TACKLE & EQUIPMENT
- handy tips & hints

See also Reader Questions & Answers.

See the Competitions page to find out what you can win, simple by sending your tip or hint in!

<< BACK TO TIPS MAIN PAGE

Tips added to Fish File pages
Look for this "Readers Tips" logo on each Fish File page to see the tips sent in from readers for that particular fish. Send in your own tip and be in the running for some great monthly prizes!

Always take a landing net
From: Roy
When fishing always take a landing net because I have had an experience where I was fishing at Lake Eppalock on a rocky steep bank and I caught a fish - the only one for the day - and as I lifted onto the shore it fell off and into the water because I did not have a net.
(20 July 2004)

Getting better drag from cheaper reels
From: Brian Catt
To generally improve the drag system of any lower priced threadline reel remove all the metal drag washers from the spool and lap the faces of all these metal washers as flat as reasonable by using a flat sharpening stone. This may take some time but I have found it to be worth the effort as it generally improves the drag quality to a smooth constant motion. A small drop of oil on each metal drag washer is also useful.
(20 July 2004)

Graphite conductivity
From: David
If you're a lure fisherman and have a graphite rod and you want to go over a fence that may be electric, don't get your rod anywhere near it - even the wires that aren't connected - not that I would have done something soo stupid of course........ ;)
(20 July 2004)

Homemade fishing buggy
From: Michael Bealham
This handy fishing buggy is a great help in getting my gear to my fishing spots. It is made from an old golf buggy. Try to get the golf buggy I have got because I find these the easiest to use and the best. First insert a tray into the cart. Make sure it is solidly in place and you can get it out easy. Then bolt some PVC tube of the required diameter for the rods. Then if you want, take the seat off and add a bait board like I have done. I can fit all the tackle I will ever need into this buggy and it also folds away nicely into the car for transport.
(1 December 2003)


Reducing snags
From: Jeddog
As any fisho knows reefy snags are a part of the job. To reduce the number of times you get snagged try connecting the sinker to the snap swivel with a strong rubber band, then if you get snagged a good pull will break the lacky freeing the line, as most of time I get snagged it's the sinker getting wedged between rocks or reef.
(1 December 2003)

Add some lemon to your ice
From: Melissa Zarnke
Have lots of ice so you can keep your catch fresh, and add a few cut up lemons so they smell better if you run out of ice.
(1 December 2003)

Keeping fish fresher
From: Jordan Kelly
To keep your fish nice and fresh and not spoil that fresh fish taste keep them in the water they came from until you leave. if you catch a fish and you wish to gut it and clean it up there and then, instead of putting them into an esky with ice and freezing them get a stick and some strong fishing line. Place the stick in the ground so that it is strong and tie the fishing line to it. Tie the fish to the other end of the fishing line and place into the water. This will make sure the fish are fresh and keep their natural taste for when you get home.
(1 December 2003)

Check your GPS datum format
From: Barry Tanner
With the increased use of GPS units to locate positions I would advise all uses when obtaining marks from magazines or friends to check what datum was used to obtain that reference. Not all users have their units set on WGS84, if you have your unit set on WGS84 and use a mark from a unit set on Ausgeo66 or similar you could be at least 30m out. I would advise users to look up web site www.gpsnuts.com for a really good site for advice on GPS units.
(1 December 2003)

Poorman's baitrunner
From: Mike Jones
When fishing bait on a threadline outfit, where conditions are rough or windy and you cannot leave your bailarm open because of loose line tangles, try this. Remove your reel and put a thick-ish rubber band over the butt end of your rod, wrapping it around the butt several times until the band sits fairly firmly. Then roll the band over the reel-seat until it sits on the upper hand grip. Reattach the reel and rig as normal. After casting out, leave the bail-arm open and pull some loose line from the first (lowest) runner and form a basic loop. Slip the tip of the loop under the band and there you have it. A fish bites, snaps the line from the band and can then pull line straight from the reel. It's also quite versatile:
- most upper hand-grips taper slightly so you can tighten or loosen the band by rolling it to the thicker or thinner end;
- you achieve a similar result by putting the loop under one or more than one bands of rubber;
- for timid feeders, a bare minimum of line can be put under just one band of rubber;
- for rough conditions or where a boat is bouncing up and down, more of the loop can be put under two or more bands of rubber though this obviously loses sensitivity;
- it is very good for night fishing where you cannot see bites clearly as the line makes a fair noise when pulled out. I use it exclusively at night when snapper fishing from a boat as it is a great bite-indicator without the need for any lights, luminous strips or those ridiculous rod-tip bells;
- it is very good for anyone still using a rod that is heavy or stiff all the way through to the tip and where bites would not always be obvious anyway.
(9 July 2003)

12 volt auto downriggers
From: Mel
12 Volt Windsdreen motors make great auto Down riggers. I just finished a project making two automatic downriggers from windscreen motors. They work great and are quiet and strong, and with a simple switch they stop automatically on return. My mate mounted a line length indicator on his as seen in photos. The total cost was under $80ea but material was free. The first prototype was made from a battery drill but is loud and more bulky.
(9 July 2003)

Give that old rod a second life
From: Zina
Don't throw away an old rod which you might have broken the tip off. It can be converted into a sturdy, shorter rod by making a neat cut at the break, and adding a new line guide at the tip. These tips only cost a few dollars from a tackle shop. Using Araldite or a similar epoxy type glue, glue the tip onto the end. Tie on some cotton thread, and continue to tightly wind on the thread to secure the guide along the tip of the rod. Once finished, smear more of the glue over the thread to provide a weatherproof, strong coating. I've successfully converted my surf rod (which was stood on by a clumsy passer by!) into a 9.5-foot heavy action beach rod, and a couple of mate's 8-foot rods into 5 to 6-foot boat rods using this method. In situations where you don't need to have a delicate feel of the 'bite' they still catch their fair share of fish!
(5 June 2003)

