Tackle Guide
Rods
The rods suitable for casting light weight jigheads for soft plastics are all composed of graphite, as a general rule the higher the grade of graphite the better the quality of rod, some rods rate the grade of graphite ie:im6, im7 and im8, im8 being the higher grade and better quality, the scrims in the graphite are run tighter together and give it a stiffer yet more sensite feel.
Graphite rods will load your jig head up better for casting and you can work the soft plastic back with a more pronounced action, there are a number of rods on the market anywhere from $60 and upwards that will do the job for you but for the sake of this article i will mention the more renowned brands and better quality that will definitely put you ahead in your chances of catching fish and enjoying your day on the water.
Loomis
The two models I’d mention here are the GLX dsr820s which is a 6′ 10” rod with nickel titanium guides 4-8lb rating and a rrp of $699 and the other model is the IMX dsr820s again a 6′ 10″ rod with a 4-8lb rating with a rrp of $597, check out their Australian distributor website www.ejtodd.com.au
Daiwa
Top of the line in the Daiwa range is the Steez Kingbolt 681mlfs-sv 6′ 8″ rod rated at 4-12lb, this is a beautiful rod i have one myself, the rrp on this rod is $899. The Steez Stormshadow 661mlfs is a 6′ 6″ rod rated at 4-10lbs with a rrp of $549. The Team Daiwa Sol 701lxs is a 7′ rod rated at a 4-8lb and retails at about $279. The other Daiwa rod worth a mention is the Team Daiwa Zero 701mlxfs which is rated at 4-10lb is a 7′ rod and should retail around the traps at about $259. Again check their Australian website out at www.daiwafishing.com.au
Shimano
Rods in the Shimano range worth a mention are the Fireblood fb721sxl which is a 7′ 2″ rod rated at 1-2kg and the Fireblood fb691sl which is a 6′ 9″ rod rated at 2-4kg, both rods will retail around about the $499 mark (Anglers Advantage run two of these on board our charters). The other model worth a mention here is the tcurve tournament spin 691 bream rated at 2-4kg 6′ 6″ and the spin 701 7′ in length and rated at 2-5kg, both will retail about the $249 mark. Thier Australian website is www.shimanofish.com.au
Samaki
These are a new range of rods on the market in 2009/2010 are are imported by a distribution company in NSW and are currently getting distributed Australia wide. They do a full range from entry level to top end gear at a very competitive price for the quality of product. They also do a full range of offshore and deep water jigging rods.
Their top end product for the Soft Plastic market is the Zecton 701sl which is a 7′ 4-8lb rod running Fuji component’s with Fuji Concept Black Alconite guides and Fuji Reel Seat and using a slick design chameleon paint which fluctuates between purple and green. This is a high end quality im8 Graphite rod that I would expect to retail up there with the Loomis’s in the $700 bracket but is retailing around the traps at $350!
Their next model down is the Vamp6101sl again rated at 4-8lb but two inches shorter at 6′ 10″s. These are also a im8 Graphite rod running a Fuji reel seat with stainless framed Silicone guides retailing around the $275 mark.
Their entry level rod for the Soft Plastics/ light lures market is the Zing which feature a Camo style grip proving very popular currently, the model of choice being the Zing SZG 6101sl rated at 4-8lb and 6′ 10″ in length. Check out all their models at www.samaki.com.au
Sakana
This is a new company on the Australian market and well worth a mention, the two models I’d recommend in their range are the Zion 610sl which is a 6′ 10″ rod rated at 4-8lb and they also do a Zion 702sl which is rated at 4-8lb,both these rods retail at about $349. Their other model which is a im8 graphite is the Alien 610sl again rated at 4-8lb(Anglers Advantage also run two of these on board) which is an exceptional value for money rod and retail in Australia at around the $299 mark. Check out their Website www.sakana.com.au
Again this is a brief guide to the better options available for you on the Australian market, if you have any problem sourcing any of the rod models mentioned, drop me a line at brian@anglersadvantage.com.au and I can source for you.
Reels
Spinning reels or eggbeaters as they are often affectionately named in Australia are sized from 1000, 2000 etc upwards, 1000 being the smaller size, there is a slight variation between companies in their sizes, the sizes suitable for the rods listed above should go no bigger than a 2500 reel, there are obviously a lot of specifications to consider when purchasing a reel for soft plastic and lureing work in general, the main two factors are ball bearing quantity and quality and reel body weight, the lighter the better when you are flicking lures all day.
Shimano
The top of the line in the Shimano range is their Stella, they do a 1000 and a 2500 size reel, they just updated these in 2008, the 1000 size is a 13 ball bearing (ball bearings do vary in quality and standard, try buy a reel with anti rust bearings-arb-and sealed stainless steel ball bearings) and the 2500 is a 14 ball bearing reel. Both of these reels will retail about the $849 mark.
The fireblood is Shimanos second in line again in both 1000 and 2500 sizes, these are both 10 ball bearing reels and both retail around $699. (Anglers Advantage run two of these in combo with the fireblood rods, we also have a stella 1000 on board).
