Rod to pair with Stradic FL

[DerekD 338]

Hi again,

The palomar is an excellent knot for terminal tackle such as swivels but I find it there is a little too much line wastage. Unless you are using clips, each time you change lures that leader will get shorter and shorter.

Try learning the uni (universal) knot. When you get that right you usually only end up trimming 10mm off the tag end. It is a slip knot so you don't have to tie it directly next to the lure. I might tie it 10-15cm up the line (keeps the hooks away from my hand when tying) and then gently slide it down to the lure. Be sure to test it and leave at least 5mm of tag when finished. I use 3 or 4 turns. With practice it is pretty easy to tie.

More information to come.

Derek

[Squ!rt 76]

With a 2500 size stradic i'd be choosing a 2-4kg rod and something light, i currently use a Shimano Sahara X paired with a 2500 sedona and the combo is light as, fantastic for everything from bream on bait and tailor on Lures, to a simple small hook and bread for carp setup, i run 8lb braid with a 6lb leader have caught some stonker well over 50cm carp and 30+ tailor.

The rod is light and fairly reasonable priced, check out some local tackle stores around xmas normally go for about $80 on special, and learn to tie an FG knot or double Uni.

 

regards,

[RegentHoneyEater 1]

Hey there Squ!rt and Derek,

I will keep that information in mind. Will try to get those two knots learnt. There’s some great specials going on currently so I’ll try grab some gear. Any recommend lures and soft plastics? Haven’t had much luck on them except a nice flathead. Getting more inclined to bait however it is a lot more fun on the lures.

Thanks!

[DerekD 338]

18 minutes ago, RegentHoneyEater said:

Any recommend lures and soft plastics?

Was going to get to that next...

I'm gently leading you into more and more purchases.

I don't want to bill shock you... 😊

[RegentHoneyEater 1]

Oh great, might as well when I’m at it 😫

[DerekD 338]

I assume one of the freshwater fish you will be chasing is bass. The following is a shopping list based on what I use. Feel free to mix and match it up as you go along. Most of the stuff will be interchangeable between salt and fresh water.

Celta spinner - 2 per pack for about $10. Get the size 3 (5gm) for the extra casting distance. Cast out and wind it back as slowly as you can without snagging up. My best session with one of these was 21 bass in 1 hour.

The sugapen in 70 - about $23. Suggest silver bait fish and a semi-translucent. Has to be worked with a sharp stutter tip wobble to get the walk the dog effect. Will work with both fresh and salt water.

Duolock clips and swivels to match. Total under $10. Make sure they are compact with a nice loop but still stronger than your line rating.

Halco twisty 10gm in silver. About $6. Very effective when pelagics are feeding on the surface. I change the trebles out for a Gamakatsu large eye single hook in about a size #1 or #2 as it is a stronger hook and easier to remove when the fish is jumping around. Use these with the swivel and snap mentioned above to reduce line twist from the lure.

For plastics I'd suggest some 2" grubs and 3" and 4" minnows (matches profile of most bait fish). I use Berkley Power Bait and Power Grubs as they play well together but I don't mix different brands in the same box as some don't play well with each other. Z-mans are notorious for this. One of the different brands will start to melt away.

Stay away from Berkley gulps. In principle they are genius - a biodegradable, edible lure. In practice the liquid in the bags can leak out and make a mess and the lures dry up.

Paddle tails and wriggle tails can be very effective as they generate their own movement. Squidgy make a nice range but bang for buck not brilliant.

For the 2" grubs I use Gamakatsu 211 ball head jigs 1/8oz with a size #1 or #2 hook. You'll probably have to order these in specially.

For the 3" minnow I like TT bullet head tournament jig heads: 1/8oz #1H hook for subtle presentation 1/6oz #1H for a balance between distance and sink rate or the 1/4oz #1H for when I am chasing pelagics or covering distance. In Sydney we could be fishing for flathead and end up with a king on the line which is why I have a preference for the H (heavy gauge) hooks rather than the fine ones.

For the 4" minnow I like the TT bullet head tournament jig heads: 1/4oz #1/0H hook.

Swing past Daiso (Japanese bargains) store and pick up a flip top plastic box with several compartments to store the various jig heads in. Most bargain shops will probably have something similar.

For storage of the plastics leave them in their original bags till you need one. I put these bags in a bigger bag.

Ecogear ZX40 - about $19. A very effective blade type lure once you work out how to fish them. Don't fish them in snaggy areas. Working these across sandy bottoms will pick up a variety of species. I have a black one, the bamboo one and some shiny ones.

Depending on how you are going with your budget we can continue further but the above is a good starting point without going overboard.

The straighter you rig your plastics the better they will swim.

Regards,

Derek

PS - suggest you stay away from ultralight lures till you get familiar with your gear. If you don't wind on the line under tension there is a good chance you will get the odd birds nest or two. Rarely an issue with 1/8oz and above and the woven braids that are available these days..

Edited November 29, 2019 by DerekD

[RegentHoneyEater 1]

Hey again Derek,

Thanks a lot for all the information! 

I’ll start grabbing the above products, I want to try use more lures as I use plastics more often. I’ve been using the Zman ‘3 pearl minnows. 
I also have a few frogs and a small spinner. I’m hesitant to use lures cause I always feel like I’m going to be snagging them lol. I think the above is definitely enough for now.

Thanks so much!