AS warned last week, it rather looks like the spring wahoo run is starting to peter out. While there are still quite a number being caught, the fish are less concentrated and things are reverting back to the usual hunt and seek method. Trolling in the usual productive areas is the best bet and there remains a competitive advantage to being able to be out there at first light or just around dusk. This is particularly true during times like the present when the moon is dark and it is difficult for the fish to feed at night. Rest assured, given a bright moon, fish can and do feed at night. And when this happens, quite obviously, their daylight appetites are somewhat diminished.

Another option, which finds favour with some, is the technique of fast trolling. This involves using weighted trolls and travelling considerably faster than normal. The method does produce wahoo and often as multiple strikes, presumably because it is based on the fish reacting to the sudden motion, not only of the lure but also of the other wahoo on the attack.

Then again, slow trolling can have its moments as well. How often have you just been idling ahead while fighting a fish with a line still out when that one suddenly became taut? Some of the largest wahoo ever caught here have been taken on baits or lures that were probably sinking, they were moving so slowly. The bottom line is that you never know what the fish are thinking and in the absence of a real pattern it can pay to vary your approach.

There are still enough wahoo around to make a day of trolling productive but it will pay to vary the spread somewhat and to hope for a mixed bag. Right now that could be nothing short of spectacular as all the summer species are available on the offshore grounds. This means the catch could include wahoo, several species of tuna, dolphin and even billfish. On the other hand, of course, the variety could result from a barracuda - but that's the chance you take!

As the emphasis comes off wahoo, it shifts to yellowfin tuna and chumming with this species is giving a good account of itself on the offshore banks. A few have also turned up at the East End. Most of the fish are school-sized but there have been some considerably larger and these make excellent candidates for scoring points both in club competitions and for tournaments. Remember, no one has ever caught a 100 pounder on 12 lb. test here and that is a mark that is just crying to be broken, particularly in this day of speedy, highly manoeuvrable boats. There is some excellent light tackle action to be had and this is what originally made Bermuda an angler's paradise.

The Banks are also playing host to large quantities of small blackfin tuna. Not small enough to be suitable as live baits, these tuna are well suited for light tackle and just for a good pull. They will hit smaller trolled offerings and it is often a good idea to carry such a lure way, way back, preferably on a centre rigger where it can splash its way over the surface. That usually gets someone's attention.

Perhaps more interesting than the mere presence of hordes of blackfin is the fact that the blackfin is believed to be the favourite food of the Atlantic blue marlin. The presence of the one out there and the warming water can only mean that Big Blue will be available in ever-increasing numbers. Thus far, there have been several run-ins with all too often the gear proving to be too light for the task. This will surely change, as just about everyone who bothers to troll the deep water will be carrying tackle suited to the task.

Nearer the shore, there is a game fish that is being taken in increasing quantities but usually in the most unsportsmanlike manner. Grey snappers, often of immense proportions, are being hauled off the bottom in 12-14 fathoms by stout handlines rather than regulation rod and reel. You have to know where to go and be willing to spend some of the hours of darkness there. Fresh fry is a must but the rewards can be most bountiful. Given the levels of success had by handliners, there is probably some scope for the determined light tackle angler - the Bermuda record is a 15 pounder taken on 12 lb. test and the IGFA all-tackle record is a 17 pounder.

Not a game fish by any stretch of the imagination, yellow grunts offer an unique opportunity for the angler looking for some table fare. This is a mite specialised and, again, you do have to know exactly where to go. The grunts, often referred to as 'bull grunts" because of their size - they get up to about a pound and a half, make an excellent fillet. If you know what you are doing it is possible to get a cooler full.

Another, less specialised option is to concentrate on the barbers. Right now, there are some rather large barbers being taken in good numbers along the South Shore. The trick seems to be locating a decent school and these have tended to be in deeper water - 30 fathoms or so. Again, a concerted effort should see more than enough fillet to satisfy the average household.

Chumming at that depth should also see some yellowtail snapper action. Although not yet particularly numerous, there have been some very nice specimens taken and the desirability of this fish is never questioned. Bonitas round out the deeper reef fishing and there is always the chance that assume robins will show up, thereby opening up all sorts of possibilities. Plenty of potential good fun!

It rather looks like the Spanish Point Boat Club Light Tackle Tournament will not be fished this season. It had been slated for this coming weekend but nothing has transpired. Similarly, there has been no word on a rescheduling, although that may come up later. This means that the next events on the tournament calendar won't come up until the June 2, in two weeks' time. Between now and then, there will be the long holiday weekend that will undoubtedly have most scrambling to get the boat ready for the official start to summer. At this juncture, that will likely leave little time for Tight lines!!!