Deep live baiting rig

[mikeyh]

Hello all,
What would be the best way to be able to livebait up here at the reef at a depth of say 10-15m with a balloon or float. Last week the spaniards were deep ( I didnt get any...but my spearo mate did well). Cant work out how to do it so I can still cast ( cant deal with a trace of that length)....can you make a running balloon or large float?

Thanks, Mike

[MackerelMan]

Have you tried trolling gar or livies from a down rigger or super slow trolling a wolfie with a chin rig. Should be able to reach 10-15 no probs.

[Horse]

Trace to swivel then appropriate ball sinker. Let line out to 10m or so then wrap around a chunk of foam with a slit in it and away you go

[MangroveZac]

I agree Horse, but another option is to have a balloon on a long line clip. Easy to clip on and adjust to any depth. As far as being able to cast the rig - if your in a boat then the use of a balloon will usually allow the bait to drift away from you with the wind and tide.

[mikeyh]

Thanks all. No have never used a downrigger or trolled gar/wolfies. Closest I have come is trolling x rap 30 but cant do that at anchor amongst bommies etc. Like the idea of using foam because it wont pop but what do you do wih a fish on with the float. Lastly, I dont know what you mean by a Long line clip? I have only seen huge clips that attach to ropes
Cheers, Mike

[outta line]

fish are always atracted to things.... including a bloke with a spear...try a weighted skirted pilly trolled slowly.... pink works well....cheers mick

[Moffy]

Try it without the float - we rarely if ever use balloons or floats on our macks rigs - throw the unweighted pillie or livie out in the current - the current will hold it out away from the boat and control the depth by how far you let it out. If there's not enough current to keep it away from the boat - the spanish probably won't be feeding anyway..........

Moffy.

[mikeyh]

Thanks Moffy,
Some great advice....a good point about the current
Cheers, Mike

[mattooty]

Run your 10-15m worth of trace line then use a double uni knot to your mainline. The knot is usually heavy enough that when the float runs up the trace it acts as a stopper, if it doesnt then run a little bead just above the float. That way the line is free running through the float. Hook the livey in the shoulders or near tail if there's not much current or through shoulder/nose for strong current. Add a tiny amount of lead and you're in action.