From 3/22/01[blue]
You have done all of your homework. You have made sure your rigs are perfect, all of your baits are running perfectly, and your drags are set just right. You cross the magic numbers on your GPS when suddenly; the starboard bait comes to the surface and begins to flutter nervously. There is a silver-blue flash and a violent splash and the rod bounces hard. You pick up the rod to let the games begin and as quickly as everything started its over and you are holding the rod scratching your head. You have just been cut off. While there are not many guarantees when it comes to fishing, I guarantee this will not be the last time you get cut off if you continue to fish for King Mackerel.
A cut-off happens when a toothy fish, like a big king, approaches a bait from behind and quickly cuts the bait in half. This typically happens when trolling natural baits. To understand why this happens, you must first understand a few things about the King Mackerel’s feeding habits. Kings are slashers. They usually approach their target from behind, cutting off the tail removing the baits main method of propulsion and escape.
Fishermen and manufacturers have tailored baits and rigs based on this feeding pattern. Most live bait rigs employ some type of trailer hook the trails near the bait’s tail. Other rigs employ two sets of trailing hooks. Most Ballyhoo are rigged with two hooks for the same reason.
The amazing thing about a King is that even when we put out a minefield of hook, they are somehow still able to cut off the baits and escape unscathed. I am not saying they can do this frequently if the rigs are properly sized for the bait, but it never fails to make you believe that it was a tournament winning fish when this does happen. Before you go scrapping your rig or blaming your buddy that made the rig, try one simple step. Drop the bait back.
Dropping a bait back is not a new idea by any means. Blue water fishermen have employed this tactic for years. This is almost a natural reflex