing technique, we will mainly try to catch mackerel, a fish that is very common in the Atlantic during the summer.
In navigation, we will use this fishing technique which allows us to continue to sail while fishing.
Troll fishing
Trawling is THE sailing boat fishing. The speed of the boat - preferably between 2 and 3 knots - is used to set in motion lures that will attract fish. As soon as the speed exceeds 5 knots, give up the idea of trolling. Unless you meet a fit Olympic mackerel with a suicidal tendency who would throw himself on your hook with all his will, it is unlikely to fish at more than 5 knots.
Offshore, the situation is different. Some fish such as bonito, tuna, swordfish and other pelagic fish can be caught at up to 6 or 7 knots.
The technique
We position ourselves on the transom. You prepare your dragline by removing the hooks without hooking your fingertips and letting the bottom of the line slide into the water. Very light, these first meters of lines will offer very little resistance, but be careful as soon as the Japanese board sinks into the water, the traction becomes more important. Hold the line firmly then.
Unroll it gradually until it is well away from the wake of your boat (between 20 and 30 m). Once the distance is deemed correct, securely anchor your drag line to the cleat.
You are in action from pêche?!
During fishing, if one or more fish take the bait, the Japanese plank must rise to the surface, signalling that it is time to raise your fishing. So don't forget to take a regular look back.
Also, always be prepared to raise your line so as not to hang a locker, keel or rudder from a neighbour crossing your path
In hardware stores, lines are available ready to use with the machine gun of a few hooks, the leader, the Japanese planchette and the braid wrapped on a support. Count about 25 euros for this type of equipment.
