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Old 07-25-2018, 05:02 PM   #1
Bob Ballew
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Why do Flying Fish fly?

...and, why does it matter?..Well, a lot, if you want to be one of the top tier divers or fishermen who return home with fish constantly. Learn to find the food items in the grocery store (bait) and you can focus on where the gamefish are...not on old reports of where they were....
...All predators hunt flying fish and learning about them is a fascinating experience that pays off in filets. Big bluefin love flying fish meals. Zane Grey was among the first to troll live flying fish to catch big tuna at Catalina island in 1923. They disappeared from over fishing, and, now, have returned to local waters. Last year's big tuna have become giant size. If you study the evolution, migration and mating habits of this bait source, you can improve your chances of crossing paths with a big bluefin.
...In open ocean, the female will attach her eggs to any piece of organic floating kelp or palm frond. The males release their sperm into the kelp and fertilize the eggs. This mating habit explains their attraction to our offshore islands and kelp forests. A flying fish must beat it's tail at 16 times per second to generate enough speed to fly, so, it is unlikely they fly for fun. ...The most basic reason for flying is for survival. Every predator that can catch them, will eat them. They are bait for sharks, dolphin, marlin, sea lions and other hunters from below. Catalina eagles soar high, then, swoop down and nail them mid-air. Makos power up, blow skyward and crash down sideways on them to stun their prey. Young sea lions chase them, catching about 1 out of five tries and wasting a lot of energy. Old sea lions sit on the edge of lights and let flyers fall down into their open mouths, like an outfielder catching a popup fly. Thus, proving that old age and wisdom will outwit youth and enthusiasm every time. Sea lions will swim parallel to flying fish schools, turn 180 degrees suddenly and charge the flyers head on. This tactic neutralizes their flight to escape.
... Captain John King, who runs flying fish tours and fishing charters out of Avalon, says, "This has been the best season in the last 4 years for getting to see these amazing creatures". Currently, there are lots of flying fish up the inside of the island. Swim with these tidbits and you may find yourself in the middle of a school of giant bluefin on the inside of Catalina!.... Source: Captain John King, Afishinados Charters, Avalon, CA...888 613-7770

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Old 07-25-2018, 06:30 PM   #2
Marcus
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Re: Why do Flying Fish fly?

http://www.avanawaterfront.co.ck/ind...&id=6&Itemid=8


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Flying fish are a delicacy in the Cook Islands and are caught at dusk using a fast boat, and spotlight. The fish rise to the light and the fishermen have to catch them mid air in a butterfly net. Each tour leaves just before dusk so you can watch the sunset. Then after catching your flying fish, the boat trolls back to the harbour using the fresh fish as bait for dogtooth tuna
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Old 07-26-2018, 04:33 PM   #3
el tiegro
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Re: Why do Flying Fish fly?

I saw a good number of flyers hanging around paddies on our way in from the 43 last week. A couple times were schools swimming in the open. One paddy had a single hiding up inside the kelp.
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