Predators of Flying Fish (Hirundichthys coromandelensis) and Its Suitability as a Bait Fish

Abstract

The fishing season for the flying fish Hirundichthys coromandelensis in Sri Lanka extends from about middle of May to about beginning of August, which is their spawning season. During this season the coacentrations of tuna, shark, dolphin fish and seer are the heaviest for the year in the Sri Lankan waters because these predators are extraordinarily attracted to those spawning flying fish. Therefore, flying fish could be satisfactorily used as a live bait in hand lining and trolling as well as a dead bait for trolling and ling lining to catch its predators.