ESTUARY AND RIVER FISHING:
The large number of rivers, estuaries
and lakes along the Australian coastline and the variety of fish
species that frequent them, offer the main source of recreational
fishing for the angling public. As with all types of fishing the
choice of the correct gear goes a long way towards being successful.
The length of the rod used in conjunction
with your Alvey reel need not be as long as those used for beach
fishing. Estuary fishing in most circumstances, does not require
long distance casting, so a powerful action rod is not needed. The
length can be anywhere from 2 to 3.3 metres, depending on the type
of fishing. It is important the reel should balance the rod. An
Alvey 600 model will suit the longer rods, while the 55 and 500
are perfect for the shorter ones. Anglers fishing from the bank
prefer the 3 metre rods, while those fishing from a boat often opt
for the shorter lengths, because they are more manageable in the
confined space.
In both cases the rod should have that
ever important light tip action that lets you "feel" the
bites. With the modern technology used in building rods, this action
is available in most of the shorter rods being used for estuary
fishing.
The butt length is important when using
an Alvey reel, the reel seat being positioned 15 to 20 cm up the
rod. The first or stripping guide is set about halfway up to facilitate
line flow during the cast. An Alvey open runner can be used on your
estuary rod for the same purposes as on your beach rod.
It goes without saying that Alvey reels
have featured in the major successes of anglers fishing in local
club and interstate angling championships. The trouble free design
and versatility of Alvey reels have been the key to their success.
The competitive estuary anglers favour
the 600 model, particularly on the longer rods. This size gives
them the perfect balance, quick line recovery and direct winding
power. If you are an average recreational angler, you might only
need the smaller 500 and 55 models, especially if you use a shorter
rod.
Casting with the sidecast reel when
fishing the estuary needs no special skills. Turn the reel around
to the casting position , at the same time restraining the line
with the fingers of the other hand positioned on the spool. An even,
free flowing smooth cast will allow you to cast small, soft baits
with the minimum of effort. You can cast over or underhand, backhand
or forehand, even in cramped conditions. All anglers will be amazed
at the ease with which they can cast with an Alvey reel.
As with all fishing, use as light a
line as possible. A Platypus line from 2 to 4 kg breaking strain
is all that you will need. Fishing over rough bottom and near snags
and other cover, you will need the heavier strain, but on sand flats
etc, go as light as you can comfortably handle. Wind new line onto
your reel firmly and neatly making sure you fill it to the correct
level, just below the lip of the spool. (Light fingertip pressure
on the line spool you are winding off is all that is necessary.)
When rewinding during fishing, make sure you wind it on without
loose coils. Doing this will ensure the next cast will be smooth
and trouble free.
Estuary fishing does not require an
extensive range of tackle. The selection of hooks, sinkers and swivels
can be kept to a basic range. The preferred hook is the French pattern
(Mustad 540, Eagle Claw 6045B), a fine sharp hook design that will
penetrate with a minimum of effort. A selection of sizes #4 up to
#2/0 will be adequate for most fish you will encounter. A range
of round sinkers from #00 up #3 will be all you will need. Don't
forget to use as light a sinker as you can in the conditions you
are fishing. Be prepared to keep changing the size of your sinker
as the run changes at different stages of the tide. Small swivels
are important to alleviate line twist, no bigger than #10.
ESTUARY AND RIVER FISHING METHODS:
As with all fishing, fresh bait is
important. The sand flats exposed at low tide offer the angler the
opportunity to collect the prime bait species, the yabby or nipper.
The yabby is the mainstay for the estuary fishermen and is taken
by almost every estuary species. The best way to obtain them is
with the Alvey bait pump. When baiting your hook, leave the point
and barb exposed to give it the maximum chance to penetrate. Don't
overbait your hook, a small bait will attract most size fish, while
an overbaited hook will prevent some of the smaller, though still
legal size fish from hooking up.
Again employ the "lean and wind"
technique, when responding to a bite. Keep the rod high as you play
the fish, letting the light tip soak up it's lunges and jerks, but
all the time being ready to give line if needed.
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