live bait for king fish off flat Rock?

Posted by hbsurfcasttonz on 5/11/2013, 8:42 am

Re: live bait for king fish off flat Rock?

Posted by Smelli on 9/11/2013, 8:51 pm, in reply to "live bait for king fish off flat Rock?"

Re: live bait for king fish off flat Rock?

Posted by racepics on 10/11/2013, 5:23 am, in reply to "Re: live bait for king fish off flat Rock?"

The problem with Flat rock is the hight you are above the water. Its a good 15 feet up which means a very long gaff or net should you manage to get a fish to the face. Its not deep directly at the face either, there is a lot of rocks and weed to drag your fish through before you can get at it. It might be 30min in your running shoes carrying a water bottle, but with rods, bait and gear, closer to an hour. A lot of the track has slipped away and much rock-hopping is required. The staff of fishing shops always tell tall tales of fish being caught here, there, everywhere. How else are the going to entice you to buy stuff! (disclaimer: of course we know that Phil, Kane and Neil always tell the truth, but as for the others...) http://www.paniasurfcasting.org http://www.surfcaster.co.nz

Re: live bait for king fish off flat Rock?

Posted by SNAPPA NAPIER on 10/11/2013, 4:01 pm, in reply to "Re: live bait for king fish off flat Rock?"

Who said that? What?

Re: live bait for king fish off flat Rock?

Posted by GaryK on 10/11/2013, 7:27 pm, in reply to "Re: live bait for king fish off flat Rock?"

If you are serious about the challenge of a kingfish off Flat Rock at Tangoio then you need to do some planning and preparation. Racepics is right about the height off the water but that can be a bit of an advantage with a big fish on, It is generally shallow in close and fighting a big fish from a high position gives the angler a distinct advantage. This is no place for light tackle if after kingfish. Best technique to achieve a hookup is by using a livebait. You can catch these on location at the lowest ledge or back around the corner on the ledge facing the beach just below the walking track. Small kahawai, yelloweyed mullet and piper are all possible live baits so learn how to catch each. You also need to have a bucket, kids blow up pool or other type of livebait tank. An aerator, battery powered is useful to keep spare baits alive. A bucket on a light rope is handy there too to get water up on the ledge. Slide baiting will allow you to fish a couple of livies off two rod without tangling. A bait under a baloon that will stop it hitting the bottom will work but requires a lot more attention. A long gaff could help too. Carry in as much berley as you can and keep a constant stream going. Throwing lures out wide and fast retrieving them can also lead a kingfish into the livebait for you. This isnt the best spot around the area but I understand your attraction to it it is a neat challenge to beable to tick it off. I did years ago and now look for new challenges. I wish you the best of luck. The snapper don't know where the car park is! Sometimes it is better to travel than to arrive.