SP advice.

[For_Steve]

G'day,

I'd like your advice on a decent soft plastic setup mainly for targeting flathead around the Jumpinpin area, and the occasional session in the GC seaway. From reading other posts I've found out some really helpful info. I'd appreciate your thoughts on the following gear.

Rod: Shimano Raider 7'6" 2-4kg 2pc, or Berkley Dropshot 6'6" 2-4kg 2pc, or Berkley Dropshot 7' 1-3kg 2pc (needs to be 2 piece)

Reel: Shimano Sedona 1500

Line: Fireline 6lb (Would a 125yd spool do the trick?)

Backing line: Berkley Trilene Sensation 6lb (I already have this line to use as backing)

Leader: Berkley Vanish 8lb, or another good flurocarbon leader recommended

Also, what's your thoughts on using an Albright knot to join the mainline to the leader? I have really struggled getting the Bimini Twist and I'm not very confident that I've done it right. I'm looking for a strong but compact knot that will cast well though the guides.

Cheers,
Brad

[DazSamFishing]

Keep trying at the bimini twist... With such light line it is essential that you make a double in the braid otherwise it won't grip the leader line adequately.

Try another type of fluorocarbon leader line... I am not too confident with berkley vanish...

I have fished the GC seaway for a while chasing trevs, kingies and jew and it is really rough country below so you will need something with extremely high abrasion resistance.

I now use nitlon or yo-zuri.

See if you can get 300yds of fireline on the reel... You may need to fight a trev, kingie or mack one day in the seaway and you will wish you had enough mainline... I wouldn't rely solely on backing with some of the fish in the GC seaway!

All the other outfit should be fine for chasing flatties...

Good luck

Daz

[Fishin_Dan]

Brad,

Either of those rods would be fine. I have one of the 6'6 dropshots, and I've had it for years. Fantastic rod. A mate of mine has the raider & it looks very nice.

I use a 1500 Sedona on that dropshot (Funnily enough), and it is a great little reel for the cheaper end.

The 6lb Fireline would be perfect. But I do suggest you learn the bimini twist. It's actually ALOT easier than all the pictures make out for it to be. I had a good mate show me once, and got it first go. Use a really short one if your casting alot though, otherwise it can catch on the guides. The albright is a good knot for tying the leader onto this. You can also use a reverse albright (bend & wind the opposite lines to normal). Another knot I played with was the Twisted Leader knot. It's REALLY small and seems to hold pretty well.

I use 6lb Vanish, but anything over that I use other brands... The Yamatoyo, Nitlon, Yo-Zuri, etc are all much better.


But you have got everything spot on. Best of luck with it all, and hope to see reports up soon :D

[For_Steve]

G'day,

Thanks for the tips.

I'll keep working on the Bimini. Wish me luck.

[Fishin_Dan]

Good luck ;)