Offshore reef fishing - hooks, line class

[dodge69]

I am heading to the Swains in Sept 08, and after reading all the historical posts I am inundated with info.

For the record, I am keen for your thoughts on:

Strength of line required for bottom bashing off the main boat?

Strength of line required for fishing the shallows from a Dory?

And what is the best hook for ganging two hooks together - that does not break or straighten?

Many thanks for your thoughts

Dodge

[Pazz01]

Dodge

Are you fishing with a rod or handline in both instances.

I fish out of Cairns for trout and Big mouth etc using mainly handlines but use the occassional rod.

Trout fishing
Hand line schiender 60 - 80lb
Rod - fireline 50lb braid with 80lb leader.

Reds and Bigmouth
Handline schiender 100 - 120lb
Rod - fireline 50lb braid with 80lb leader.

In the shallows depends on your caper, if you are bait or lure fishing. If luring, if you like to play em a bit, you could go lighter, but personally, I don't like to give em an inch so 50lb braid or higher to reef them in. Bait fishing, the trout gear is plenty.

Hope you have fun. Should be a good trip. Hope you get some good weather.

Regards
Pazz

[dodge69]

Cheers Pazz

I will be using rods most of the time for both!

In the shallows, I will be using SP's, poppers and stickbaits, I am thinking minimum 50lbs also!

Thanks for your reply!

Dodge.