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If you fish anywhere along the east coast or the Gulf of Mexico in the summer, you’ve undoubtedly run into your share of Bonita, or Little Tunny. They run in massive schools, put up an awesome fight and make for fantastic trolling and shark baits. And, they’re a charter captain’s go-to species to delight first time anglers. But the food value is terrible, right? Well, not really. If you prepare this “trash fish” the right way, it can be just as delicious as Blackfin Tuna. And by the right way, we mean smoked and turned into fish dip. Today, we’ll show you how to turn that trash into treasure, and once you try this recipe, it’s a guarantee you keep more of them. First, you’ll need to catch Bonita. If you’re an avid angler, you know this is the easy part. In summer, just troll some lures behind your boat on the outside of the reef, or where you see birds working. Here in South Florida, we troll between 100 feet of water and about 250 to find them. They’re impossible to avoid. Once you’ve boated one, it’s very important to bleed it out. These fish have an awful lot of blood, which makes the meat taste metallic. To bleed it, you can either cut the gills with a sharp fillet or bait knife, or puncture the artery just behind the pectoral fin. Once the fish is bleeding, put it in an ice slurry so your deck doesn’t become a mess. After a bit, you can toss it into clean ice with the rest of your catch. Once you’ve gotten a few, it’s time to head back in, to the fillet table. Properly filleting Bonita is the most important part of the entire recipe. If you’ve ever filleted one, you know why… The fish is almost all purple bloodline, the reason most anglers don’t eat them. Now, get a very sharp fillet knife, we suggest using this German Steel Knife, and clean the fish like any other. But don’t remove all of the meat from the skin. Leave a few millimeters of meat to make Bonita strip trolling baits… Bonita strips are just one of the treasures this fish offers us. Now, you should have two full, skinned fillets. You’ll notice the meat that lies outside the lateral line is much more pinkish than the rest. This is the meat to eat. Carefully remove this pinker meat from the massive bloodline, wash it off and put it on ice. Now you’re ready to make the dip! If you’ve properly bled and cleaned the fish, there’s no need to soak the fillets in milk or anything else that “absorbs” the fishy flavor. In fact, you can eat the Bonita as sashimi. It’s not bad. A bit like blackfin, but somewhat “tinnier.” But the absolute best way to utilize the meat is in the smoker, bar-non. Here’s what you’ll need to make trash fish into treasure fish. Brine: 25 lbs. clean Bonita fillets 3 cups brown sugar 1 cup sea salt 2 tbs garlic powder 1 tbs black pepper 1 tsp cayenne pepper Dip: smoked Bonita (from 1.25 lbs fresh fillets) 1 lb. cream cheese 2 tsp paprika 2 tsp fresh dill 2 fresh jalapenos 4 tbs fresh green onion (scallions) 1 lemon salt and pepper to taste crackers, pita or plantain chips   Brine your fillets overnight (or at least 3 hours minimum) by mixing up all the brine ingredients in a bowl, then placing a layer on the bottom of a casserole dish. Put the fillets on top of that layer, then cover with the remaining mix and put it in the fridge. Once your fillets are ready, remove them from the now liquid brine and wash them off. Fire up your smoker, aiming at 175 degrees. You’ll want to smoke your Bonita fillets for at least two to three hours depending on thickness. The longer you smoke it, the better the flavor. Once out of the smoker, let it cool off for a bit while you start preparing your dip mix. If you have a food processor, get it out and put your soft cream cheese in. Begin mixing your cream cheese, while crumbling in your smoked Bonita. Then, add your paprika, the juice of half a lemon, salt and pepper and mix. Once well mixed, remove from the processor and put your dip in a large bowl. Here, you’ll need to mix in the fresh herbs. Add your green onion and fresh dill and fold them into the dip, adding the other half of the lemon juice. Dust the dip with some paprika… Sprinkle some fresh green onion atop… Put your dip into the fridge for an hour or so… Slice up your jalapenos and get your pita ready. You can tell your guests they’re eating smoked tuna dip. They’ll never know the difference. Enjoy!

