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:
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: