AFTER an absolutely glorious start to the week, the weather turned a bit unsettled and there wasn't a whole lot of fishing done. This is not too surprising since we are seriously into that uncertain period where the weather is so unpredictable, despite the accuracy of the forecasts, that planning an offshore excursion really is a bit of a waste of time.

Not that the forecasters get a whole lot wrong. It is just that what the fisherman looks at is not the same as the average person's view of the weather. Most people just want to know if they need to get out their umbrella or to put on their rain gear, knowing that the trip to work could be a mite damp. The angler is less concerned about the rain and more interested in the sea conditions and, consequently, the wind. Of course, if it is really bucketing down first thing in the morning, there isn't too much incentive to get soaked just getting out to the boat, especially when a warm dry bed is the alternative.

Having said that, though, there are plenty of times when the Island is shrouded in rain but the offshore is fine and sunny. The radar picture on television can do wonders and is a great predictive tool. After all, you don't have to be a meteorologist to know that those brightly coloured patches mean wet, and maybe worse. Still, with a bit of care, it is possible to use the radar picture to time runs home that avoid the rain and, similarly, the chances of a reasonable trip offshore can also be worked out.

Not that most of us will have much in the way of opportunity over the next few weeks. The holiday season is well and truly upon us and the demands made on free time far exceed the amount of time required for even the briefest fishing trips.

There are still some nice wahoo being taken. Numbers aren't fantastic but the fish are showing a quality that is often associated with the off-season. Fish in the 60-70 pound class are not uncommon and, realistically, just one of these is enough to make the expedition a success.

Trolling is an option with naturals and some funny colours often being most productive. Combinations of red and white or hot pink and blue often get results. There are schools of bait on the Banks that rise up and "bibble" on the surface. These often lure wahoo and other predators into the general area where dragging something suitable can elicit a strike. While wahoo will be the primary quarry, there are a few yellowfin around. Dragging a daisy chain is also a good bet because there are some small, maybe not quite "frigate"-sized mackerel and juvenile blackfin around. Both make excellent live baits and can even be trolled as dead baits, preferably from outriggers where the splashing effect often gets a predator's attention.

Classical chumming on the edge of the Banks for tuna isn't really as productive as it might be. There is a shortage of yellowfin tuna and while there are some blackfin around, these tend to prefer areas on top of the Banks, making the crown a good place to try for this species which is ideal for anyone in pursuit of some top-class light tackle action. Chumming on the crowns can bring up all sorts of fish, including some splendid yellowtails. The fly in the ointment is the shark population that inhabits the same location. Many a fine fish has been lost to a hefty shark and just the presence of this predatory species can inhibit the activities of other, desirable fish.

Much of the effort being put in now is directed at fish that make good table fare with the additional consideration being the conservation of fuel. Thus, drifting is one of the preferred options. Most operators concentrate on the Banks for this type of fishing with an old adage being to fish on Challenger bank before Christmas and Argus after. While there are various opinions as to why this is the case, the most reasonable explanation is that up until January, the weather is less reliable and subject to quick changes. The reasoning was that because Challenger is closer to home, in the event of trouble, the run back to the Island was less. Usually once the winter weather pattern has established itself, things are more predictable and you can generally be assured of a weather window ranging from 12–24 hours. Bear in mind that "back in the day" as they say, most boats were only capable of about 10–12 knots, so closer to home was better.

With the quicker boats that are the norm today, the option of working Argus Bank is a realistic proposition but the caveat that the weather is more subject to change remains.

Another, but more demanding, strategy is to drift along Bermuda's Edge. Inasmuch as the Edge can drop off very suddenly in places, it takes some skill to effectively work this section of bottom. A good choice can be to start the drift over the deep reef and to work that bottom out until you have gone over the Edge. By covering a variety of bottom types, there are all sorts of fish to be caught. Yellowtails, porgies, bonitas, coneys, barbers and hinds will probably form the mainstay; but it can pay to toss a bit of chum over every now and then and to leave a surface line out. Just about anything from mackerel to wahoo and tuna can happen on such and surprise you while you are busily cranking bottom dwellers up.

With the Christmas period seeing so many people travelling, it can pay off to look into the possibility of going fishing whilst visiting friends and family abroad. Places like Florida offer lots of options as do most Caribbean destinations. There are even ski resorts that offer some freshwater fishing opportunities as a diversion from the slopes. Although it doesn't cross many minds, a cruise usually offers some potential for a quarter or half day charter in waters that. The easiest way to find out about such is on the internet but many of the fishing publications have sections that highlight good fishing in places less restricted by wintry conditions. Another thing is to talk to a keen angler who has been to your destination. That can provide some useful information. While it may not have been a factor in planning your holidays, a spot of angling may provide welcome break from the usual seasonal hustle and bustle. Let's face it, once back at home and things have settled down, it will be mid–January with rather dismal prospects of any Tight lines!!!