Bait and Switch for Marlin: Step by Step

The bait and switch is one of the most exciting techniques in offshore fishing. Instead of waiting for a marlin to choose a hooked lure, you raise it on a hookless teaser, pull the teaser away, and present a bait in its place. Done right, it gives you more control over the bite and often better hookups, especially with circle hooks.

The setup

Teasers: two or more hookless teasers, often large lures or squid chains, run close to the transom from the corners or teaser reels. Dredges can be added below the surface.
Pitch rods: one or two rods rigged with natural baits, such as ballyhoo or mackerel, ready in the cockpit.
Crew: a driver, a teaser handler, and an angler on the pitch rod.

Step by step

Spot the fish. A marlin rises behind a teaser, often lit up with color and slashing at it.
Call it. Whoever sees the fish calls out the side and position.
Tease it closer. The teaser handler keeps the teaser in front of the fish and starts working it toward the boat.
Pitch the bait. The angler drops the pitch bait back near the teaser.
Pull the teaser. As the fish focuses, the handler pulls the teaser out of the water. The fish turns looking for it and finds the bait.
Drop back. When the fish eats, the angler free-spools briefly so it can turn with the bait.
Come tight. Engage the drag smoothly and let the line come tight. With circle hooks, do not jerk.

Timing tips

Pull the teaser too early and the fish may lose interest. Too late and it may eat the teaser.
Keep the boat moving forward at trolling speed throughout.
Practice the sequence with the crew before you need it.

Using lures instead of bait

Some crews switch to a hooked lure instead of a bait. A flashy lure dropped into the same spot can draw an aggressive strike. This works well with crews that prefer not to rig natural baits.

Why it works

Marlin are competitive feeders. Taking the teaser away makes the fish think the bait is escaping, which triggers an instinctive strike on the next thing it sees.