Targeting Blacktail

[AndriesH]

 

The Ultimate little Big Fighter.

I checked out this board for targeting species and didn't find this little gem.

Let's do a peoples thread on targeting Blacktail.

My Experience in Transkei:

We were just to the right of Hole in the Wall and fished deepish (6m to 10m) between rocky outcrops.

Bait = redbait
Hook = No 6 Daichi
Catch = 1.82kg Blacktail.

The Mrs:
Bait = Red bait
Hook = No 4 Daichi
Catch: 1.2kg Blacktail.

I have caught many of these little guys around P.E. using Periwinkles as well.

[Mudcrab]

Lekka Andries and as you say Periwinkles is a good bait for them

[Ziggy]

I have caught hundreds of black tail using the smallest jighead and camo worm - deadly lure for black tail. Using a very light rod and braid, I cast in amongst the rocks and very slowly retrieve - just enough to keep the braid from washing around. You feel the tap tap as you are retrieving, then stop suddenly, and the fish sucks the worm in. When the black tail are around, you can catch them cast for cast!


Lots of fun on light tackle - they fight very hard for their size

[Lofty]

I've had my best catches of blacktail(kolstert)on pilchard intestines,usually the harder intestines,wound around a no.1 baitholder hook,about a 50cm hooktrace onto a little swivel and 3/4-1ounce ball sinker on running gear,about 9" rod and a 3000 size grinder...they are found around all rocky areas,no matter the depth...biggest catch wasn't measured but was more or less as big as a cars' steering wheel,estimated weight+- 2kg..even the dot on the tail had almost dissapeared... I've caught them on pilchard,redbait,prawn,black mussel,white mussel,dropshot worms(camo,bloodworm),mussel worm etc.they are tenacious little fighters and punch well above their weight and good fun to catch on light tackle,don't really enjoy eating them as they have too many small bones for my liking...

[gavin erwin]

Love Camo Worm!!!

[gavin erwin]

My PB BT on artificial.

[AndriesH]

Packing a 10' Graphite and a 2500 size grinder with ? braid. Have some 30lbs but would actually like to try 10lbs or similar.

Fluoro has never made a big difference for me for Blacktails, so not bother.

[Ziggy]

Packing a 10' Graphite and a 2500 size grinder with ? braid. Have some 30lbs but would actually like to try 10lbs or similar.

Fluoro has never made a big difference for me for Blacktails, so not bother.

8-10lbs better - no need for such a long rod though - black tails feed very close to shore

[m4kes]

Need to get me some camo worm & little jigheads, this is going to be fun!

[pieterh]

Packing a 10' Graphite and a 2500 size grinder with ? braid. Have some 30lbs but would actually like to try 10lbs or similar.

Ok.
Thanks for ofering the 30 lbs braid.I will take it of your hands.
BLACKTAIL:
I will show U how to catch them Dec in the Tkei.
Deal mr BARMAN.

[WJ]

After very cold seas the blue bottles appear. This is generally when you target them in deep blue calm water. Hehehe bait of choice is blue bottle on a small hook with a float....very difficult to put it on but works like a bomb.
Only use this method when you see them chowing on the blue bottles right on the surface. I know it sounds strange....but it works. Conditions like these I have encountered mostly in the Mossel Bay region....gouritz specifically.

[SAfish]

After very cold seas the blue bottles appear. This is generally when you target them in deep blue calm water. Hehehe bait of choice is blue bottle on a small hook with a float....very difficult to put it on but works like a bomb.
Only use this method when you see them chowing on the blue bottles right on the surface. I know it sounds strange....but it works. Conditions like these I have encountered mostly in the Mossel Bay region....gouritz specifically.

Interesting and I will definitely give it a go in the future. Baiting up might be a pain though. 
I caught my biggest at night on a "pap" pike I have picked up in the road on my way to my fishing spot. Needless to say I was very surprised because I have never caught one at night before.

[VISCHAL]

I ahve used bread to catch them, however sards work well.

[adam]

Most fun way way to catch blacktail:


A rod no longer than 7ft
Small grinder loaded with 6 - 10pd nylon/braid whichever you prefer.


Small in-line ball sinker, small swivel, 50cm trace and no 6 to 2/0 hook.


Red bait, prawn, chokka, basically anything.


Walk out on the rocks at low tide.  As the tide starts coming in, scratch around in the smaller gullies and holes as they start to fill up.  You will be surprised at the size of the specimens you get in knee-depth water.


Perfect spot bellow!







Biggest caught this way was a monster of just over 3kg at Huisklip.  Only other time I've seen one of that size was also at Huisklip, caught on siffie using a 8/0!

[Lenny]

Most fun way way to catch blacktail:


A rod no longer than 7ft
Small grinder loaded with 6 - 10pd nylon/braid whichever you prefer.


Small in-line ball sinker, small swivel, 50cm trace and no 6 to 2/0 hook.


Red bait, prawn, chokka, basically anything.


Walk out on the rocks at low tide.  As the tide starts coming in, scratch around in the smaller gullies and holes as they start to fill up.  You will be surprised at the size of the specimens you get in knee-depth water.


Perfect spot bellow!







Biggest caught this way was a monster of just over 3kg at Huisklip.  Only other time I've seen one of that size was also at Huisklip, caught on siffie using a 8/0!




PRetty much the way I like to do too.

[No-Pro]

After very cold seas the blue bottles appear. This is generally when you target them in deep blue calm water. Hehehe bait of choice is blue bottle on a small hook with a float....very difficult to put it on but works like a bomb.
Only use this method when you see them chowing on the blue bottles right on the surface. I know it sounds strange....but it works. Conditions like these I have encountered mostly in the Mossel Bay region....gouritz specifically.

Interesting and I will definitely give it a go in the future. Baiting up might be a pain though. 
I caught my biggest at night on a "pap" pike I have picked up in the road on my way to my fishing spot. Needless to say I was very surprised because I have never caught one at night before.

We basically only fish at night between Strandfontein and Muizenberg.
In winter we catch loads of Blacktail there, good sizes too.
Using 2/0 double (main and skelm) J-hooks on a sliding sinker and the secret weapon, Moonshine worm.
There they are very active at night.