  No matter if you’ve loaded up the freezer with yellowfin this spring, or you’re still slaying the blackfin now, this tuna Sinuglaw recipe is a must try. While it tastes best with fresh caught tuna, you can thaw out any tuna you already have to prepare this smoky, fatty, and tart dish in a jiff. But… Since there’s no replacement for fresh caught tuna, you may need to head offshore to catch some… and It’s well worth it! Here’s how we catch ‘em: We troll a five-line spread of Tuna Darts. Four lines on the riggers and one shotgun. We put the short rigger lines back 75 and 100 feet, with the long riggers out 150 and 200 feet. Our shotgun line goes waaaay back. At least 300 feet, and we troll for tuna at 6-7 kts. Keep your eyes on the skies and find the birds. Chances are, that’s where the tuna will be. Try to stay ahead of the birds (don’t run through them) and watch that shotgun line. It’s usually the first to get bit. Now, both blackfin and yellowfin tuna love to strike these Tuna Darts, so be sure your fish box is loaded with ice before you head out. Alright…  now that you’ve loaded up the box with tuna, it’s time to head in and make some Sinuglaw. What is Sinuglaw? Sinuglaw is an Asian cousin to ceviche. It’s a combination of pork belly (or thick cut bacon) and vinegar-cured fish with fresh veggies and herbs. But unlike ceviche, the addition of pork in Sinuglaw offers you a much more savory bite. While there are quite a few ingredients in Sinuglaw, you’ll see it’s actually pretty easy to make. Here’s what you’ll need to make enough for four people. ½ pound of fresh yellowfin or blackfin tuna, cut into squares ½ pound grilled pork belly or thick cut bacon ½ cup white vinegar ½ cup coconut milk 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon lime juice 2 tablespoons sliced red onion 1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped 1 cup diced cucumber, skin removed ¼ cup tomatoes, cut into small pieces 1 medium avocado, peeled and diced 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger ¼ cup fresh cilantro 1 tablespoon lemon, or lime zest Sea salt and pepper to taste Since Sinuglaw is a cold dish, you’ll want to cook your pork belly first, then refrigerate it. But don’t overcook it, you’ll want plenty of that savory, salty fat to pull it all together. In a large bowl, toss your raw, fresh tuna with the white vinegar and a little bit of sea salt and pepper. Mix it up good and place it in the fridge for at least 2 to 3 hours. The longer the tuna sits in the vinegar, the more it “cooks.” As your tuna is curing in the fridge, get another bowl and stir together the coconut milk, lime juice, onion, jalapeno, fish sauce and ginger. Once your tuna is ready, remove it from the vinegar mix and add it to a serving bowl. Now pour the coconut milk mix in, and top the fish with your cooked pork belly, avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, and cilantro. Toss it all together, zest with lemon or lime and enjoy! Now, if you aren’t catching enough tuna to make this dish, you’re using the wrong lures. We suggest trying our Tuna Darts, because like we said earlier, the yellowfin and blackfin can’t resist ‘em.

Should you go with live bait, natural dead bait? Or would you be better off with artificial lure like a jigging dipper? If you’re like most fishing enthusiasts, these are some of the most pivotal decisions you’ll make before hitting the water. When it comes to freshwater or saltwater fishing, which fishing rigs you put on the end of you line could be crucial to a successful day. Artificial bait and natural bait both have their time and place. Just like tools, there’s always one for the right situation. Allow us at Rite Angler to show you when to go natural and when to go artificial. By the end of this post, you’ll know the benefits of artificial and natural baits and when to use them. Let’s dive in. The Benefits of Artificial Bait Artificial bait has grown in popularity, mainly due to its durability and the choices available. The synthetic material of artificial baits or fishing rigs makes storage and tying hassle-free. The variety in colors makes them interesting to both use and collect. Here are some more benefits of artificial bait: Reusability Artificial bait is synthetic, so there’s no need to worry about decaying or having to store it in a tank with circulating water. In addition, the synthetic material of artificial baits makes them reusable, so they save you a drive to your local fishing shop. Even after a massive strike, artificial baits can be used over and over again, saving the angler tons of money. Cleanliness Artificial rigs are also cleaner compared to natural bait. They don’t smell! They aren’t slimy, and they never die in your live well either. After a day of fishing, a quick fresh-water wash and they go right back into your tacklebox, ready for your next trip. So it’s clear that artificial bait is easy to handle. Just watch out for the hook! Good artificials, like those from Rite Angler have extremely sharp hooks. Excellent Visibility in murky conditions Artificial baits come in a variety of colors that make them stick out like clownfish in a clean aquarium. Because of their visibility, artificial baits are excellent choices when the water is mucked up — which could be the case for saltwater fishing during tide changes or big rains, or freshwater fishing in bubbling rivers and silty lakes. Best for Catch-and-release Saltwater/Freshwater Fishing If you’ve ever used natural bait, you know predators can gut-hooked easily, even if you’re using circle hooks. This isn’t too bad if you’re fishing for your next meal, or plan to keep all your catch. However, gut hooking isn’t what you want for fishery preservation, or if you’re catching non-targeted species. If you’re doing some catch-and-release fishing, opt for artificial bait to go with your fishing rigs. Because of the necessary action on the bait created by the angler, gut hooking is far less common with artificial baits. The Benefits of Natural Bait Natural bait is messy, expensive and require constant replacement via frequent drives to the tackle store or cast netting/catching… and often die in the live well. Despite these minor