THE ULTIMATE BAG OF TRICKS

Sport-fishing captains are often magicians: We can make a bite appear when billfishing wanes—even if it’s just well-timed barracuda or bonito—or conjure from thin air a spectacular shoreside excursion when weather keeps our boats at the dock, or create a culinary illusion when the marina’s lone restaurant is unexpectedly closed.

More often, we seem to employ sleight of hand to correct perceived trip-ruining mechanical faults. But just as magicians employ clever props, working magic on a busted boat requires adequate tools. My own tool bag carries everything I’ve needed in two decades of freelance work,