Author Topic: NATAL SNOEK TRACE (Read 29282 times)

dugong · « **on:** January 18, 2011, 01:47:02 PM »

This is a 'tweaked' version of a common snoek trace (Queen Mackerel). You can use #3 wire throughout or a small bite trace tied to the fluro using an improved albright. I use 20lb siglon fluro throughout and seldom lose fish as snoek will take from behind 80% of the time(check the fluro for nicks after every strike) - unless they are thick and feeding well where it would be better to use wire as they are competing against each other and attack from any angle.

I have found this trace to be by far the best when the fish are shy and eaisly spooked. The main difference in this rig is the clip which greatly reduces the time to change out a bait and keeps you in the 'zone' (those of you who have fished amongst 10 other boats at backline will know what I mean). It can be especially useful to paddle ski fishermen who can pre-rig baits before launching.

Firstly the hardware.....

dugong · « **Reply #1 on:** January 18, 2011, 01:47:49 PM »

Make up the hooks with heavy wire #7 or #8 - wrap the wire around the shank to make a 'stiff rig' - this makes it eaiser to bait up and keeps it straight - note the loop - this is where you connect the clip. I use these Owners as they are thin, strong and very sharp although a bit expensive. Make at least 4-6.

dugong · « **Reply #2 on:** January 18, 2011, 01:49:50 PM »

I use 1 meter of fluro to a small power swivel on this the cuda duster and squid are stopped by the clip at the business end.

dugong · « **Reply #3 on:** January 18, 2011, 01:51:06 PM »

Close up showing clip

dugong · « **Reply #4 on:** January 18, 2011, 01:51:48 PM »

This is it with the squid and duster in place - note that you can use any colours and it is good to try different colours at the same time - I use pink with white dusters as well but the white works best for me.

dugong · « **Reply #5 on:** January 18, 2011, 01:52:43 PM »

This is the final product - usually the fresher the bait the less cotton I will use and will only tie the very top of the bait(it gets more movement going) you will also have noticed that I leave a small tag end on the wire to stop the bait from sliding down.

dugong · « **Reply #6 on:** January 18, 2011, 01:53:28 PM »

I usually pull these fillets quite fast but they must not crash/bash out of the water. Also remember that you don't have to pull baits - I often use small Rapalas or Yozuri minnows as well as Clarke spoons #00 and #01 and also minieyes.

I also ALWAYS have a spinning stick ready with a sprat spoon or Onde onda.

dugong · « **Reply #7 on:** January 18, 2011, 01:54:19 PM »

Good Luck and watch those backline waves !

dugong · « **Reply #8 on:** January 18, 2011, 01:55:13 PM »

The result!! 8Kg Natal Snoek using the fluro trace.

WalkersKiller · « **Reply #9 on:** January 18, 2011, 01:56:35 PM »

Great info dugongboy

REEFMAN · « **Reply #10 on:** January 18, 2011, 01:59:42 PM »

Another great post!

Mussel Cracker · « **Reply #11 on:** May 21, 2011, 09:50:19 AM »

Great post....in your opinion what is the best fillet to use

super_daav · « **Reply #12 on:** May 21, 2011, 11:28:42 AM »

1) Red-eye sards (for sure!) 2) Normal sards / Natal sards 3) Mackeral (Bit big and needs some work trimming etc)

dugong · « **Reply #13 on:** May 23, 2011, 08:24:44 AM »

Red eyes are great and have the best shine but sometimes can be a bit small, I try and get the biggest sards and trim the bait to swim well, fresh(unfrozen) mackrel is also good and you usually get 4 baits from a fish. The best for me is freshly caught mackrel.

John F · « **Reply #14 on:** May 23, 2011, 08:50:03 AM »

Only saw this now!

Great post!

for a simple, yet very informative tut!

Mussel Cracker · « **Reply #15 on:** May 23, 2011, 10:24:07 AM »

Thanks for the info..

dugong · « **Reply #16 on:** June 27, 2013, 10:04:06 AM »

Got some fresh halfbeaks from Mozambique so decided to make some snoek fillets, halfbeak is one of the best to use (if you can get them) as it is durable and has a great natural shine!

Seventenths · « **Reply #17 on:** June 27, 2013, 10:23:02 AM »

great info thanks....

Gregf · « **Reply #18 on:** June 27, 2013, 11:45:03 AM »

Very nice

eric cotton · « **Reply #19 on:** June 27, 2013, 03:32:57 PM »

Hey Mr L, that really looks delicious....... Like the shine of the halfbeak...

Author Topic: NATAL SNOEK TRACE (Read 29282 times)

Gregf