Thread: techniques

Originally Posted by Beaker

OK, so for this soft bait stuff. What rod, reel and braid are people using or recommend?
I've only used them once on a charter, bloody good gear (read bloody expensive), but before I get that level, I'd like to get a rod and reel around $300 to give it a bash

In my experience it can be hard going around Aukers with artificials. I think it might be the sediment and/or current. Go out a bit further and they will work but I have still found bait to generally be better. Saying that jigs have worked OK further out at times, gurnard seem to like the shimano lucanis jigs. However most of the snapper I have caught in the last few years (and kingi) have been on a small jig rod with braid and bait. Cheating? most of my fishing has been off charters so the first to the bottom is often the first in.

The fancy soft bait rods are nice but the cheaper ones are often OK if you get a decent reel. Soft bait reels take a hammering. I have a bit of gear you can try out... It mostly sit's round at the moment.