Bait Caster

Headed down to Southport over the weekend with Bjorn and we caught a decent haul. A few over the 40cm mark and all gave a great fight. All heading to the smoker.
 

 

 

 

 

Coming from a background of lure fishing from the shore back in the US I've always used shoulder bags for carrying my tackle. My beloved Aquaskinz bag that I have used for years finally gave out from all the exposure to salt and sun and I needed a replacement.
 
Shoulder fishing bags don't seem to be as popular over here, and most of the ones that are available don't match what I want.
 
I had seen the Daiwa Trout bag online and liked what it seemed to offer, but couldn't find one in any of my local shops. I took a punt and ordered one from an online shop.
 
The bag is the perfect size for what I wanted, with easily accessed lure storage and spots for common tools and accessories without being too big or cumbersome.
 

 
There's a main compartment that holds tackle boxes, leader spools, sunnies, a beanie and gloves, some packets of sp's and my tagging kit. It also has a front flap pocket, another on the side that I use for a small tape measure and scissors, a pliers holder and mesh water bottle pocket on the other side and a small zip pocket on the front.
 

 

 
A feature that I borrowed from the US style surf bags that I've used in the past is a row of tubes for holding my salmon lures. Trying to dig through a bag for a tackle box and then getting the box open, getting a lure out and putting it away can be tricky while wading in the surf. I made this row of tubes out of 20mm pvc and taped it together with ordinary packing tape. It sits in the front flap pocket for quick and easy access.
 

 

 
One of the best features of the bag is the second strap that connects in the front and keeps the bag from moving around or falling forward when casting or leaning down. It has a quick release clip for when you want to swing the bag around and get inside.
 

 
Cost was $50, if you do a bit of catch and release lure fishing for salmon or bream or in the freshwater it's definitely worth a look.
 

Hi all,
 
Now this is a bit out there and no I not going to ask for a spot to fish but any help tips on setting up a dam for trout. I had one shot at it but due to lack of rain in the last few years it has dried up. Where I live we have no mains supply so
it's our garden and stock water. So I am after any tips or ideas for setting it up again if and when we get some more rain

G'day
My return of the braids was approved, I posted them back and got my refund today.  Was happy to wear the postage cost but just got notified that I have also received a credit for that
Gotta be happy with that
Cheers
Rod

Hey guys,
Just picked up a bunch of new flies from Dazz @ Fishnuts Flies. To say they look anything but amazing would be a lie. Can't wait for my next flick in the Salt now!
Check him out of Facebook
 
Here's some eye candy! lol

As part of an ongoing search for the ideal filleting knife for whiting, gar etc., I haven't been able to find a smaller flexible bladed knife with a rounded tip. So I have resorted to trolling the second hand shops and picked up a few of the old bone handled butter knives that are doing the job nicely. The ones I have are made of quality steel from Sheffield in England they sharpen up really well.
With a bit of garden hose over the handle for extra grip, they set me back about $2 each.

Penn slammer 260 would be another bomb proof option.

I use Hot Sauce quite a lot in my baitcasting reels. It works well. As others have said, it depends on your casting ability for use in overhead reels.

Been out a few times. Some lovely Trout (up to 53cm), some nice redfin (up to 47cm) and lots of salmon trout in the south east. Not always easy in this weather, but it beats moping around at home.

Been out a few times. Some lovely Trout (up to 53cm), some nice redfin (up to 47cm) and lots of salmon trout in the south east. Not always easy in this weather, but it beats moping around at home.

Thanks for the very informative post. I have been using all 3 techniques for a number of years. The drop shot system will come into its own as the water cools and fish become more lethargic. Lots has been written about Carolina and Texas rigging but dropshotting has been a much more closely guarded secret. The cat is now out of the bag. A couple of shops have had a limited selection of gear for years. Diawa and GLoomis have been marketing the rods for this style of fishing for a long time. You do not really need the specialised drop shot rods but the increased sensitivity will boost results. Just as a tip. Do not shake the rod, Hold it in one hand and tap the butt with gentle hits. This will make the lure dance enticingly and you can control the pulsing of the lure more accurately. All three systems work just great on Aussie fish. Like all newly adopted techniques, it may take people a while to work out what works. Perseverance pays.                                          PS small worm hooks are freely available in the better tackle shops.

Bought some at The Sportfishing Scene at Cavan. It was a while ago now but try a phone call.