GET SET FOR SAILS

A boat rigged for sailfish is a complex machine. It takes a team, a skill set, and a whole lot of tackle to run one right. Here's what you need.

- GEORGE POVEROMO

Successful live-bait sailfishing requires deep knowledge of this unique billfish's migratory and feeding patterns. You need to understand how water temperature, current and wind direction influence such movements. You need specialized tech and behaviors. Then you need techniques to match these scenarios and teamwork to take advantage of them. Because proper gear is also critical, I've outlined all the tackle and equipment I use aboard my 33-foot CC. Use it as a blueprint if you're looking to dial in similar rigs and tackle.

A WELL-RIGGED BOAT

Good Sonar and Great Charts

Both are a must for locating reef bottom jutting out into current, wrecks, bait concentrations and surface temperature readings. Learn to look for places where north-flowing blue current washes over structure like this.

A High-Powered Livewell

My twin 34-gallon livewells are fed by a Hooker Sea Chest. Two 4,500 gph pumps circulate the water inside the chest itself, eliminating air infusion, dry pumps and pump failures at all boat speeds. The volume and velocity of water feeding each well, important for certain bait types, is controlled by a dial on my console. Another huge plus: The pumps are external and easily replaced.

Plenty of Power Outlets

To power electric kite reels, four 12-volt Hubble electrical outlets are positioned under the gunwales-two in the bow and a pair in the cockpit. That lets us drift or slow-troll a single kite off the stern, or drift a pair of kites utilizing both the bow and cockpit stations.

A Whole Lot of Rod Holders

A total of 26 gunwale-based Lee rod holders enable us to slow-troll live baits or drift a full spread complete with dual kites and flat lines.