Tips | Bait and Fishing

Different Strokes for Different Folks Every angler has different ways to approach their sport and as each of us differs in our style of fishing, so we might all differ in our style to get organized. If you organize your tackle box, you’ll find it efficient and timesaving. However, there may be different ways to get the job done, but the basic fact stays the same organized tackle will save you a great deal of time and frustration on the water and you will find it easier to focus on the job at hand, finding fish and catching them! IQF Pilchards Did you know that using IQF pilchards has a better advantage, as the blood content is a lot higher and making it more attractive for the larger fish. The fact that the fish stays firm for a longer period, gives you an added advantage to catch the BIG ONE! Each fish is individually sleeved, making it easy for the anglers to use. Dehydration is also prevented resulting in a fresher bait over a longer time period. The individual plastic sleeve's also prevents the fish from sticking to each other and skin damage. By packing the sleeved pilchards back into a box, allows the anglers a longer period of time to reach their destination without refrigeration. Sleeved pilchards on its own will defrost in +/- 5 minutes. Sleeved process allows the angler to use only 1 or a few pilchards at a time, saving him time defrosting and battling with fish that are frozen together. IQF Squido’s / Squidies This bait can be used in all water conditions, including discolored water, but we find that it really comes into its own in crystal – clear water after dark. This is a multi-functional bait that has taken edibles such as Grunters, Prodigal Son & numerous Cob. It is also deadly for grey sharks and duckbills, and especially for our extreme species such as houndshark, which seems to love the glow stick shinning through the opaque chokka flesh! As always, it is important that the chokka is fresh – the flesh should be white with no tinges of pink. Remember to keep the guts and add it to the bait. The Preparation: Attach a piece of foam to the hook, and make sure that the thicker part is facing up Twist a glow stick to activate the chemicals and thus the glow. Be careful not to pierce the plastic case of the glow stick as the chemicals are poisonous and probably won’t smell good to the fish. Attach the glow stick to the foam using cotton and make sure the stick is secured. Cut your squido/squidie as desired and add tassels first. Beat the squido / squidie’s body lightly and place over the foam. Make sure you cover the glow stick with the squido or squidie as well and secure with cotton. Throw in and get an "Onnn"! The advantages and effectiveness of glow sticks are underrated by us shore anglers in SA, but good results are to be had using this method. Octopus Legs: This is sort after bait that remains nice and firm on the hook. It is known to attract large Cobs, Smoothhound Sharks, Black Steenbras, etc. Place the octopus leg on a VMC 4.0 or a 6.0 hook, ensuring that the tentacles are hanging loose at the bottom. Once threaded through the hook, place cotton on the top side ensuring that the bait doesn’t slip. Red Bait: This is a good all round bait, mainly used to target Galjoen, White Steenbras, Cracker, Black Tails, etc. Cut the rock bait into small squares. Thread the squares on the hook, until the hook is full. Wrap cotton around the bait, so that it is neatly presented, ensuring that the bait is NOT just hanging like a blob on the hook.