inconveniences, natural baits have a lot to offer. Maximized Chances of Catching Fish Whether it’s freshwater or saltwater fishing, natural bait like worms, goggle eyes and speedos are attractive to fish. Fish will flock wherever they sense natural bait like worms and bait balls gathering. As a result, you’ll catch something easier — even if you’re not paying attention. An Even Better Choice for Muddy or Murky Water Natural bait doesn’t need to swim in high visibility water to draw fish. Even if the water isn’t clear, predators can sense the movements and nervousness of live baits in almost any water condition. Free — If You Know Where to Look or have good cast net skills Worms are everywhere and so are saltwater baits. Also, if you’re already cultivating some perch or bluegills, or have a pen full of pinfish, why drive to the tackle shop? If you have the time, patience, and skill to catch or cultivate it, live bait can be free… unless you’re buying it, of course. But keep in mind, if you have to buy it, live bait can be extremely expensive and must be handled with kid gloves. When in Doubt, Try It Out Both kinds of bait — natural and artificial — can be excellent choices for your fishing trip. Of course, each has its place. But utilizing both is part of what makes freshwater and saltwater fishing so much fun. Whether you’re experimenting with new baits, techniques and rigs or not, you’ll should always include the best artificials in you tackle box. They’re proven to work in almost any conditions, on almost any fish and can last years. Let us hook you up. Find everything you need from artificial trolling baits and jigs, full rigs and tackle at Rite Angler!

Fishing is a popular pastime for many people around the world. In saltwater fishing, trolling is a standard method used to catch fish. This method involves one or more fishing lines with lures or baited hooks drawn through the water, dragged behind a boat. It is one of the most effective ways to fish and produces some monster catches. But what are the best trolling lures to use that will guarantee you have the fishing trip of a lifetime? We break down the eight basic trolling lures that every offshore angler should have in their tackle box. Keep in mind, different regions call these trolling lures different names. 1.) Plunger With a tapered head and a long, slender body, the plunger is an excellent trolling lure for fish that inhabit the water column of open oceans, such as tuna, marlin, and sailfish. The plunger imitates the look and movement of a wounded baitfish, making it irresistible to predators. The lure’s design allows it to swim erratic and violent. 2.) Doorknob Doorknob-style lures are one of the most popular trolling lures among saltwater anglers. The same with plunger lures; doorknobs also have a tapered head, and a long body. The difference is that doorknobs are more rounded, resembling a doorknob (hence the name).  The extra-long skirts on doorknob lures are provided to aid in the overall stability of the lure's movement by providing additional stability. 3.) Chugger This trolling lure features a unique design that allows it to produce a loud "chugging" noise as it moves through the water. The chugger is one of the most versatile trolling lures as it can be used in both saltwater and freshwater fishing and is often referred to as the best all-around trolling lure. Chuggers are available in various sizes, colors, and styles to match any fishing situation. 4.) Scoop Face/Slant Head Only a few lures work well in both calm and rough water. The classic scooped face slant has a keel weight system that keeps the lure upright, so it swims true and with the eyes orientated adequately. This lure is usually around 4 to 7 ounces and has a small cut face. It runs quickly and smoothly in calm and rough water, swimming from side to side. Thanks to its traditional Hawaiian styling, many big game fishermen worldwide consider it a necessary trolling lure for almost all conditions. 5.) Dive Plug A dive plug is a lure that’s designed to dive below the water’s surface when trolled. It has a big lip that forces water above it, pushing this trolling lure down to depths. These lures are great for attracting fish like Wahoo and Kingfish that often feed below the surface. 6.) Soft Heads Soft head lures are well-known for producing bites all around the world. Injection-molded soft lures have remained virtually unchanged since the 1980s because they continue to catch fish. Soft heads, which come in many shapes and sizes, have several advantages over other types of lures. The most significant advantage is that when an attacker bites down, it comes up against a genuine squishiness making the lure “feel” like a real baitfish. If the fish misses the hook on the initial pass, this “feel” may entice them to come back for a second try. However, because they’re soft, they are more prone to damage than other types of trolling lures. 7.) Bullet Head From its extended casting capability to its aerodynamic design, the bullet head has proven an effective trolling lure for many saltwater anglers. The bullet's shape gives it a unique swimming action that is irresistible to predators. It moves incredibly smoothly through the water, like a fleeing baitfish and triggers predatory instincts in almost all pelagic fishes. 8.) Jet Head or Bubbler Jet head trolling lures create a lot of bubbles, which makes them very attractive to fish. This is done using holes that go through the lure head or out the sides to capture air and funnel it behind the lure, making a jet. When viewed from the front, jet head trolling lures look like a Gatling gun. They are increasingly popular for trolling because of their effectiveness, and the catch rates can be awesome. There are a ton of different types of trolling lures, but these are the eight basic types. In fact, most other lures out there are either a variation or combination of these eight. Interested in fishing with the best trolling lures on planet earth? Lures that have proven to catch a lot of fish… a lot of big fish? Head on over to RiteAngler.com and they’ll hook you up. Rite Angler is the internet’s premier retailer of high-quality, long lasting saltwater fishing tackle.

