ULTIMATE ANGLING - the Ultimate SA Fishing website

OFFSHORE ANGLING => General Offshore Angling Discussion => Topic started by: Hendrik on May 12, 2019, 08:16:20 AM

Title: Trap stick while bottom fishing.
Post by: Hendrik on May 12, 2019, 08:16:20 AM

I hear a lot of guys say you must put out a trap stick while bottom fishing. If someone can please assist this newbie with more info. What tackel do I use? What trace setup? How do I rig the lifebait? Must I anchor the boat or can I put it out when drifting? Any other info would be appreciated?

Title: Re: Trap stick while bottom fishing.
Post by: emjay on May 12, 2019, 10:36:13 AM

A trolling rod rated at 12 to 15kg, matched with a multiplier with 30lb main line and a 60 to 70lb leader will be fine. With regards to the trace, it depends on what you are targeting. If you going for something with teeth like these big crocodile couta hanging around lately, then a couta trace will need to be used. Hook the single hook through the upper lip so that the livebait can keep its mouth open and not die and hook each treble to each side of the livebait. If targeting tuna or dorado, then use fluorocarbon or monofilament with a circle hook rather. I'm not that clued up on targeting tuna or dorado using livebait though, but I believe 0.80mm fluorocarbon/monofilament and a 6/0 to 8/0 circle hook will work. Hook the livebait through the upper lip or the back, taking care not to go through the spine

I like to tie a balloon on the line about 4 to 5m from the livebait so that it can stay at a certain depth and not swim down into the reef. You can vary the depth of the livebait as you wish

You can use a trap stick while at anchor or drifting

Be prepared to catch your fair share of sharks on your trap stick tho

Hope this helps a bit

Title: Re: Trap stick while bottom fishing.
Post by: FishStyx on May 13, 2019, 07:14:06 AM

Could anyone explain what a trap stick is please  :dunno:

Title: Re: Trap stick while bottom fishing.
Post by: dugong on May 13, 2019, 08:06:42 AM

Its just a rod put out to 'trap' any gamefish coming past while you are bottom fishing, jigging, catching bait etc...

Title: Re: Trap stick while bottom fishing.
Post by: FishStyx on May 13, 2019, 08:13:47 AM

Thanks bud  :-)

Title: Re: Trap stick while bottom fishing.
Post by: John F on May 13, 2019, 08:17:53 AM

Yeap that's what I understand as well... a "set and forget", baited rod...

I usually have two out there... both on balloons (set 30-40 m apart) or one flat line (no weight, no balloon) and one on a balloon...   

In addition to what emjay posted... you can "trap fish" with dead bait as well... in fact 95% of my trap fishing is done with dead baits...

It's a great technique that is easy and increases your odds of putting fish in the deck! 

Title: Re: Trap stick while bottom fishing.
Post by: Capt. Hook on May 14, 2019, 11:08:18 PM

Sardine on a Couta trace is a good all round option for a trap stick.

Title: Re: Trap stick while bottom fishing.
Post by: Timothy Scriven on June 28, 2019, 12:16:15 AM

Used to pick up a few Dorado like that.
Its the rod that you forget about and when it runs, everyone looks confused until they realise whats going on.
One out the back is all you need or baits like mackies tend to school together and cause a real mess.