Posted by Phill on 3/8/2014, 9:10 pm Tackle Tactics
I have just been on another site . The topic or question was about shock leaders and of coarse there was plenty of diversity in opinion , which is good . It got me thinking that in a sport where the goals are basically the same but we more than often attack things in a completely different way and angle This is also good as we can learn from each other in the way in which lets us decide what suits us and our needs. Because I work in our tackle store I get to hear all sorts of ideas , some good and some are just right there . But if it works for you who are we to criticise . the old story don't knock it until you've tried it. One of the most important things to remember is the geographical differences in our fishing styles and technics throughout NZ , for such a small country we are blessed with such diversity. One of the the aspects of my job that I really enjoy is when I have three or four fisho's in the shop and we start kicking ideas around it can become quite buzzy if you know what I mean. Anyone want to add there thoughts.
I have been around for over seventy years and took possession of my first rod (bamboo) at the age of ten. From there I graduated to green-heart, split came, solid glass, hollow glass, graphite, carbon fibre and God knows whatever next will crop up.
I have known many people who I considered as good anglers, those kind of anglers you could almost depend on landing fish, those you knew would figure in the prizes at competitions. In all those years I can't recall one angler who put any emphasis of his (or her) success in casting long distances. I am truly surprised at the number of anglers who are set on this mindset today.
During a lifetime's experience those who fished successfully had one thing in common: their importance attached to carrying a selection and careful presentation of bait.
I take a lot of interest in the gear and methods used in tournaments held in Europe. Some of the new rods to the market are so light it defies belief they can handle a 7oz lead.
Probably the biggest joy of surfcasting is the fact we can work and test our own ideas. In many cases what caught fish yesterday may not catch fish today. On occasions why is it people who fish on the starboard side of a boat catch fish, whilst those on the port side don't. Explain it we cannot - and that is possibly what makes our sport so unpredictable and thoroughly enjoyable.
I have many different rigs based on tried and true methods, on their day they will all catch fish. During that glorious period when I fished the surf at Matata and Pikowhai, without a doubt the most successful rig of all was the simplest: a 30 centimetre running trace. A couple of highly coloured beads as an attractor and a 4/0 hook with anchovy secured with bait elastic.
Other anglers had their methods, ideas they swore by. My simplicity usually meant I had fish in the bag when I returned home and to this day I still believe many surfcasters over complicate their end rigs. To use an often quoted theory from the trout fishing fraternity: 10% of flies catch fish, whilst 90% of flies are tied to catch anglers. I believe the same can be said in surfcasting and the KISS principle: Keep It Simple Stupid, is still the best way to put fish on the table.
I enjoy my fishing weather it's catching fish or fishermen. Look at all the new lures that are on the market the old grimmy type still catch, but you never know . Thats why we keep pushing the boundaries.
I always say that we can know too much. Simplicity is ok but simplicity enhanced is better.The snapper don't know where the car park is! Sometimes it is better to travel than to arrive.
Getting back to casting distances I believe that the angler with a long cast in his bag will always be the better angler. I have caught plenty of moki over the years but few at more than 50 metres from the beach. No need to pull out the long cast there. I also fish many shallow surf beaches like Mahanga and Ocean Beach here in Hawkes Bay. If you dont have a long cast on these beaches you may as well stay home if you are after anything more than yelloweyed mullet or the occassional kahawai. As an avid (and somewhat successful)competition fisherman I wouldnt be without my long cast ability. It has won me plenty when short casting anglers missed out. There is much more to being successful than just long casting but it will make you a far more successful all rounder.The snapper don't know where the car park is! Sometimes it is better to travel than to arrive.
on 3/8/2014, 9:10 pm