Q&A BOAT ANGLING
Our experts solve your fishing problems
Q When using live Joeys to try and catch my first tope I often reel in an empty hook. Do you have any tips to stop this happening and thus avoid wasting valuable fishing time?
DL says: Try using a small rubber bead threaded onto the bend of the hook, as shown, then hook the livebait followed by a second bead to secure the bait on the bend of the hook. Provided the beads fit snuggly onto the hook they will secure the bait perfectly. Soft rubber beads are available in most tackle shops; you’ll find them in the carp or coarse fishing section.
Q Are shore based LRF tactics and techniques effective from a boat.
DL says: They most certainly are. In many areas a boat is ideal for accessing a wide range of different types of terrain, usually much more easily than on foot. Calm conditions tend to be the best; these will allow you to get really close to rock edges, pier sanctions, breakwaters and very shallow ground, into the perfect position for presenting lures and baits to a multitude of different species.
Q Why do so many anglers use brightly coloured lines when fishing in clear water. Surely fish can see these and will be deterred by them?
DL says: Coloured lines are used because they allow the skipper and anglers to see exactly where each line is positioned. This is especially important when trolling. While the lines themselves are coloured, they almost always terminate in some sort of leader, which is often clear monofilament or fluorocarbon. The bait or lure is attached to the end of this so it will be 20ft or more away from the coloured line.
Q My angling experience is mostly in freshwater where quiver tips are commonly used for bite indication when ledgering. My local tackle shop now stocks saltwater boat rods with a selection of quiver tips. What is the purpose of these?
DL says: In recent years quiver tips have become increasingly popular with boat anglers, especially those who fish competitions.
In exactly the same was as when fishing in freshwater, these provide very sensitive bite detection. Rods designed for this sort of work are generally supplied with a selection of tips, each in
