Synergistic effects of different baits on the same hook in the longline fishery for hake (Merluccius merluccius) and torsk (Brosme brosme)

Abstract

The effects of a combination of different baits on the same hook were tested in two different situations. A bait combination of sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and mackerel (Scomber scombrus) was used to catch hake (Merluccius merluccius) by semi-pelagique longline in the inshore fishery of the Basque Country. A different bait combination made with mackerel and squid was tried in a Norwegian bottom longline fishery. In both cases the bait combination showed significantly better catch rates than the traditional baits, although in the Norwegian longline trial mackerel and squid baited every second hook was at least as succesful as the bait combination.