New to angling? Check this post out!

Volcom

Sealiner
We all experience that first out of body experience when the fishing bug bites! The hunger for more, the need for more tackle, bigger, better, more... it just never ends.
The angling community on a whole has exploded through marketing over YouTube and social media. Much to a point where anglers are almost spoilt for choice over new tackle trends and terminal tackle.
One`s decision however does become a bit conflicted over what to choose and what to invest in. Other anglers at large will try to help however what may work for them may not necessarily work for you.

The guide below will hopefully help you along your path of angling.

Let’s start with conservation:

Greed is unfortunately the basis to most areas that have been over fished. Therefore, it is our responsibility to ensure that our stocks are preserved by following responsible harvesting of all fish and marine organisms.
First things first, obtain an angling permit from your local post office. You can get an annual or monthly permit.
Should you want to harvest mussels for example, tick the appropriate box.
Increase your knowledge base by identifying legal bags limits and minimum sizes on your target species.
While legally you may keep certain fish, spare a thought for the sustainability of certain species. IE: black mussel cracker, large black tail, white mussel cracker and garrick to name a few. These fish have a slow growth phase and are under or will soon be on the red list.
Remember to fish for tomorrow!

Onto the tackle side of things….

* Set a budget - Tackle is expensive and its always advisable to buy the best that you can afford. It’s of no use to skimp, finally hook a fish of a life time and then lose it to tackle failure.

* Most tackle shops have demo rods, arrange a test throw with a rod and make a choice where you are comfortable with the loading action.

* Reels - Angling as such has moved more towards grinders. Nothing wrong if your choice remains with a multiplier however the benefits of fishing with a grinder and braid almost far outweigh that of a multiplier. As a beginner it will also be a lot easier to cast and get a bait in the water. Depending on your budget, buy the best that you can afford. Make sure parts are available.

* Rod and reel compatibility - Ensure that your choice of rod and reel complement each other. Put the reel onto the rod and have a feel if its balanced or not. The reel should ideally counter balance the rod to tip back and not forward.

* Braid or Nylon? - If using a grinder, it would be suggested to use braid. While the initial cost may be higher than nylon, its significantly thinner, stronger and lasts longer.

Nylon is mainly used as top shot for multipliers and is a bit more resistant to rock fishing. Nylon is also more cost effective.

* Terminal tackle - What species do you intend fishing for? There are literally shelves and racks full of different brands that each have their own style of hooks or swivels. Depending on the area you are fishing, identify what frequents your waters in both Summer and Winter.

Are you after edibles or looking to change from edibles to non eds? Educate yourself with the different species, their min sizes and the regulations applicable to them.

If you have decided by this stage to fish with braid, remember that because of the direct pressure you add with braid, terminal tackle needs to be adequate to handle said pressure. The use of power swivels as opposed to barrel swivels for example is a good change.

* Cooler box and equipment - Invest in a decent bait chiller. It’s of no use buying quality fresh bait only for it to defrost. Buy a decent knife and chokka hammer and some good quality latex cotton and you good to get things started. A collapsible water bucket weighs next to nothing so add this to your list.

* Tackle box and essential items - The most versatile form of packing and storage is of course a H-frame. This makes for better organised packing and comfort when walking. The use of a trace pouch helps in keeping things organised, sinker bag, leader line pouch (fits onto the lid) , rod straps to hold rods together, neoprene reel covers, waterproof cell phone pouch, small Tupperware for dangles, tooth picks and foam etc, a good pair of pliers and side cutters, hook remover, measuring tape and a valid fishing license.

*Other essential items – Tackle Guard Spray, small scrubbing brush to scrub your cooler box, small paint brush to clean out sand and an absorbent cloth.

Please feel free to add any questions or suggestions. Ill be happy to add more content along the way.
:welcomesea:
 
thank you mnr.
yes by now, we need a updated tread due to technology exploding in tackle.

there is unfortunately not a rod that covers the whole spectrum, thus one would need to get a 2nd rod as well.

the cost of angling equipment is also a big concern in that a R 2500 budget will not get you far.
currently you would need a budget of about R 10 k

this will get you equipment to start off which will not let you down.
 

