Mackeral proof two hook rig

[bugman]

Gentlemen (& ladies)

It's come to my attention that I need to improve my rigging for mackeral this season. Many big - even small - fish were lost last year because of bite-offs.

I'm interested in two hooked livebait rigs for yakka's etc. I run 100lbp berkley for about 4-6 foot then one 5x0 mustard big red tied with the tag end going on to hold a 4x0 about 10-12cms away.

I reckon over a dozen times I was bitten off between the hooks.

Is there a soft wire that will allow me to do this and what knot do I need to learn - or are there better ways of livebait rigging for mackeral.?

Does wire reduce my strike-rate that much that it's not worth it?

Yours in anxious waiting.

Bugman

[whiteman]

It's getting late in the Mackeral season up here (Palm Islands) so it's late to be thinking of rig changes!

Anyway, I don't bother with bait for Mackeral, I use Halco lures 2+ & 6+ meters and get a good strike rate. I have only had bust offs when I've had a swivel attaching the leader to the line - as they seem to go for them. I use an albright to attach 3 meters of 80lb mono to 30lb or 50lb braid.

If I'm going to loose a Spanyard it's when I'm trying to get it over the side of the boat with a couple of excited crew with gaffs and nets hanging around getting in the way!

[mackmauler]

You don't need strong wire for spotties, 30lb single strand haywired to each hook is flexible enough or use 7 strand about 40lb and crimp it or use the heat weld type, if your after the larger types 49 strand between the hooks is the strongest.

[Lucky_Phill]

I think mackmauler is right.

I use " piano wire ", which is just single strand wire about 80lb. Still flexible enough not to interfer with the movement of your baits, easy to tie on, and doesn't seem to spook the spotties ( if there's any left after the Ring Netters have piliged the school ). >:( >:( :P ;D ;)

[jaybee]

Over kill gentleman..when i was fishing for a living off the tweed the max used in wire was 15lb 7 strand crimped up to a foot in length..doing it this way also caught large snapper and spangled emporer off the nine mile during daylight..my bro uses no more then 6 inches of wire for mack.. check the photos..http://members.optushome.com.au/burnettj/images/photo1.html
Oh by the way we didnt use anymore the 15lb mono either and still the same today except fishing deeper we use 30lb mono
cheers.

[mackmauler]

I've never heard of wire less than 27lb jaybee where might I find some, get some of that bugman with small black hooks and you should wreak havoc this summer.

[jaybee]

try tackleworld mack..tweed bait its out there..make sure its 7 strand it can be tied and crimped but not heated ..btw bug try a single 6/0 or a 5/0 combination back to back (livie)..if using a single and a dead bait..thread thru eye with a half hitch so the hook lies flat along the bodyl..n the eye of the hook is flush with the eye of the bait..
cheers

[bugman]

Thanks gentlemen,

JB, is there a specific brand for that 7 strand wire and whereabouts is that tackleworld.

When your talking crimping are you crimping the wire or using those crimping guides that go over the hook which you crimp the wire under.

I'm using 50lbp spiderwire JB so it seems a bit odd to go down to 15lbp leader. Is that really the breaking strain or just a guide. You never know you could pick up the odd big cobia or such so you wouldn't want your leader breaking.

Phil - does the wire still allow you to tie all knots or do some work better than others.

One final question - do people have opinions of hook brand - shape - size for livebaiting for medium type pelagics.

Bugman

[jaybee]

Cant remember the brand name as i run out of the wire i use to use..could only get 4kg graphite metal tresse as they had sold out of the 7kg. Yet to try this one out tho, its a polyethelene mixed with braided steel. The wire we used was a bronze colour and didnt shine in the water. Sealed in a flat plastic envelope. We use 7kg leader and main line brett unless fishing deeper (livies) then up the main to 15kg mono. Crimps - connector sleeves..pass the wire thru the hook crimp close to the hook and another one 1/2 inch up n trim tag, same with swivel. here is the link for tackle world there is a store locator on the page.
http://www.tackleworld.com.au/main%20pages/Index.asp
not saying you wont get bite offs but have found to just leave the rod in the holder and don't pick it up until after the first run has come to a stop and stick to the rule of a third of a breaking strain on the drag. Have found with black king if you let them have their head they usually come to the surface on the initial run and are much easier to fight then down deep. We also don't set the ratchet weather this helps or not cant be sure but it hasnt done any harm.

we find on the surface the old alvey loaded with 7kg with a 3 to 4 meter stick works wonders
http://members.optushome.com.au/burnettj/images/cod2.jpg

http://members.optushome.com.au/burnettj/images/marlin2.jpg

this fella went a shade under 80lb no leader and mono 15kg

http://members.optushome.com.au/burnettj/images/cobia6.jpg

http://members.optushome.com.au/burnettj/images/snap5.jpg

http://members.optushome.com.au/burnettj/images/mac2.jpg

http://members.optushome.com.au/burnettj/images/mac1.jpg

hope this helps cheers.

[bugman]

Thanks JB

As it turns out I've got a $100 gift voucher for Toowong Tackle World would you believe it - courtesy of workmates here at the ABC.

I'll be up there shortly to have a sniff around.

Brett

[mackmauler]

okay brett, with wire the usual rule is twice as heavy as the mainline, the light approach could still be suitable for big stuff because the first hook will be attatched to the heavy mono so even if the stinger breaks with some luck the cobia took the head hook anyway. crimps are not needed with light wire this makes it very quick and easy with 27lb 7 strand a blood knot can be used and single strand the haywire twist shown on the packet is fast,I prefer the single wire I find it faster to rig and with. The heavier the wire the harder it is to work with and seeing as mackerel wreck the trace normally you'll be retying after each fish, I'm pretty keen on the mustad big gun in the 1/0 size for a small hook they are strong. Rob

[Heath]

Do you mean something like this????

I have some rigging info on my webpage. ;D

[bugman]

Yeah Heath

I had a look on your page - what sort of wire and what knots do you tie with it.

I like the small floating keeper in the nose.

Bugman

[webby]

Hi Brett, I'll throw my two bobs worth in with some pics.
For Yellowtail/slimies all you need is 2/0 (the less they can see the better) joined by single strand 10kg wire, with a short 30cm wire leader on to a very small black swivel, main line 10kg or a 2/0 with a 2/0 treble - same wire. 2/0 thru the lives nose with the treble #just towards the end of the tail.
If trolling dead bait speed around 8-9kts
if trolling livie about 3kts so the bait can move up and down the water column.
both rigs can be used under balloons or styrine cube.
regards #