Any billfish is likely to tease with this method, and when the conditions warrant, we switch marlin with live bait—in this case, using mackerel. While the bait-and-switch ­technique is used around the ...

Live bait isn’t just a technique for beginners. A fluttering minnow or chunk of nightcrawler at the end of the line can be one of the most effective means of fishing at this time of year.

LIVE BAIT is cheating. If I’ve heard it once I’ve heard it 10,000 times. The level of cheating, of course, varies by species and age. Any child under 15 can use live bait for whatever he or she wants.

Pham is mostly in the business of selling live bait along with several other bait stands and while he’s catching over 100 pounds every day. It’s still not enough to make a profit.