Pakula – Unlocking the Secrets
Offshore Sport & Game Fishing

by Peter Pakula

Published by Just Fishing Publications, Queensland, Australia. First published 1994. Size: 240mm x 155mm. 52pp total. Black and white line drawings. Black and white photographs. Soft cover.

This little book is regarded by many big game fishermen as a miniature bible on the subject. Everything is covered: rods and reels, lines, gimbals and harnesses, together with lures and rigging. Peter looks at hook placement in lures, single and two hook rigs, shackle rigs and correct setup for more hookups.

The fine art of trolling is covered in detail with plenty of advice on lure placement behind the boat, and most importantly, what to do when a fish is hooked. Peter also talks about stand-up fishing, boat handling, tagging and gaffing, live-baiting, teasers and using GPS.

In the final chapter, Peter narrows down the finer points of successful big game angling and the best fishing tactics. He says the difference between getting fish to the tag pole, or just wasting time, lies in all the little things. The little things are done well, and then all added together, is the secret of successful marlin fishing.

Though lacking the big colour pictures typical of books on game fishing, Peter Pakula gets straight to the point. He shows the complete novice how it’s done with pictures, line drawings, and simple, easily understood text. If you own no other book on the subject you won’t go wrong with this effort. Allan Burgess.