Next in line is the Aspire, again Shimano sizes are 1000 and 2500, these are a 9 ball bearing reel and will cost you around $549 in the shops. After that we have the Sustain in the same aforementioned sizes, this is a 8 ball bearing reel and will cost you about $399 in the shops, (again Anglers Advantage carry two of these on board). We then have the twin power in the same sizes, a 8 ball bearing reel that will retail around $379 and after that the Stradic, a 6 ball bearing that retails about $249.
Again for further details and more involved specifications check out the Shimano website.
Daiwa
Top of the field in the Daiwafleet is the Exist, a 12 ball bearing reel and exceptionally light at 180g for there 2004 size which is their smallest size, it’s basically a 2000 size reel with a shallower spool, bear in mind Daiwas 2000 size is slightly smaller than that of a similar Shimano. Daiwasother sizes in the exist are a 2506, 2508 and a 2500. This is basically the same sized reel as a 2500 but with smaller spool sizes, the 2506 being the smallest. The Exists retail at $899 with the 2500 retailing at $929.
Next in line is the Steez in two sizes the 2508 and the 2500, both 12 ball bearing reels weighing 195g and 200g respectively and retailing at $699. I run a Steez 2500 myself matched to the Steez Kingbolt rod which is one of the best outfits i have had the pleasure in casting with.
Daiwa then do the Certate custom in a 2500 size which boasts 12 ball bearings and weighs in at 270g and will cost you about $715. On the lighter side is the Certate finesse 2004 and 2506 carrying 11 ball bearings and weighing 225g and 235g respectfully, these will cost you about $629 at your Daiwa tournament dealership. There is also the Certate 2500r custom carrying 11 ball bearings and weighing in at 265g which will cost you $639. Last in the Certate range are their standard certate models in the 1500, 2000 and 2500 sizes, these run 10 ball bearings both the 1500 and 2000 sizes weigh 235g while the 2500 weighs 250g, these will cost you $515 for the smaller two and $529 for the 2500.
There is also then the Luvias in a 1003, 2000 and a 2500 size, the 1003 is a 7 ball bearing reel weighing 170g while the 2000 and 2500 sizes run 8 ball bearings and weigh 200 and 220g respectfully which will cost you about $399. The Daiwa Sol is also worth a mention, they do a 2000 and 2500 size, both run 7 ball bearings and weigh 230 and 260grams and will cost you about $349.
Once again check out the Daiwa website for full specifications.
Line
With line for soft plastic work gel spun or braid is preferable over ordinary mono filament or nylon line mainly for two very important factors.
1) It does not stretch, if you place a metre of mono filament line between your hands and pull you can feel an actual pull or stretch, now imagine if you have 30mtrs out and are trying to impair a natural action on a lure, the stretch is enhanced plus when you do hook up it’s enhanced even more whereas with braid you can impair an action on your lure a lot more easily and give it a much better and natural action thus improving your chances of hooking up which is what it’s all about.
2) Braided line is a lot thiner than it’s equivalent breaking strain of mono filament lines, a 6lb breaking strain braid for example would be the equivalent in diameter to a 2lb mono line. This in return benefits you in two ways, it will give you a lot more line capacity on your reel thus you can use a small reel that will still carry lots of line and will not be as heavy on your rod so you can cast easier and for longer without breaking your wrist and because the line is thiner it will have less wind resistance and will cast further.
Recommended lines
There are 3 lines that i’d recomend that you consider for use on any of the above outfits.
1) Stren microfuse which is as the name suggests a microfused line which comes in a high visibile fluro blue, i’d recomend the use of either the 4lb or 6lb, you can get this line in 125yrd spools. Remember to back your reel with some monofilament line of equal or greater strenghtasthis benefits you in two ways. The fuller the reel is to the lip the better it will cast plus it gives your braid something to bite into, if you don’t and run it straight on there is a chance the line will slip on itself and the whole spool of braid will turn at the base, a weird feeling when it happens!
2) Rapala titanium braid, again in either the 4lb or 6lb, this also comes in a hi-vis blue and is available in 125mtr or 300mtr spools.
3) Berkley fireline which is available in two colours, smoke and fluro green, I prefer the green as it enables you to see what your line is doing at all times. Again in either the 4 or 6lb breaking strains and this is also available in 125 or 300mtr spools.
Leader material
I can’t emphasise enough the importance of using fluorocarbon leader, as light passes through water it refracts and stuff stands out under water to fish like a sore thumb. Fluorocarbon has the sane light refractive index as water thus making it practically invisable.
But some fish are more cautious and have better eyesight than others, the lighter the fluorocarbon you use the better your chance of hook up. If you are targeting bream you can go as light as 3lb but you do then run the risk of a Flathead nailing your lure and getting bitten off.
You should run about a rod length of leader material, this is so your lure should run about 6 inches below the tip of your rod when you are ready to cast and the knot where it ties to your double of braid, (I will post the rigging and knots for you in a seperatepost) runs just outside your bail arm so as not to catch on your spool lip.