_zaahid

Member
I think 10k is an overkill for what a new fisherman would need.

I myself started off with a R3k setup (rod and reel for R3k) and then built up over time.

I do agree that over time we fisherman build up and arsenal of gear that we use for the different facets of fishing, and that not 1 setup is a1 hit wonder for everything, but i have landed sharks (50kg bronzy and 30kg raggy) as well as gallie and das on my current 14ft assassin sabre and bg5000.

I do have heavier gear for sharks, and lighter gear for scratching.

But initially in my opinion rather buy something long, a little lighter (4-6oz range) and a reel that pairs well with it (even a big boss 3) and you will get a setup that you can use for a few different things to get going in the sport
 

MrFisha

Member
Agree Zaahid.

Also have a bg5000 paired with Metaloid 13.6ft 6-8 oz. Have caught eds as well as the odd gully shark.
 

Teeza

New member
Hi Everyone..

Im not new to fishing, Iv been fishing for years its my greatest hobby. I dont belong to any angling clubs or anything and I still have loads to learn.
Does anyone have a page with the fish limits per day, fish sizes and so forth.
Another question, lets say im on the surf targeting edibles, whats the best tide to be catching on?
With regards to lures I have never used them and would like to start. I was in a tackle shop last week, there was so many different types I didnt know what to choose and I didnt want to ask someone to help because I didnt want to like like an idoit. Could someone maybe give me advice or even supply pics.. I like catching in sundays and blue water bay river. which lures would be ideal?::tight:
 

Volcom

Sealiner
Teeza wrote:
Hi Everyone..

Im not new to fishing, Iv been fishing for years its my greatest hobby. I dont belong to any angling clubs or anything and I still have loads to learn.
Does anyone have a page with the fish limits per day, fish sizes and so forth.
Another question, lets say im on the surf targeting edibles, whats the best tide to be catching on?
With regards to lures I have never used them and would like to start. I was in a tackle shop last week, there was so many different types I didnt know what to choose and I didnt want to ask someone to help because I didnt want to like like an idoit. Could someone maybe give me advice or even supply pics.. I like catching in sundays and blue water bay river. which lures would be ideal?::tight:

Hi Teeza,

Check out www.fishthesea.co.za - Plenty of info on min sizes and restrictions.

The best tide in general to fish for edibles or none eds is on a push tide two days before and after full spring tide. This allows for lots of tidal movement and plenty of food to move around thus increasing feeding behavior.

As for lures, im assuming you want to target kob as i see you from PE. Paddle tail is by far the most used method. Using a arrow jig head helps with distance as opposed to a sliding rig. I would look at the McCarthy range or Berkley range. 5" in bright and natural colours and 5o to 7o hooks.

Remember to try and release as much of the kob that you will catch in order to preserve the stocks that are already under pressure ;)
 

Teeza

New member
Hi Volcom.

Firstly thanks for the reply its greatly appreciated.

With regards to releasing of the Cob, I agree 100%.
I dont beleive in taking loads of fish home, I also dont believe in taking under sized fish home either. Last week and the week before I caught two kob but I put them back. I never measured them as I dont know the min sizes, they also looked a bit small.
 

Volcom

Sealiner
Teeza wrote:
Hi Volcom.

Firstly thanks for the reply its greatly appreciated.

With regards to releasing of the Cob, I agree 100%.
I dont beleive in taking loads of fish home, I also dont believe in taking under sized fish home either. Last week and the week before I caught two kob but I put them back. I never measured them as I dont know the min sizes, they also looked a bit small.

Great stuff Teeza. You are legally allowed to keep a Kob however the larger breeding stock is what we need to keep intact.

Pleasure to assist.
 

