Q: How much time is best between recasts?

[Mark Davies]

After casting a paternoster, or some other rig that settles on the sea bed, how long should one wait before recasting the rig? (This assumes that there are not any bites!)

I guess the rig would need to be left for at least 5 minutes. This would give the smell of the bait some time to spread around and for fish to follow it back to the rig. Also, for any scared-off fish (from the sound of the weight hitting the water) to hopefully have returned to the area.

I guess too that 30 minutes would be the most time between recasts. So how does 15 mins sound?

I know that after casting the rig it is important not to adjust or play with the settled rig. This would increase the probability of the weight falling in between holes in rocks and getting stuck, especially in snaggy areas.

I have also read that at first it is more effective to fish the area close by and then gradually fish further out. This initially avoids disturbing/scaring off the distant fish and increases the chances of catching more fish overall.

[Ben]

as a rule of thumb for me about 15mins but it depends on alot of things
size of bait, type of bait, amount of crabs, number of bites, number of hooks, state of tide (movement in water) but more importantly of all, how cold my hands are

[MRG2000]

Dont think there is a definative answer to the question Mark,as Ben said depends on so many different factors,comes down to your knowledge of where you are fishing and experiance........

[geejayy]

as has been previously posted, there are many variables.
if i were fishing a match ' by the clock' ( never do now, too lazy )
i'd cast out then give it 20 odd minutes b4 retreiveing.
if the i found that all my bait had bin scoffed by crabs/shrimps or fish i'd only leave it for 15 next cast .
though if all baits come back untouched i'd leave them a bit longer, say 30 mins .
half an hour is a good average though things like tide strength and bait size have a bareing.

i'm a bit more layed back these days and baits get checked when i feel like it
ideally half hourly but maybe as long as 2 hours if i fall asleep, but i don't worry, i'm on the beach,fishing(well sort of and it beats hell out of being stuck at home or work.)

geejayy.

[Fishing Forum Admin]

Depending on the tide ; I think every 15mins as a rule of thumb as what you have to think about is that your bait is under a running tap ( i.e tide ) SO if you want to go for it then cast > start baiting up your spare snood and then by the time youve done that and had a few mins to watch your rod then reel in and re cast

Im a big on for changing your casting distance until you find the fish as if your changing bait every 15-30mins and cast 150yrds everytime and the fish are only 30yrds out then fresh bait means nothing

This is where two rods help or three or five

But if your like me and just love getting out with friends and having a beer and a chat then who cares

[Mark Davies]

Thanks for the feedback people.

Richard, your post is interesting - are you saying that it's a good idea to change the bait every 15-30 mins, as the tide will wash the smell out of the bait in that time?

I hadn't thought of that! Originally I was intending to recast into a different spot with the old bait on the rig. I'll make sure I rebait between casts from now on.

This is a great forum, by the way! I've learnt so much from here and you folks are a friendly bunch too. It's a pleasure to use this forum.

[geejayy]

Originally Posted by Mark Davies

Thanks for the feedback people.

Richard, your post is interesting - are you saying that it's a good idea to change the bait every 15-30 mins, as the tide will wash the smell out of the bait in that time?

_clap

i recon so, especially when fish are hunting by scent, at night or when the water is well coloured and more so in strong tides.

gj.

[Fishing Forum Admin]

Richard, your post is interesting - are you saying that it's a good idea to change the bait every 15-30 mins, as the tide will wash the smell out of the bait in that time?

Yes mate and this is where using clips for your snoods means that be for reeling in you can bait up your spare snood / rig , then reel in and simply unclip and clip the new one on and recast . This saves loads of time

[aku94]

A half hour probably is too long. It all depends on the conditions and how you think things are going. I tend to be pretty quick at it, not going more than 10 minutes between. Also, you don't want to use up all the bait too quick now do ya/

[cod head]

if you have bait on when you wind in and its in good order,
or no bites leave it a bit longer,ive left it out for upto 1hr
and still caught fish as long as you have bait in the water
you have a chance