Evolution of softbaits – your advantage.
KP Marine Wellington seminar, packed!
During a presentation last week, the past, present and future of softbaits was discussed and shared afterwards at length with some very knowledgeable anglers in Wellington at KP Marine.
Past SBs were often ‘one-hit-wonders’, materials used back then have progressed massively, now resisting bite-offs 10 times what they used to back in the old days of even just a few years ago. No stretch, basic in design and function they often were…fast forward to present day and we have surface contours and moulding just like, or better than the real thing. Colours and contrasts, shapes, sizes, species and more. Not only that, but the ways of presenting a SB have improved vastly with even better lifelike action and movement, and where and when they can be used effectively. Light tackle softbait rods and reels are still an excellent choice for shallower waters, but now using SBs to target fish never even considered, in depths like never before. Bass, hapuka, kingfish, bluenose are all now on the menu for softbaiters – by adjusting the tackle used, like using heavy deep dropper rigs, surfcasting gear, drone fishing the list is only limited by our mindset. Also, the concept that it’s not about SBs vs bait vs whatever but having different options to counter the different fishing conditions and fish feeding preferences the day and time you happen to be out there. Far less fishless stories, and more fishing thrills with rewarding looking fish bins at the end of the day.
Sick of snags when softbaiting from the shore or in amongst prime snapper
Monster 25kg Kingfish on the 10” Catch Livie softbait, another epic catch by @Kai_Machine
territory of kelpy weedy areas – here’s the fix, use a weedless rig, and what’s more the design of SBs like the Catch LIVIES incorporate a small but significant design feature to help SBs glide through this gnarly fish filled terrain, and catch out those moochers. Rig your softbaits simply and effectively to help prevent the hook of a softbait getting snagged on weeds and rocks. The narrow top-slot on the Livies is a perfect example of a specifically moulded SB design for this rig, certainly an option for when you are fishing landbased, shallows or anywhere snags can be a problem. See the video on Catch Facebook for the insider-info. and how-to rig it 😉.
Believe it or not, December traditionally can produce quite a slowdown in snapper feeding around NZ, this of course remains to be seen since Mother Nature rules and she will decide all in good time. Right now, is the traditional time to be fishing those inner shallower channels with softies and micros,
Help stop snags with this Livie weedles softbait rig.
the main highways are just that – the main in/out and snapper areas to target, Rangitoto, Motuhie, Sergeants, north channel Kawau, even the downtown Auckland Tamaki Strait. All good areas to target, maybe a good place to use the weedless rig mentioned above? So right now, is perhaps the time not to whiz straight past prime snapper territory in the channels, certainly a good option to be considering when looking at the weather as well.
Big barrels of tuna have already been caught out off the BOI, the start of the big game chase, marlin anyone? Get you game face on. Either marlin or tuna, the 200gm trolling Squidwings is an epic lure to have out – rigger or shotgun it’s ideal straight runner, with its distinctive surface water splash, an easy to eat option for fish to eat while trolling and hear that reel howl!
Christmas awaits, what’s on your fishing gear wish list?
Good ideas browsing through in the Catch Facebook Catalogue.
Cheers
Espresso.