Kenty

Sealiner
;)If you want to look at kobbies on lure...then ..go get a 30 size multiplier...a good decent 10 to 11 foot rod...TruFlex to mention one...some good S shaped tin spoons from half oz to max 2,5oz and go gooi for kobbies...once hooked ..you will never gi fish any other way....:cool:
 

Volcom

Sealiner
Kenty wrote:
;)If you want to look at kobbies on lure...then ..go get a 30 size multiplier...a good decent 10 to 11 foot rod...TruFlex to mention one...some good S shaped tin spoons from half oz to max 2,5oz and go gooi for kobbies...once hooked ..you will never gi fish any other way....:cool:

The Legend!! Good to see you still around Kenty!
 

Kenty

Sealiner
Volcom wrote:
Kenty wrote:
;)If you want to look at kobbies on lure...then ..go get a 30 size multiplier...a good decent 10 to 11 foot rod...TruFlex to mention one...some good S shaped tin spoons from half oz to max 2,5oz and go gooi for kobbies...once hooked ..you will never gi fish any other way....:cool:

The Legend!! Good to see you still around Kenty!
;)_seal1_..Ja..jislaaik ..Volcom...its been SUPER attrocious conditions here ...from Dec 2018 it just went pear shaped ...condition wise...2014 to 2017 were TOP TOP seasons for me and then BAM...terrible conditions...now they seem to be coming right...Soo..lets see ...
 

Kenty

Sealiner
;)..Look...fish have been coming out,,,BUT..not like you can set youe watch to...know what I mean...I could at best call it on a Monday and look at the systems coming along the coast and at least say ...JIP..its ON this weekend...BUT..DEMMITT...the past 18 months ..couldnt predict a piss up in a brewery!!!
 

Volcom

Sealiner
Kenty wrote:
;)..Look...fish have been coming out,,,BUT..not like you can set youe watch to...know what I mean...I could at best call it on a Monday and look at the systems coming along the coast and at least say ...JIP..its ON this weekend...BUT..DEMMITT...the past 18 months ..couldnt predict a piss up in a brewery!!!

I almost wet my pants!! :hyst:

Well lets see how things turn out. Hoping we can revive things a bit here.

Glad to see you up and running toppie!
 

Kenty

Sealiner
Volcom wrote:
Kenty wrote:
;)..Look...fish have been coming out,,,BUT..not like you can set youe watch to...know what I mean...I could at best call it on a Monday and look at the systems coming along the coast and at least say ...JIP..its ON this weekend...BUT..DEMMITT...the past 18 months ..couldnt predict a piss up in a brewery!!!

I almost wet my pants!! :hyst:

Well lets see how things turn out. Hoping we can revive things a bit here.

Glad to see you up and running toppie!
;)_seal1_...no look..Im ready BUT the kobbies better be ready..hehe...Im gonna gooi tomorrow morning and then Sunday AM looks VERY good...
 

Teeza

New member
Howzit Everyone...

I would like to make a trip to Cape St Francis. Is it a dangerous place regarding waves and rocks, Iv never been there before and I hear its very deep there?::tight:
 

Arrie87

Member
Thank you for this post! I am new to Saltwater and used this post as a guide. The tip with regards to sticking to a budget really had me researching different setups and learning a lot from commenters on different forums of how they fish, I believe I made the right call. Now I just need to get fishing!
 

Kenty

Sealiner
;)Talking about new to angling...there is no quick fix...OR ...perfect set up..ie rod ..reel ..line etc etc...its a journey and not a destination...the ACTUAL catch itself is a real bonus ,,as it where...

I think , personally , that too many fisherman get caught up with drag pressures...how many drag washers ...top shot...bottom shot..main line ..braid this and braid that ...I had a throw about 3 weekends ago at my local spot and to get to the pinnacle is at least a 30 odd meter chest deep wade , well for at least a short ass like myslf...

Anyhow , as I am about to set off , an okie gets my attention and asks whats it like to fish along this section and what am i targeting and blah blah all the techno talk in a matter of 2 minutes...I tune him ..no probs ..follow me!!!

He has all the kit ..spinning sling bag dazzeleen reel n rod and clothing to match with as many brand names one can find and fit onto a shirt/ jacket etc etc...

After much shuffeling he eventually gets on the pinnacle next to me and says what lure do i use ..I show him my 1,5oz tin S shaped spoon and he looks at my SL30 and i can see this oke is not believing that Im gonna gooi that with the SL30...