To catch fish, you need the proper combination of weather conditions, skills, expertise, and patience. Luck doesn’t hurt, either. To get a fish worth showing off, however, you need the right equipment and the right tackle. Many anglers swear by their fishing tackle boxes since they keep their equipment secure and organized. High-quality fishing tackle will significantly improve your fishing experience. If you want to do some serious fishing, the weight, materials, flexibility, and length of your rods must all be appropriate for the type of fishing you want to do. It's important to prioritize quality gear over cheap, flimsy materials. Materials you’ll have to buy over and over again. The Ultimate Tacklebox for Saltwater Fishing It can be overwhelming to walk into a tackle shop or search for the best tacklebox online. There are so many different varieties of bait and lures to choose from that it gets tough to understand; after all, after a certain point, what’s the difference between them? When you get overwhelmed and confused, it’s hard to choose tackle that’s reliable, high-quality, and comprehensive, including everything you need to land your next big catch. Today, the daunting search for the right tackle for the right fish is over! Rite Angler was founded in 1990 to meet the growing need for high-quality equipment and dependable terminal tackle among serious anglers. Our high-quality tackle is made for fishing folk who understand the value of good, premium-quality fishing gear. Over the years, Rite Angler has helped and transformed the lives of many enthusiastic anglers by supplying the best tackle and helping them bring home a big catch. Complete Tackle Kit Rite Angler offers the complete tackle kit for a different type of saltwater fishing. You won't have to waste time putting together your tackle supplies, because everything you’ll need is included in this set. Smart Divider System: This tacklebox has adjustable dividers that you can use to divide up your space and organize your things properly. This guarantees that your storage space will be tailored to your needs. Anti-Corrosion Technology: An exclusive solution incorporated into the dividers emits a corrosion-inhibiting vapor that forms a protective layer on metal, preventing rust in harsh sea environments. Easy Identification Design: The translucent plastic top and base make it easy to see what's inside even when the lid is closed. This is designed with the angler in mind for fast and efficient baiting. Secured: It incorporates a powerful latching system to keep it closed and secured on harsh waters. Our complete tackle kit includes: 1 Multi-tool Plier with plastic-dipped cushioned handles for comfort 1 Bait Knife 2 Sabiki Bait Rigs to help you get started loading up on baitfish 25 Each: #2, #1 & 1/0 Octopus Beak Hooks 25 Each: 2/0, 3/0, 5/0 O’ Shaughnessy Hooks 4, 1 oz Bass Casting Lead 10 Each:1/8 & 1/4 oz Egg Sinker 5 Each: 1/2, 1, 2 oz. Egg Sinker 25 Each #7, #5, #1 Barrel Swivels Depending on your needs, we also offer a Small Tackle Kit and a Large Tackle Kit. All of our items, including high-quality tackle, kits, and accessories, are available online! Best of all, if you need to know which tackle to use for the right fish, our online store does it for you! Simply type the species you’re targeting into the search bar, and all the appropriate baits and rigging will appear. Order the Right Tackle Online At Rite Angler, we take pleasure in stocking all of the necessary lures, lines, and tackle to withstand the scorching sun, rough waves, and the aggression of deep-water denizens. Rite Angler has the fishing tackle you need, no matter what type of fishing you do. We're always looking for new products to add to our collection, and we're always looking for ways to improve it to help our customers have the ultimate fishing experience. Order today to take advantage of our free shipping on orders over $49.