Thin monofilament line of about 10 to 20 lb with small hooks of around 14 or 16 is the main tackle that we use to catch this fish. We wind the monofilament line to an emptied deodorant bottle. For bait, we use flour or bun. The flour is made as a thick paste so that small pieces can be attached to the hook.
Small spotted dart (we call it vaalaa) normally feeds on crab, anchovies, worms, etc. We normally find this fish on Thoondu Beach, the northern beach of Fuvahmulah. But they are around the island, inhabiting sandy and seaweed reef areas. Reefs, sandy beaches, and lagoons are home to these silver, diamond-shaped fish. Sometimes they move alone. But they also form in groups. You can observe them moving along the shoreline.
We unwind the monofilament line, holding on with one hand, and through it with the rigged bait. They normally bite or strike. We have to make sure that they swallow the bite. So it is a trick to hook these fast-moving fish.
This is the smallest member of the trevally family. They are agile swimmers, and this makes them difficult to hook. Once we hook them, we let them make their runs. However, we must maintain a tight fishing line. It is hard to spot these fish due to their color, as well as the fact that they are fast and timid.
