It works. Higher catch ratios and a more engaging experience than traditional offshore trolling.

The Hybrid is a fiberglass carbon fiber composite model and the latest evolution from Hamaguchi, the original manufacturer. The original fiberglass and carbon fiber models have been discontinued by the manufacturer

The greenstick is a fishing pole. And fishing poles in general have a line test rating but no breaking strength rating. Current fishing systems in the field are using 250-1200 lb test mono mainlines.

The stick may affect your vessel's stability as your center of gravity will be elevated. Larger vessels over 24' with a tuna tower or fly bridge allow for a smaller stick mounted at a higher point. The new Kona Stick (CL model) gives vessels in the 18'-24' range opportunity to install a greenstick.

Before fishing pioneer Yukinobu Shibata modernized the fishing method back in the late 1960s, the original sticks were large sections of green bamboo, hence the name greenstick. Since then it has been reproduced and painted in different colors.

The Hamaguchi sticks are the best choice for greenstick fishing. Not only have these sticks had a success rate dating back to the 1970s, but the manufacturer has been involved in making fiberglass products for decades and produces their own fiberglass materials used in the production of greensticks giving them better quality control. Replacement tips and other parts are now available. Hamaguchi sets the standard in premium quality greensticks.

Have an adequate supply of pre-rigged breakaways on hand. A loop is made on one end. The looped end of the breakaway can then be looped into the swivel or connected loops on the mainline on one end and secured to the tagline via a slip knot. Those using a snap on the end of the tagline can make loops on both ends of the breakaway and snap the tagline snap onto the loop. For safety reasons we recommend a loop on the end of the tagline and securing to the breakaway via slip knot.

Popular baits are from Moldcraft, Yozuri or Yamashita. Artificial squids ranging from 4h-12h. Dead baits also have been used.

A piece of rubber bicycle tire tubing and a couple stainless clamps work well here. We have heard of a few individuals who have drilled into the stick and secured it with a bolt or pin.

Your baits should be dipping in and out of the water in an up and down motion and not trolling/dragging the surface or swinging side to side.

The Hybrid is a fiberglass carbon fiber composite model and the latest evolution from Hamaguchi, the original manufacturer. The original fiberglass and carbon fiber models have been discontinued by the manufacturer.

Two segments on the locally-produced "Let's Go Fishing" TV show which might give you better insight into the fishing techniques. They can be viewed online at youtube.com or benwongtv.com

The impact of the strike can exert tremendous pressure on the stick and we've seen stainless hooks open up. We recommend the specially designed Tosa galvanized stick hook.

Traditionally a longline snap on the welded ring of a 2-way swivel. The light rigging style uses a smaller Japanese snap with an SBL swivel affixed to nylon braided fishing line (Dacron, Spectra, microDyneema) bridles that are looped through the joined sections in the mainline as no swivels are used in the mainline of the light rigging style.

Routinely inspect your greenstick, the base and brackets, and mounting areas for wear. Make sure you have a proper platform to safely mount a greenstick that can weigh as much as 85 pounds. Keep this in mind as you are shifting your vessel's center of gravity. The tagline may recoil on a fish strike. We recommend using a loop instead of a snap at the end of the tagline and secure the breakaway with a slip knot. Safety eyewear is also recommended. We recommend a flag on the tagline to signal other vessels that you have a greenstick line in tow. Disconnect the branchline snap before removing the lure from the water and into the boat, just in case a fish strikes the other connected lures still in the water. Avoid using a line size or material that will restrict a proper breakaway between the stick and the mainline when it gets stressed.

Monofilament, Dacron and cotton cord ranging from 100-200 lb test. It is important that the mainline is able to breakaway from the tip upon strike to mitigate the chances of breaking or collapsing any of your greenstick sections which may lead to vessel equipment damage or injury.

It works. Higher catch ratios and a more engaging experience than traditional offshore trolling.

The tagline connects the tip of the greenstick to the mainline via a breakaway line. It is recommended a loop be used at the end of the tagline instead of a snap or swivel to prevent damage or injury from recoil during a strike. The length of the tagline is determined by your ability to access the line when you need to retrieve the line to reset, adjust, or break down your gear. The strength of the tagline needs to be greater than the breakaway line but not so heavy that it afPhoto by Wayne Davis/OceanAerials.com 15 fects the action of your baits. Polyester line from 650 lb or up to 4 mm in most setups are sufficient.

Yes. The manufacturer recommends a high quality 2-part polyurethane coating.

Current systems range between 2-10 baits with most between 4-7 baits. It may be a good idea to start off with a lower number of baits and increase as needed.

Forward of the cabin, tuna tower/fly bridge, gunwale or even on the swim step/transom. Overall, mount the stick wherever your vessel is best able to safely accommodate it. Keep in mind, the vessel's stability, deck mobility, and access to engine covers/hatches. Avoid mounting your stick in a potentially weak or non-reinforced area.

The "heavy-rigging" style was originally utilized in Hawaii and the East Coast, but in recent years more vessels use medium or light rigging styles. East coast fishermen were said to extend rigs out over 250 yards, while some Hawaiian fishermen downsized their rigs to 150 yards or less.

The bird keeps the line constantly taut so the baits hang properly over the water. If the bird skips or rolls over because of poor design, it will cause the line to sag and the baits to drag and submerge.

The standard is 5-7 knots. The faster you push the vessel, the more tension you create on the rig. Too much tension will cause premature breakaway. As you learn your system there may be need to adjust the breakaway line's rating to suit your gear and speed.