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Established in Cairns since 1999

FISHING RIGS – FISHING CAIRNS

FISHING RIGS

The following illustrations are fairly well all-purpose, but for tropical waters we strongly suggest that a 35-45lb mono leader be used prior to attaching a lure. If you are going after fish like mackerel, it is also a good idea to use black wire and swivels.

Barramundi

For lure fishing simply attach the lure to the end of the line, but don’t use a swivel.

When bait fishing it is far more productive to use a float that breaks loose when hit.

In both cases use 6-7.5kg (12-15lb) line and 3/0 to 5/0 hooks for bait fishing. The styrene float is attached to the line using a Float Stop so that it breaks loose on a strike. Don’t half-hitch the line around the float, as the line will snap if a twist develops.

Bream

Lines are 3kg (6lb) and hooks are No 2, No 1, or 1/0. The trace should be as long as is manageable in order to tempt timid fish to bite. 1.3m is a good length.

Cod

Depending on the size of fish targetted, the line can be 10-40kg (20-80lb) and hooks from 5/0 to 8/0.

Coral Trout

For trolling simply attach the fly, lure or spoon to the line without using a swivel.

For bottom fishing the line should be 10-30kg (20-60lb) depending on the size of the fish being targetted and the roughness of the bottom coral. Hooks need to be 5/0 to 8/0 and attached with a Surgeon’s End Loop.

FISHING RIGS

Dart

4-5kg (8-10lb) line and No 2 or No 1 hook.

Flathead

3-5 kg (6-10lb) line in all cases, however the hook size varies from 1/0 to 4/0 depending on the size of fish targetted. A wire trace shouldn’t be used but you can strengthen the nylon trace by doubling it using a Simple Loop Knot.

Hairtail

Lines are 7.5-15kg (15-30lb) using 5/0 to 8/0 hooks. This is one of the few fish that require a wire trace.

Jewfish

For school jewfish in estuaries, use 7.5-10kg (15-20lb) line and 4/0 to 6/0 hooks. For big jewfish off beaches and rock walls, strengthen up to 15-25kg (30-50lb) line and 6/0 to 8/0 hooks, and extend the trace 20-40cm.

Mangrove Jack

Use 7.5-20kg (15-40lb) line to stop the fish from diving into snags, and use 4/0 to 6/0 hooks. Never use a wire trace and go to heavier nylon if additional trace strength is required.

For lure fishing simply attach the lure to the end of the line without a swivel.

Queenfish

For trolling simply attach the lure to the end of the line without a swivel.

For bait fishing the lines are 6-10kg (12-20lb) and 2/0 to 5/0 hooks.

FISHING RIGS

Red Emperor

Deep waters are best fished with a handlines. Use 20-40kg (40-80lb) line and 5/0 to 8/0 hooks.

Snapper

There are 2 good options here, both using 6-15kg (12-30lb) line and 1/0 to 8/0 hooks. (Dropper Loops)

Spanish Mackerel

For lure fishing attach the lure to the end of 12.5-25kg (20-50lb) line without a swivel. For drift fishing use 12.5-25kg (20-50lb) line and 5/0 to 8/0 ganged hooks. For both rigs, rather than a wire trace, thread 15 cm of clear plastic tubing above the lure to avoid making the fish wary.

Sweetlip

Use 7.5-20kg (15-40lb) and 1/0 to 6/0 hooks.

Trevally

For lure fishing attach the lure to the end of 5-15kg (10-30lb) line without a swivel. For still water fishing use 1/0 to 5/0 hooks.

This document is Chapter 2 of Grant’s Guide – Fishing Knots & Rigs by Ern Grant, and is reproduced with the permission of Herron Publications Pty Ltd, Fortitude Valley, Queensland. Ph: (07) 3257 1711 Fax: (07) 3257 1686.

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