Anyhow I digress...I warn him that the area is rocky and he must be carefull with his paddle tails etc etc ...we on the pinnacle for over an hour matching throw for throw....

I must say , I will take my hat off to him for persistance and after his 8th paddletail and jig he eventually decided that it was now getting above his paygrade....

Point to my story??...the basics stay the same ...the amount of cash you splash on kit does not determine the amount of fish OR how often you will catch...

Its simple really...
 

Fly-aholic

New member
Kenty wrote:
;)Talking about new to angling...there is no quick fix...OR ...perfect set up..ie rod ..reel ..line etc etc...its a journey and not a destination...the ACTUAL catch itself is a real bonus ,,as it where...

I think , personally , that too many fisherman get caught up with drag pressures...how many drag washers ...top shot...bottom shot..main line ..braid this and braid that ...I had a throw about 3 weekends ago at my local spot and to get to the pinnacle is at least a 30 odd meter chest deep wade , well for at least a short ass like myslf...

Anyhow , as I am about to set off , an okie gets my attention and asks whats it like to fish along this section and what am i targeting and blah blah all the techno talk in a matter of 2 minutes...I tune him ..no probs ..follow me!!!

He has all the kit ..spinning sling bag dazzeleen reel n rod and clothing to match with as many brand names one can find and fit onto a shirt/ jacket etc etc...

After much shuffeling he eventually gets on the pinnacle next to me and says what lure do i use ..I show him my 1,5oz tin S shaped spoon and he looks at my SL30 and i can see this oke is not believing that Im gonna gooi that with the SL30...

Anyhow I digress...I warn him that the area is rocky and he must be carefull with his paddle tails etc etc ...we on the pinnacle for over an hour matching throw for throw....

I must say , I will take my hat off to him for persistance and after his 8th paddletail and jig he eventually decided that it was now getting above his paygrade....

Point to my story??...the basics stay the same ...the amount of cash you splash on kit does not determine the amount of fish OR how often you will catch...

Its simple really...

Hi Kenty, resided in Slummies for 8 years and left 2012. Spot on, the problem is that it took me 30 years to get to the point where you are and I'm 53 now. I sold all my other stuff and kept a few reels and rods for surf and estuary fishing. Must say, I think it is my age, too much gear is confusing:fbash.
I am enjoying my rock and surf more now then ever, spot on bud. Good luck with the weather, 'that too will pass'.
 
Kenty wrote:
;)Talking about new to angling...there is no quick fix...OR ...perfect set up..ie rod ..reel ..line etc etc...its a journey and not a destination...the ACTUAL catch itself is a real bonus ,,as it where...

I think , personally , that too many fisherman get caught up with drag pressures...how many drag washers ...top shot...bottom shot..main line ..braid this and braid that ...I had a throw about 3 weekends ago at my local spot and to get to the pinnacle is at least a 30 odd meter chest deep wade , well for at least a short ass like myslf...

Anyhow , as I am about to set off , an okie gets my attention and asks whats it like to fish along this section and what am i targeting and blah blah all the techno talk in a matter of 2 minutes...I tune him ..no probs ..follow me!!!

He has all the kit ..spinning sling bag dazzeleen reel n rod and clothing to match with as many brand names one can find and fit onto a shirt/ jacket etc etc...

After much shuffeling he eventually gets on the pinnacle next to me and says what lure do i use ..I show him my 1,5oz tin S shaped spoon and he looks at my SL30 and i can see this oke is not believing that Im gonna gooi that with the SL30...

Anyhow I digress...I warn him that the area is rocky and he must be carefull with his paddle tails etc etc ...we on the pinnacle for over an hour matching throw for throw....

I must say , I will take my hat off to him for persistance and after his 8th paddletail and jig he eventually decided that it was now getting above his paygrade....

Point to my story??...the basics stay the same ...the amount of cash you splash on kit does not determine the amount of fish OR how often you will catch...

Its simple really...


Well said Kenty.

.....and more affordable too.
It is true for more facets of life...
 
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