One day, after searching for floating debris and weed lines without success, I decided to create my own flotsam to attract dolphin. I cut a 2- by 2-foot piece of 3/4-inch CDX plywood and painted the top side of the board with high-visibility paint so I could see it from a distance. I drilled holes in all four corners and through the center. Then, I threaded 18- to 24-inch lengths of 100-pound mono through the holes.
 
To bait each hookless leader, poke a hole in the top of a strip bait and thread the mono through the hole. Knot or crimp the mono above the strip, or attach a barrel swivel to the leader and twist on a short piece of single-strand wire. Stick the wire through the bait. Then, bend and wrap the tag end around the wire. Drop the board in the water; it will drift in the same general direction as your boat. Keep an eye on the board, and watch for dolphin attracted to the bait and cover. Approach carefully and cast to the fish.

 
Capt. Sal C. Mattino Sr.
St. Lucie Sportfishing Charters
Port St. Lucie, Florida
www.profishingcharters.com