dropshotting vs whipping for couta

[jaenswart]

ok, I can only cast 1 rod at a time...what is your opinions here?
Also any tips on dropshotting for couta would be appreciated

[Capt. Hook]

ok, I can only cast 1 rod at a time...what is your opinions here?
Also any tips on dropshotting for couta would be appreciated

Dropshotting for Couta, better to do Vertical ligging with small Jigs, at Vidal I know you cannot do this, but I have gotten plenty Couta on 110gr Jigs. For Dropshot I would suggest a 5" Jerk Minnow on 1oz Jig in White/Blue Glimmer, Pink, Red/Black.
There is a trick, you have to let the dropshot sink for some time and leave it down before your retrieve, I also perfer mono instead of braid for this type of dropshotting to allow him to swallow properly.

[nico]

ok, I can only cast 1 rod at a time...what is your opinions here?
Also any tips on dropshotting for couta would be appreciated

I've been pretty succesfull the last year or two with couta on dropshot, as a matter of fact haven't whipped a spoon for a while now. It doesn't seem to work that well for me on shallower reefs, this may just be my technique or the couta may need to check it out for a bit before they take it... I don't really know. In general, 25m to 30m and deeper is where I work it best. Depending on the current up to 50m and 60m still works well.
 
For end gear I only use 7 inch minnows on a 2oz or 3oz jighead because of the depth. Don't bother with the more expensive scented brands, the fish is never going to get a chance to smell it. I use the MCarthy's and they work great. Colour seems to be something that can change on the day, never mind overcast or sunshine or whatever. I always start with dark colours, and if it doesn't work will try lighter ones.
 
Using wire definitely give you less strikes, but you do get bitten off if you don't (I don't use wire at all) - in the words of Earl Strydom: If you are getting bitten off, you are winding too slowly!
 
Which brings me nicely to the next point - for the retrieval don't try and do any finesse stuff, use a fast grinder and wind like hell with your rod tip hitting the water. It creates a super eratic and fast action which seems to be irresistable.
 
Nice thing about this combination of minnows, depth and style is that you will also pick up tropicals, kaakaap and all kinds of kingies.
 
At times I have been more succesfull with dropshot than with baits, and it is a lot of fun when it does come together! Let us know how it goes if you do try!

[Rory mundy]

we normally drop shot or whip a spoon to try get the couta into our bait spread when on the drift or on anchor.

[kleinboet]

Hi guys , are you using light or heavy tackle for this? would a 3500 or 4000 size reel and 7ft med/heavy rod be suitableor do you guys tend to use something heavier?

[Capt. Hook]

Hi guys , are you using light or heavy tackle for this? would a 3500 or 4000 size reel and 7ft med/heavy rod be suitableor do you guys tend to use something heavier?

That would be more or less OK, I use a Trevela 7ft ML with a Penn Sargus 4000 and 20lb Mono for this.

[jaenswart]

Hi guys , are you using light or heavy tackle for this? would a 3500 or 4000 size reel and 7ft med/heavy rod be suitableor do you guys tend to use something heavier?

I'm gonna use a 4000 sedona on my trevala 7ft ML, should be ok but I recon a 6000 size would have been better

[nico]

My weapon of choice is a Exceller Oceanos 4500 on a Travella M or MH with 20b braid, so I think what you have is fine!

[jaenswart]

ok guys, thanks for all the input.


Do you guys think I should leave the scarborough and whipping stick at home.
I suppose I could throw a spoon on my flick stick if I need.


We have a rather small boat and I'm allready taking onboard:
2 X TLD 10 with 6kg line (normal couta)
2 X TLD 15 with 10kg line (if the bigger boys are around or they are not shy)
3 X TLD 25 with 15kg line (for trolling larger lures)
1 X Sedona 4000 flick stick
1 X scarborough whipping stick




jeeez that looks tooo much on paper

[jaenswart]

got myself some 7" rip tide jerk shads today, some light and some a bit darker. Will report back

[jaenswart]

would you also use a stinger hook on the dropshot or jighead only

[Capt. Hook]

would you also use a stinger hook on the dropshot or jighead only

Main Reason is that the Jighead hooks are often not strong enough.

[jaenswart]

Main Reason is that the Jighead hooks are often not strong enough.

so you do use a stinger?

[Prego]

My weapon of choice is a Exceller Oceanos 4500 on a Travella M or MH with 20b braid, so I think what you have is fine!

That reel is  a just love my Oceano.

[Capt. Hook]

so you do use a stinger?

It depends on the line class, at 20lb I would not bother but after 30lb most definately.