Here is my set-up ... what do you suggest ?

[rumy1]

I want to set-up for catching mackeral .... I have a Gary Howard 15-24kg rod with a TLD 25 attached loaded with 80 lb braid.
What do you suggest I attach to this outfit to catch mackeral ?
I live in Gladstone, CQ so if we stick to what I can buy from BCF then I can get exactly what you suggest.

I will be trolling behind my boat. (Haines Signature 5.42 with 140 Suzuki)

Thanks for any suggestions !!!

[wags on the water]

Rumy1, is this setup for spaniards? For schoolies/spotties I have a spinning rod(8' with 4500,6500 BTR or TSS4) loaded with 13lb mono and 60lb leader. The setup can be used for both casting and trolling also a backup rod 10-15kg standup rod w TLD25.

[rumy1]

For spaniards .... thanks ! Or should I buy a new rod and reel for this application ?

[wags on the water]

I think the setup you have should be adequate. I've only caught one spaniard it it was a lucky catch from the rocks at Rosslyn Bay on 6kg mono, wire trace.

[rumy1]

I neighbour talks about skirted lures ... should I be looking at these or go for the traditional silver spoon lure or what ? Do I have a trace or use heavy mono leader ?

[Stubbie Holder]

Try bibbed hardbodies in 2m and 7m depth around the channel markers to S. Entrance and also Outer Rock, hasn't been a lot of Spanish taking lures this year, most have been caught on slow trolled livies. You could also try around N. Entrance and the 20m contours E. of Curtis (watch the green zone though) I use 30lb tackle with 200mm of single strand on the lure.

Lotsa Luck!
Stubbie.

[basskid]

hey rumy1,
mate in my opinion the best hardbodys lures for mackeral are crazy deep halco's in blue pilly colour or a rapala xraps and also alot of people just use heavy mono such as 80lb. I would way prefer mono over wire but thats imo . so if ya wannna chase mackeral definately stock up on halco laser pros in blue pilly colour!!!!!

[rumy1]

Hey Stub's , do you use mono ? How is you setup ? I have seen your photos at your shop and I know you can catch big fish !
Where is Outer Rock ?
I am thinking of trying to troll around Leeches Shoals and Cape Cap, what's you opinion ?

[Stubbie Holder]

Hey rumy, why not just stop in for a chat, I am there every morn. just ask for me if I am not out front. Yes I use mono for main line but a 200mm length of single strand wire on the lure as Macks tend to make short work of mono leaders and I already give Pat enough money. Outer Rock is down towards Bustard Heads, Cape Cap is another good option, there have been plenty of big Macks sighted up there from time to time.

[jtpython]

There is an Outer Rock off North Keppel Island if that is the one you ar chasing in Central Queensland.
JT

[NAGG]

I like bibless minnows ( you can troll them nice & fast) .... Nagg

[blaze]

troll live bait at idle, use a 3/0 live bait hook with a treble as a stinger set up with single strand wire. yakka's will be the choice for bait
cheers
blaze
ps
pm to lucky phil may also be some advantage