CyberAngler

what do you prefer?

I’ve never braided a bait before in my life – I just never saw the need. I also thought this method was more for really big live baits like mackerel or bonito for marlin fishing. For kite fishing, I usually hook the bait just aft of the dorsal and it seems to work fine.

What kind of baits would you use on a kite that would need to be braided, and why

Bridling baits is very effective when kite fishing. The primary function of bridling a bait is to keep the bait more active for a longer time. Instead of having a hook in its back, now all you have is a piece of floss or rubber band. Bridling baits is also imperative if you are using circle hooks with bigger baits like goggle eyes, blue runners, tinkers etc. Bridling a circle hook allows the entire circle hook to be exposed and your hook up ratio will increase. I find circle hooks like the eagle Claw 2004EL used with big baist on a kite, properly bridled, greatly increase your catch ratio, especially with sailfish, and you get a much "cleaner" release (less gut hooked fish).

Double D, I use Circle hooks as well. Ever since I started using them my Hook up ratio has dramatically increased. Its interesting that the circle hook concept has been around for centuries, and its just coming to fruition.

Dean do you use dental floss or rubber bands to bridal?

Taking the time to bridle your baits is a definate advantage. Like Dean said, when using the hard baits such as google eys, tinkers, blue runners bridling allows for a better hook up because of the esposed hook. Also, the hook won't have to tear thru the bait to hook up. I personally prefer using rubber bands. They are faster to employ and snap off cleanly. When using white baits such as pilchards and threadfins whihc i usually use on flat lines i'll use a j-hook thru the nose and thats it.

Sorry I took a while to reply, but have been busy swordfishing and sailfishing. To answer the question though, I like to use waxed thread. The rubber band keeps the hook tight to the bait, but I have increased my hook up ratio leaving a small gap between the hook and the bait. The only problem is you get cut off morewith toothy critters, as they usually cut you off on the floss.

By the way, Dean, congrats on the big sword the other night!