1. Line Green Trilene Big Cat monofilament is more visible at night than clear line; it works just fine during the day, too. Go with 30-pound-test ($7 for a 275-yard spool; ¿¿www.berkley-fishing.com).

2. Shad-Keeper Shad Holding Formula Add this to your bait tank to eliminate ammonia and surface foam while providing electrolytes that keep bait active longer ($9.50; ¿¿www.wholesalebait.com).

3. Sabiki Rig This consists of a leader with dressed hooks attached to dropper lines and a split shot for casting weight. You can often catch three or four skipjacks at a time with one. Try a No. 4 Hayabusa Hage-Aurora Sabiki ($3.50; ¿¿www.tackletogo.com).

4. Cast Net Get something fresh for your hooks by casting this net over schools of baitfish in quiet bays. Bettsﾕ 8-foot version with 3ﾚ8-inch mesh works well and comes with full instructions ($55; 919-552-2226).

5. Rod One-piece fiberglass baitcasting rods with double-foot guides are sturdy, durable, and affordable. A perfect example is Quantumﾕs 7-foot 6-inch Big Cat medium-action rod, rated for 15- to 40 pound line ($40; www.quantumfishing.com).