Kite Fishing

The next time someone tells you to go fly a kite, go fishing instead. Better yet, do both. Kite fishing is a fishing method that includes a kite with a drop line attached to a live bait or even a lure. The kite is flown over a body of water with the bait swimming just beneath the surface, which keeps your line out of sight to fish below.

Kite fishing is a popular technique when targeting sailfish, king mackerel, tunas, and more. It is a useful technique to master since it helps put a catch together when fish tend to be line shy, and it often results in epic topwater explosions on your bait.

TackleDirect features kites that are designed for just about any situation and wind speed. Constructed from waterproof rip-stop nylon sailcloth or other durable materials, they feature spars that are lightweight and often interchangeable. Kites come in high-wind and low-wind models to better perform based on the conditions, which can vary greatly while you are out on the water. Kite fishing is usually utilized on the drift, and can also be used on a slow troll to cover more water. When seas are slick smooth and there happens to be not a single breath of wind around, attaching a helium-filled balloon to the kite will help keep your spread running smoothly.

Keep an assortment of kites on hand because you never know when you may need a spare. The kite will have a line with one or more release clips assigned to a rod and reel. Electric reels are often used to ease in the setting and retrieval of your kite, with options from Daiwa, Shimano, Elec-Tra-Mate and more. A monofilament, fluorocarbon, or wire leader can be attached to a reel's main line with a float ahead of the swivel that assists in locating your baits.

Kite fishing is unique because it often gives the angler the opportunity to see the strike. Any fish that likes live bait near the surface can be taken with a kite. With kite fishing, you can add a new option to your repertoire ' so long as the wind complies.