How to Assemble a Kite for Sailfishing

Kite fishing for sailfish is a technique that harnesses the power of the wind to cast long fishing lines with multiple hooks offshore or from a boat deck. Kite fishing has become increasingly popular as the techniques become easier due to commercial kits and easy-to-rig equipment. It has become popular among sailfish anglers also because it helps to lure in and catch large sailfish. Using live bait is often recommended for kite fishing.

Things You'll Need

  • Wooden dowels
  • Knife
  • Twine or string
  • Heavy-duty plastic or nylon
  • Tape or glue
  • Hole-punch tool
  • Fishing line
  • Plastic bottle
  • Swivels
  • Carabiner
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Instructions

  1. Building a Kite

    • 1

      Carve four notches for holding string into the ends of the two dowels. One dowel should be roughly 20 inches and the other 24 inches. Use the knife to cut your notches in a vertical or V-shaped pattern into the ends of each dowel. The notches should be deep enough to allow string to rest inside of them securely.

    • 2

      Measure and a mark 6 inches from one end of the longer dowel, roughly one-quarter of the stick's length. Measure and mark 10 inches from one end of the shorter dowel, roughly one-half of the stick's length.

    • 3

      Place the shorter dowel over the longer dowel in the shape of a cross or lowercase "t." Use twine or string to tie the sticks together by wrapping twine around the intersected pieces in the shape of an “X.” Keep the V-shaped notches positioned horizontally in relationship to the ground in order to allow string to pass securely around the outside edge of your dowel frame.

    • 4

      Thread your twine or string through your pre-cut notches at the ends of each dowel. The string will act as the framework for the nylon or plastic material and the notches will hold the sting in place. Tie the string tight and knot the loose end to where the dowels cross in the middle.

    • 5

      Place your diamond-shaped frame on a piece of nylon or heavy-duty plastic. Cut out a piece of nylon or plastic slightly larger than the kite frame, roughly 26 inches by 26 inches.

    • 6

      Fold down the excess nylon or plastic around the kite frame and secure the material using glue or tape. Punch a small hole in the tip and tail of the kite material using a small hole-punch tool and tie a piece of string or twine connecting the two holes. You will use this string to attach your fishing mainline to your kite.

    Rigging a Kite

    • 7

      Attach fishing line to your kite mainline using a clip, swivel system or knotting. It is a good idea to connect your fishing line to the kite line with braided cord because of its strength and durability.

    • 8

      Attach a sand-filled plastic bottle to your braided line with a clip or small carabiner. This bottle acts as a weight for your fishing mainline and keeps it submerged in windy conditions.

    • 9

      Tie hooks to your mainline and then tie weights in front of the line's hooks. Only tie as many hooks as your state or local governments allow. Longline fishing with multiple hooks per line is illegal in certain bodies of water.