The Cruiser's Handbook of Fishing »

Scott Bannerot holds a doctorate in fisheries biology from the University of Miami and has worked as a research scientist, charter fishing captain, and commercial fisherman since 1976. Wendy Bannerot has worked in professional fishing and diving since 1987. Since 1995, Scott and Wendy have lived aboard and voyaged full time in their 41-foot aluminum sloop, Élan.

The definitive book."—Cruising World

The complete guide to catching and cooking fish from the decks of a cruising boat.

The Cruiser's Handbook of Fishing gives you everything you need to know about catching fish in tropical or middle-latitude seas—from a cruising boat underway or at anchor, from a dinghy, in the surf, and while diving reefs. Step by step this richly detailed guide walks you through:

• Choosing, using, and maintaining tackle, lures, hooks, leaders, and other rigging essentials
• Reading currents, wind, wave patterns, tides, water temperature, and atmospheric conditions
• Modifying vessels with cruise-fishing enhancements such as rod holders, outriggers, cleaning tables, bait wells, and platforms
• Tying the best knots for cruise fishing
• Avoiding and treating routine fishing injuries and poisoning—including vital information on ciguatera, venomous stings and punctures, and steering clear of dangerous predators
• Identifying hundreds of fish species
• Preparing your catch—including a range of easy and delectable recipes
• And much more

"A great 'catch.' "—Sailing

"You want to catch fish? Read this book."—Herb McCormick, editor, Cruising World

"Jam-packed with solid advice on tackle and techniques proven to catch fish."—Barry Gibson, editor, Salt Water Sportsman

"Every culture has its bible, and until now, there wasn't one for the voyager who had a passion for catching fish."—Ocean Navigator

"Scott and Wendy are giving their fellow sailors the gift of an abundant life on the sea."—Blue Water Sailing

"A boatload of hard-earned knowledge and practical advice from a couple who has been there."—Latitudes and Attitudes

Scott Bannerot holds a doctorate in fisheries biology from the University of Miami and has worked as a research scientist, charter fishing captain, and commercial fisherman since 1976. Wendy Bannerot has worked in professional fishing and diving since 1987. Since 1995, Scott and Wendy have lived aboard and voyaged full time in their 41-foot aluminum sloop, Élan.

PrefaceAcknowledgmentsIntroduction1. Fishing Success under Power or Sail: A PreviewTrolling in the South PacificAdrift Way OffshoreAnchored in Different LatitudesDinghy AdventuresBeneath the Waves and along the ShoreWhat's Best for You?With Power Comes Responsibility2. Gear, Tackle, and Connections for Hook-and-Line FishingHandlinesRail-Mounted ReelsStand-Up OutfitsWire-Line GearSpinning TackleFly-FishingSelecting TackleConnectionsGetting StartedGear Checklist3. Offshore TrollingGeneral Preparations and PerspectiveRigging for TrollingDeploying Trolling GearSafely Boating Your CatchSelected Trolling SpecialitiesA Few Last Tricks and TipsGear Checklist4. Adrift or AnchoredAttracting Fish to Your BoatFundamental Techniques of Stationary Hook-and-Line FishingFishing ScenariosA Word of CautionGear Checklist5. Dinghy TechniquesGetting StartedFishing from ShoreWading the ShallowsIntermediate Depths near ShoreOffshore Dinghy SpecialitiesRigging Tips for Dinghy FishingGear Checklist6. Walking, Wading, and DivingWhere Do You Start?Walking and WadingDiving for DinnerGear Checklist7. Hand Tools, Traps, Nets, and Other Assorted GearGathering by Hand and with Simple ToolsHarpoonsShooting through the AirStunning MethodsUsing AnimalsHookless Line FishingMore Tricks for Attracting and AggregatingSingle-Event Snares and TrapsCatching Seafood in the AirLong-Handled Dip and Bully NetsTrapsDredges and Beam, Bottom, and Midwater TrawlsNets for Scooping and LiftingSeine and Encircling NetsGill and Entangling NetsCast NetsMaking and Repairing NetsGear Checklist8. Modifying Your Vessel for FishingClamps, Mounts, and Lanyards for Line DispensersRod HoldersSecuring Downriggers, Upriggers, and OutriggersSuperstructureAfterdeck, Bowguard, and RubrailsFish-Cleaning TablesSmall Conveniences That Make a Big DifferenceThat All-Important BarbecueDive Tanks(Mostly) Horizontal Racks and HoldersFish Boxes and BagsInterior StorageThe Wide World of Live Bait WellsCold Storage for the Avid Fishing CruiserFishing ElectronicsGear Checklist9. Processing Your CatchThe Biochemistry of Seafood QualityFrom Ocean to Cleaning TableGeneral HandlingTools of the Trade: Get 'Em and Keep 'Em SharpGutting and Gilling FishCleaning FishProcessing InvertebratesPreparing for Cold StorageChilling, Freezing, and ThawingCanningCuring Seafood by Drying, Salting, and SmokingAlternative Seafood ProcessingGear Checklist10. Medical Considerations for the Cruising FisherCommon (and Not So Common) Fishing InjuriesOther Ailments Caused by FishingReview of General Fishing-Tool Safety MeasuresDiving-Related and Other InjuriesGalley Injuries and AilmentsKeeping Everything in Perspective11. Getting the Most from Your New Cruising SkillSink Everyone's Boat but MineRespect and Conservation RevisitedReplenishing the Cruising KittySurvival FishingCatch-and-Release and Light Versus Heavy TackleSocial FacilitationIntellectual StimulationThe Successful Cruiser-Fisher12. A Guide to Edible Fish and InvertebratesBony Fishes (Phylum Chordata, Class Osteichthyes)Sharks and Rays (Phylum Chordata, Class Chondrichthys)Sea Turtles (Phylum Chordata, Class Reptilia, Family Chelonidae)Invertebrate Seafood13. More Seafood RecipesStartersSoups and ChowdersMain CoursesConstruction and Use of an Umu, or Underground OvenThe Simple ApproachAppendix 1. Sources for Fishing and Related GearSaltwater Fishing SpecialistsMajor Boating-Supply CompaniesCommercial and Heavy-Duty Equipment SuppliersUnique Hand-Operated WinchesGeneral OutfittersDiving and Spearfishing SuppliesCold-Storage Equipment and InstallationCustom Marine-Metal FabricationAnd If You Just Happen to Be Out in the Middle of the South PacificInternational Gear Sources by CountrySources for Miscellaneous ProductsAppendix 2. Further Reading and InformationBooksPeriodicalsOrganizations and AssociationsOther SourcesAppendix 3. The Wonderful World of Fly-FishingInexpensive Gear That Will Catch Just about AnythingAssemble Your Gear and Load the LineStretch Your Fly LinePractice CastingSo You Want to Learn MoreAppendix 4. Fishing-Reel Maintenance and RepairSpinning ReelsPenn International Big-Game ReelsOther Reels and WinchesA Few Last TipsAppendix 5. ReferencesIndex