Lures are Great in Rock Fishing
One of the most popular lures for rock fishing in Australia has always
been what many call a ‘spinner’. Years ago the main lure was a metal
lure such as a sliced chrome-plated brass or stainless steel spinner
that had a propeller on the front that would spin around as the lure was
reeled in. These are very effective when fishing for tailor.
While still in use, they are not as common today and some other lures
have become the ‘go to’ baits. Nevertheless, this type of rock fishing
is still often referred to as ‘spinning’, and that term may even apply
to fishing with baitfish.
Normally a fisherman would give these lures
some extra wait by using a small bean or torpedo type sinker of about 28
g. This helps them to cast out farther and to get the fishing lure down
into the water a little bit.
For most species of fish, anglers use a slow retrieve, but when the
fish seem uninterested in the offer, the lures may be fished at varying
speeds with some side to side action. This helps them to look a little
more life-like.
One of the downfalls to using lures while rock fishing is getting
snagged or broken off when a tailor gets hold of it (they have very
sharp teeth) and losing the lure. That expense can add up. That’s why
many fishermen choose to go with the natural baits from the location
they are fishing.
In addition to being very productive when fishing for tailor, the
metal lures will work for other fish. Modern lures have become more
creative and functional and as a result rockhoppers, or rock fishermen
are catching a wider variety of species.
Other Fish That Can Be Caught On Rock Fishing Lures
- stripies
- mackerel
- frigate
- bonito
- tuna
- salmon
- travally
- pike
- snapper
- luderick
Many anglers learned that when using lures for tailor they have
better luck with a faster retrieve and started to use reels with a
retrieve ratio of 6:1, such as the Australian made Seascape 621. Many of
them use a 4:1 ratio which enabled them to hook up with other game fish
such as yellowtail and kingfish.
Other Kinds of Lures for Rock Fishing
- minnows (such as the Reb 2)
- spoons, such as the Australian Hot Zot, Wonder Wobblers, and the
New Zealand Teal Spoon
- pencil – requires very fast retrieve, has no action, designed to
spark reaction strikes
- torpedo – also fast retrieve, no action, reaction strikes
|
