Targeting Micro Saltwater Species

[WalkersKiller]

As many of you guys know I love fishing light tackle and I love catching different species of fish. It might sound weird, but I love catching juvenile fish. The really small species. The fish when they are this size are really beautiful and a joy to see, so if anyone is interested I thought I would share a very simple trace, and some tips and pics. The beauty of this trace is that you can catch any fish in the ocean, glassies, silverside, blennies, gobies, and many of your usual species. You can also get fish such as Butterflyfish, Steentjie, Chubb any many others.

The Trace

What you need:



*A 15cm trace of 1-3kg line
*Size 18 hooks
*Smallest swivels
*Split shots

You can get hooks this size in the fly fishing sections of many angling shops, by the fly tying section.



Bait wize the best and easiest bait to use here is a tiny piece of tenderized chokka, soaked in the juice from pink prawn or sardine blood.

The Tackle

To make it fun fish the lightest setup ever. A very sensitive and 'bendy' rod no longer than 6 foot and a small grinder loaded with 5lb line.

My setup for this is: Kingfisher Gully Hunter 6 foot, Shimano FX 1000, 5lb Double X. An example of the tackle I use can be seen below.



The Fish - Micros and Miniatures

































Fish That You Have Only Seen Before Can Now Actually Be Targeted:



If anyone is ever willing to give this type of angling a chance I am sure you will not regret it. The range of species that you will catch are amazing!

WK 

[SAfish]

Super article, WK.  It is great fun to target these small fish, especially when conditions are not favourable for other types of fishing. It is also a great way to introduce children to our sport and teach them how to handle and release fish. 

[WalkersKiller]

Thanks Hermann, it is how my father introduced me to saltwater fishing, and honestly I never stopped loving it!

[MIKE PIKE]

  .. another quality post , great stuff Gareth,agreed targeting the small fry is great fun and certainly keeps you on your toes. 

[WalkersKiller]

Thanks Mike, its stax of fun 

[strandloper]

Great article Gareth,

 

I love fishing for all the "rock pool" species, but some of the species, just keep evading me. The smaller hooks will help me get some of those species.

Never thought of looking in the fly fishing section - thanks for the tip

[SAfish]

It is also a great way to introduce children to our sport and teach them how to handle and release fish.

I have recently introduced my 6 year old son to snorkelling and now he can study his quarry in their natural environment. 

[WalkersKiller]

Great stuff guys!!

[J-Rock]

I find it difficult enough to work nr12 hooks. Any smaller than that i'd have to teach my girlfriend to tie the traces... Like that's gonna happen!

[WalkersKiller]

I find it difficult enough to work nr12 hooks. Any smaller than that i'd have to teach my girlfriend to tie the traces... Like that's gonna happen!