There are a number of Fluorocarbon leader manufacturers out there, my number one choice for abrasion resistance is Siglon, others are Niton and Vanish. The japanese stuff tends to be the best. Most come in a variance of 2lb strenghts from about 4lb upwards, a good range to carry is 4, 6, 8, 10 and 14lb.
Jig Heads
There are a number of different jig head manufacturers on the market which basically produce the same type of jig heads, the main difference between them is the quality or type of hook they use to mould their jig heads to. Gamakatsu jig heads are of good quality and as they name suggests they use gamakatsu hooks, they do a variety of different styles, check out their website www.gamakatsu.com.au. The round 25 and round 26 style are the most popular and will cover you for most estuary species .If you run a good quality outfit like those mentioned above you will be able to cast jig heads down to 1/22oz.
The most common sizes i run are 1/16, 1/11 and 1/8oz, I use Maple softie jig heads which you can buy in 20pc packs which run more economical than the 6 packs most companies maket, they run Zukuri hooks in a fine wire type pattern and have a good soft plastic keeper ribbing the same as the gamakatsu style holder. Their Website is www.maplefishing.com.au Other jig head manufacturers are Tackle Tactics jig heads, Bassmaster jig heads and Squidgy jig heads. If you are really keen and have access to cheap lead you can buy the actual moulds and hooks and make your own.
Soft Plastics
There are too many numerous soft plastics on the market to mention every brand, breed and size, what I will attempt to do here is mention the few that i find work best on a regular basis for me and my customers in the various conditions I encounter on the Sunshine Coasts waterways. As a general rule I find if the water visibility is murky or about two foot of visibility the brighter colours work better and if the water clarity is good then the more natural colours work better. The worst mistake you can make with regard to soft plastic selection is having a favourite, what will work great one day may not fire the next and the lure you had no good with previously will suddenly fire on the day. Unfortunately we are all guilty of this mistake and usually revert to our ol’ favourite.
Maple Softies
These are a favourite of mine, again they do a few different varieties, the more popular ones for estuary work being Rack Gliders, Dune Bugs, 65mm Curl Tails and 55mm Shad Fish. These guys are made out of a really resilient plastic which will stretch beyond belief without breaking, thus saving you money. I have often caught six or more fish on the one plastic whereas with other plastics one fish and they are ripped and you have to get another one from the packet. Again their website is www.maplefishing.com.au
Squidgies
Starlo & Bushy’s Squidgies have been around for quite some time and are available in every tackle shop in Australia. They do a large range and an even bigger colour range, for a full selection check out www.squidgy.com.au The more popular ones that work for me are the 65mm Wriggler, 75mm Shad, the 70mm Bugs and the 50mm Stealth Prawn.
In the Wrigglers the Flash Prawn and Coral for the murky water with Silver Fox, Dusk and Blue Oyster my choice for clearer water conditions. In the Shads Red Rum and Black Opal for less visibility and Lemon Chicken, Evil Minnow and Foxy Shad again my choice for the clearer water. The bugs work good at or near the surface with resin jig heads for finicky Bream. Coral, Jelly Prawn and Bloodworm my choice here but all of these will generally only work if conditions are pretty clear. With the Stealth Prawns Coral will work in the dirtier water again and Tiger prawn and Flash my other Two choices for clearer conditions.
Berkley
Berkley do two forms of Soft plastics on the Austrlian market worth a mention, Power baits and Gulps.
Power baits
In their Power Bait range the more popular ones for estuary work are the 2″ powergrubs,the better colours i find that work for me are Pumpkinseed, Pumpkinseed (tournament), Bloodworm and Black Marble. The Dropshot Minnow in the 3” is also worth a flick, best colours here are Pearl Watermelon Shad, Smelt, Pumpkinseed and Bloodworm.
Gulps
In the Gulp range again they do a 2” jigging grub, recommended colours Pumpkinseed and Smoke. Also Gulp Minnows in the 2″ and 3” range, best colours that work for me Pumpkinseed, Nuclear Chicken, Smelt and Watermelon Pearl. The Shaky Shad in the 3″ is definetly worth a cast Pumpkinseed and Smelt my choice. There is also the Gulp Alive range which comes in a tub of its juice, the Gulp Alive 3″ Minnow in Pumpkinseed being my preferred weapon.
Other Soft Plastics that are worth a look at are the Atomic range and the original Sliders if you can pick them up around the traps are also worth a flick.
Knots
The following knots will give you the best performance out of your terminal gear.
Plaited double
The following Video clip will show you how to tie a plaited double, the reason why we do this is that it will bring you from your single strand of breaking strain line to twice its strength so that when we tie off to our leader material even if we lose 50% strength in the knot we are still back to the breaking strain of our main line.
Improved Allbright
We use this knot to tie our leader material off to the above double we have just tied….your lenght of leader should be about a rod lenght or just so that your impoved allbright knot sits just outside the bail arm of the reel when you cast.
Improved Blood knot
This is a pretty basic Fishing Knot that most of you are familar with and we use this to tie off to our Jig Head with.