catching mackerel for bait - feathers

[joeninety]

I'm new to sea fishing; I've bought some feathers - the aim is to catch mackerel from the shore for bait. Can anyone advise on how to get the feathers out there, that is, what size and type of lead, and how best to rig it?
I have a 12 foot beach casting rod. What is the best tactic once the feathers have been launched? Cheers.

[kiwimarty]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

First of all, make sure your mainline has a shockleader attached. This is a stronger length of line (approx 15 meters). As for the strength of that line, the general rule is 10lb of breaking strain per ounce of lead, eg, 4oz weight = 40lb shockleader. This is to avoid any crack-off's.

Now back to you question. I tend to use a 3oz lead. Any heavier tends to make feathering hard work. Cast out as far as you can, and depending on the type of ground your fishing, allow the weight (sinker) hit bottom.

Now comes the tricky bit for me to explain...Start to reel in at a moderate pace. I then like to give the feathers a change of action in the water. I acheive this by using a sink and draw style. To do this you need to reel in whilst dropping the rod tip to the water then stop reeling as youlift the rod tip skyward...keep repeating this action until you start to feel the mackerel hit the feathers.

Hope this makes sence to and welcome to the forum.

[joeninety]

Thanks Kiwi, that's just the info I need.
Now, how do I catch Kawhai?

[kiwimarty]

Very good.........the fish or the place?

If it's the fish, you could use feathers but use our cod one's and limit them to just a three, as you would have one fight on your hands if you tried a 6 hook string. Expect Kawhai to me around 6-10lb in weight.

Anyway, how do you know about Kawhai??

[joeninety]

I've spent some time in NZ some years back; never caught a Kawhai but remember reading something by a guy about catching them on light tackle.
I'll get to NZ again, but not quite sure when

[kiwimarty]

Great fishing to be had in NZ, especially if you’re into fly fishing.
How did you like NZ?
Obviously I love my homeland but its Australia that I really adore, the people, the food and, without doubt, the fishing my late father and I enjoyed.

[Old Smoothound]

Originally Posted by joeninety

I'm new to sea fishing; I've bought some feathers - the aim is to catch mackerel from the shore for bait. Can anyone advise on how to get the feathers out there, that is, what size and type of lead, and how best to rig it?
I have a 12 foot beach casting rod. What is the best tactic once the feathers have been launched? Cheers.

Welcom to the Forum

Kwi's right Joe, if you use big weights it makes life hard.... but if i am mackie bashin on Chesil and the tide is running hard i do use 5-6ozs of lead, but i also use a lead lift, which helps with the sink and draw.

Cheers

[kiwimarty]

Re #7

Good tip smoothound. Not thought of that one.

[FlyingFox]

Welcome to the forum mate!

if your thinking of fishing brighton marina i would tend to use a 4-6 onz lead as the tide can run fairly fast there at times and one other thing i find is that when you hook one mackerel carry on feathering as if you aint got any and you should hook a couple more!! they get loads on the marina so good luck...im sure your have a great time

Ollie.

ps....keep your eyes open and watch for the signs of them as they showl up fairly large and are quite noticable so just try get you lead right in the pack!!

[joeninety]

I followed Kiwi's directions to good effect off a rock groin near Shoreham Harbour. Thanks for the other tips; I'll remember when tides are stronger.