IT is a pity that more people did not take advantage of the rather benign weather that has been the hallmark of the last week or so. Just managing to get out on the briny at this time of year is a challenge but to be able to do it in imminently fishable conditions is a real treat.

The upshot of this lack of effort, of course, is that there were precious few fish caught ? at least that would be of interest from a sporting point of view. There were plenty of other fish caught as evidenced by the displays at the roadside fish vendors.

Anglers should decide to concentrate on game species like wahoo or tuna or to emulate the commercial operator. The latter have their sights set on something completely different to the sportsman. Fish, any fish and hopefully lots of them, are their target. Thus all the bottom species, some suspect floating species in addition to the recognised choice fish are all fair game.

Trolling for wahoo remains productive throughout the winter months and there can be some really super days. To say that the action is inconsistent is a little unfair. It would be truer to say that the high variability in general conditions makes the entire situation rather unstable and this can certainly have an impact on both the fish and those seeking them.

Should the conditions be reasonably stable though, expect to get at least a half dozen shots even if you stay on Bermuda's Edge. Sally Tucker's has been known to be exceedingly productive during the winter months although the action can be short-lived.

The real trick to fishing for wahoo at his time of year is to know when to call it quits. The tendency is for the fish to put on a flurry of hectic activity and then to turn off for hours, literally. Catching that hectic period and bailing out while you care still ahead of the game is the key.

To best engineer this, try being right on the Edge at dawn to catch the morning feed. With the presently dark moon, the 'hoos are likely to be hungry first thing in the morning and breakfast will be on their agenda.

Depending on how good things are for them, they may not want a mid-morning snack or even any lunch. A good time to be back at the dock, steaking up prime wahoo fillet.

Going across to the Bank will increase the chances of scoring with yellowfin tuna. These fish will take a troll and, if anything, red/white combinations fished on deep trolls or a long way back seem to get good results. Unless there are a lot of flying fish visible, it is probably better to stick to garfish rigs. Flyers seem to be seasonal and the fish somehow recognise this and so their feeding mode is directed otherwise.

Don't be surprised to see some smallish mackerel around. Although not as small as "frigates", they can be of a nice size for use as a live bait.

Dragging a daisy chain can result in some surprises at any time of the year and a string of little mackerel or blackfin can be exceedingly promising. Trolled in 60-80 fathoms they often get a tuna's attention.

Chumming works as well but one needs ideal conditions for this. They can happen though and the fish will please but probably not in the numbers one would expect during the summer. Still, there is a nice class of fish about and that should ensure a good pull, regardless of the tackle involved.

Travellers may wish to note that the Miami International Boat Show is scheduled for the February 17-21 at the Miami Convention Center.

While Bermudians have been in attendance for many years, they may not have been aware of the Big Game Room. A brainchild of Captain Jimmy Loveland, this section brings together boating, destinations and everything else related to big game angling. It is now partly sponsored by Marlin and Sport Fishing Magazines and that, of itself, should give anglers some idea of what to expect.

This year's event will feature original art work by Carey Chen, a noted angling artist. Chen will be actually painting a canvas each day, so it will be possible to watch a master at work. There will be a selection of seminars by noted skippers and presenters on matters relating to big game fishing.

Perhaps of interest to those less inclined to hunting out on the briny there will be a rather rare opportunity to see an exhibit of the Hemingway Collection. This will include a selection of memorabilia of the famous writer who probably did more than anyone else to popularise big game angling in the 1950's and 60's. This is not just "fishing stuff" but a proper museum collection.

There is a rather useful Internet website at http://www.discoverboating.com/boatshows/miami/ that provides plenty of additional information for anyone considering taking advantage of a winter airline seat sale and heading south.

Another event that may engender some local interest is the 11th annual Solera Open International La Guaira Billfish Shootout which will take place April 26th to May 1st, 2005. This fishing hot spot in Venezuela is noted for some top class billfishing and is deemed by many as 'the" place to go for a grand slam or super grand slam.

Those not wanting to commit to the sort of money that these events can require might want to consider becoming involved as an observer. As with most big money tournaments, each boat is required to carry an independent observer as a referee. The good thing about being an observer is that you get to attend all the functions etc. just as if you were a participant but you don't have to spring for the entry fees. Sometimes you can even get a bit of fishing in on an off day with one of the crews who fancy a busman's holiday. At last report, this tournament still had plenty of openings for observers and, for some, that might be an ideal way to get involved in an international event prior to the start of our local season. Further information can be had from the Internet at http://www.intlbillfishtourns.com/.

Those staying at home can either dream of catching great fish or actually getting up and doing some. Believe it or not, the days have lengthened considerably with over eight hours of sunshine being recorded earlier this week. That is only going to improve and the fact that it is the sunrise that is late rather than the sunset being early means that even a relatively late move can get you on the drop-off for daybreak ? your best shot for Tight lines!!!