Offshore Plastics
I'm looking for some help with getting into using soft plastics offshore. I would like to use them for a variety of fish from tuna/dollies to Pinkys and Dhufish. My problem is theres so many different types of plastics and jigs etc I just dont know where to start. I didnt want to just use the standard power grub as a bait replacement but try different types. I've been thinking of trying Snapbacks and Flick baits in the white/pearl type colours but I'll wait for experts thoughts b4 going out and buying some.
If anyone their thoughts on the following it would be much appreciated:
1) To Anchor & burley or Drift as normal
2) Jig head type/size
3) Plastic style - Shad/Worm etc
4) Colours
5) Retrieve methods
Now that Ive asked for all the answers can anyone give me some really good GPS points to try them out on as well - Just Kidding.
.thumbnail.jpg "Jigging 19/12/06")
SamC
Posts: 2013
Date Joined: 30/08/06
plastics
gday tim,
for plastics out of the boat i dont reckon you can go past the 5'' snapbacks (http://www.campbellsprotackle.com/store/product.asp?ID=3404) in the bubble gum pink and the brown shrimp (not shown) are very popular/productive colours!
depends what depth your fishing tim...but when chasing skippy, pinkies, dhuies on the inside reefs (up to 20m deep) i would use 1/4oz size lead head with the 3/0 size hook!
other good plastics include:
- http://www.campbellsprotackle.com/store/product.asp?ID=3585 (atomic jerk minnows) these are a pre scented sp.
- if your fishing a little deeper then something with a more shad/fish style would hold the current a bit better down deeper e.g. 100/150mm squidgy fish (obviously suit jig head for depth) maybe 3/8oz
http://www.campbellsprotackle.com/store/product.asp?ID=3024
hope this helps ya tim
p.s. a bit of "spess's magic" berley would work a treat aswell! hahah
cheers
sam
Cheers,
Sam
SPESS
Posts: 3356
Date Joined: 29/12/06
TT heads are the go and dead
TT heads are the go and dead stick them! This means cast out let it sick with the bail arm open and no twiches at all! If nothing hits it in 2 or 3 minutes just 2 crancks of the handle and let it swim back down and wait. Dont work the snapbacks too much in the 5" range as they already have heaps of action. Ive had more hoojs ups dead sticking them or strqaight after the 2 cranks than any other trials. Pink, brown and green wsorks best for me but im sold on the pink ones for sure. With the TT heads you nust use the extreme head types as the others will straighten on you on bigger fish. They are just a stronger gauge thats all. 3/8 is around the perfect size for around the 20m mark and casual current but you will have to go bigger as you get deeper or more current.
Drifting works but i find anchoring and berley is better. When the lure is sitting on the bottom it sits head down with the tt heads and wiggles its little arse off so the pinkies smash it tail first which results in a instant hook up right through the top lip in most cases. The only other thing i can say is fish light! 3 to 5kg 7" rod and a good reel with say 10 to 15lb braid and 20 to 40lb fluro leader max, and hold on its great fun. If you get busted up only then pick up something in the 10kg range which will work.
Keep it tight, reeeeeeel tight!