Fend For Yourself

Some years ago an enterprising captain slipped a dock fender on a rope behind his boat and, lo and behold, a marlin tried to eat it. The revelation caused many to rethink attractors, and the result was the popularity of the unlikely fender teaser. A low-tech alternative to high-priced teasers, it's effective on billfish and tuna and you can make one for about $25.

1) You'll need a fender with molded-in grommets. Other supplies include spray paint, 400-pound leader material and swages, a squid skirt, surf float and two egg sinkers—one large, one small—for chin and optional tail weights.