Birds can sometimes indicate the presence of Marlin and Tuna.
Here are some of the species of Birds that are common in our waters.
Gannets usually feed on small to medium size bait ie; Saury, Pilchards,Jack Mackerel, all good fodder for Marlin and Tuna. These birds are found usually in large flocks diving, the height that they are flying can also indicate the depth of the bait. Gannets give us a good insight into bait size that the Pelagics are feeding on at the time.
Mutton Birds are the 'smart' birds, scavengers and hunters. They will be in the mix with the Gannets and will always be the first to the bait when it rises.
They are a great indicator of Marlin, and Tuna. If you come across these birds working an area or sitting in groups ,usually means somthing is happening deeper down especially if they are dipping there heads in the water looking, they may be watching bait or even following Marlin.
Mutton Birds are scavengers and will steal what they can, and will be waiting for an easy meal as the bait gets driven toward the surface.
Storm Petrel, (Jesus Birds)
These Birds are feeding on Zoo plankton, and are very good indicators of Bait, some call them 'Marlin Birds'. If they are working an area with Mutton Birds present, it would be worthwhile spending time working that area. It may only take a tide change for the fish to start feeding.
Watching Birds can be the most rewarding of all visual signs on the Ocean. Birds hunt to survive, so they are pretty damn good at what they do. Understanding the subtle signs, that can indicate the presence of Marlin,Tuna or Bait, is an art in itself.
Bird action doesn't always guarantee a bite, but its a big part of finding bait on or close to the surface.
Sometimes the bait is not being driven by a predator at all, and you may have to find the fish the birds haven't found yet.
Cheers
Paul.