Wetsuit is safer than waders
From: Dave
Just a quick safety tip. If the wet and cold is going to worry you when you are waist deep surf fishing, do as I do and get yourself a long legged wetsuit (steamer), you will find them a lot safer than waders they won't fill up with water if you do happen to fall over and they will keep you a lot warmer. So leave the waders for the more gentle lakes and streams. All the best, Dave.
(27 May 2003)

Increase your squid catch
From: Vass
I have been fishing for squid for many years now and I am always looking for new methods and lures to increase my catch. I am sharing a top secret method I have developed with you all so you have the same success that I have. Here it goes!! Go and buy a soft plastic prawn jig in a transperant colour. Replace the inserted single hook with the jigging barbs from a standard squid jig. I do this by getting a short piece of wire trace and loop it at the front, this will attach to your line. Run the wire through the body of the soft plastic prawn and attach the jigging barbs to the end just before the tail ends. I finish the end with a red bead and a loop to stop the barbs from sliding off. All you need to do now is cast the prawn and allow it to sink to the bottom, then short and sharp jigging action with a slow retrieve will catch any squid in the area. I have seen squid come from everywhere to hammer this jig. Give it a go, you won't be disappointed. Good fishing to you all.
(27 May 2003)

Running paternoster rig
From: Michael Norton
This is a rig I use, don't know if it has been done, probably has but works well in the bay for flatties and snapper and probably other uses. It's basically a patternoster with a running sinker rig below it, hence the name 'running patternoster'.
(27 May 2003)

Make you own floats
From: Ken
If you are keen on making your own floats and want something heavier than balsa wood, here is an idea I was given from some of the local gar fishermen at Merimbula. In the absence of a wood lathe use an electric drill held in a vice with the trigger taped closed. A piece of broom handle and a sharp chisel is all you need to fashion a float. Remember safety glasses should be used.
(27 May 2003)

Stripping old line from reels
From: Ian Guttormsen
I found an easy way to strip old fishing line from reels was to get an old piece of pine, square or rectangular in cross-section, about 6 inches long, and of such a size that will hold an old toilet roll cardboard centre slid over it. Drive a 3" nail in the end of the timber in line with it's central axis. Fit the assembly into a power or battery drill by tightening the chuck around the nail. Tape the end of the line to the toilet roll sleeve with any sort of tape and run the drill untill all the line is stripped from the reel. Use a little drag on the reel to prevent over-spin. Remove the toilet roll cardboard with line from the assembly and dispose as waste. Retain the nail and timber assembly for next time.
(9 May 2003)

Film containers for hooks
From: Garry Hermsen
I find that old film containers make good containers to keep hooks, particularly the clear see-through ones.
(16 April 2003)


Watch the glare
From: Ange Kenos
When fishing in day time there can be so much glare from the water that I find large wrap around sunglasses perfect. They may not win a glamour comp but they do the job fantastically.
(16 April 2003)


Keep your catch fresh
From: Ange Kenos
It never ceases to amaze me how many people who have a good day's fishing forget to bring a specific esky or bucket (with lid) and store their catch with ice. Not too much as to freeze it and ruin that special fresh fish taste but enough to stop the catch spoiling.
(16 April 2003)

Make your own weights
From: Ange Kenos
Ever since I was a little kid my grand dad and I have made our own weights. Yeah sure you can buy them ready made but there is a bit of fun in making a mould and then melting lead to fill it. I get most of my lead from the weights that fall off car tyres (the balance weights). Occasionally, if I see a house getting wrecked they may also have scrap lead that they will allow you to grab.
(16 April 2003)

Improving spinnerbait performance
From: Mick Hamilton
When using snap swivels on spinnerbaits the snap can slide up the arms on the spinnerbait not allowing the spinnerbait to work as it should. This can be prevented by using a short length of plastic tube (air hose or aquarium hose) just slide the tube over the bend in the wire before attaching the snap swivel.
(14 April 2003)

Light sticks attract squid at night
From: Harry
Chasing squid off piers and jetties doesn't have to be restricted to day time. At night, attach a small cyalume style light stick to the main line about 0.5 to 1 metre above your squid jig and fish it down current from the jetty or boat in small jerky motions. Working the jig at night in under the jetty just out of the light is very effective too. Squid just can't resist them. It works just as well with the prawn imitation lures as with baited rigs. Most of the smaller light sticks you buy at tackle shops have a small plastic tube in the pack to attach it to the line.
(20 March 2003)

A knot in time saves anchors!
From: Craig Gibbs
This may come across as a stupid idea/hint and some people may even get a giggle out of it whilst others who have had this happen to them will be able to share the "embarrassment". Do not forget to tie on your anchors at both ends. After experiencing first hand the result of not tying off the anchor rope to the boat and after replacing a $75 anchor you can imagine my disappointment to find that the second time round I put the "D" ring through the chain length but forgot to put the bolt through the ring. Result: two anchors and $150 gone in two throws!
(13 March 2003)

Rice keeps moisture down
From: Kevin Hui
Put a bed of rice in your tackle box, it will keep your trebles (and other hooks, jigs and stuff) dry and free from rust.
(11 March 2003)

PVC pipe make great surf rod holder
From: Stuart Woolf
When beach fishing buy a metre length of white PVC pipe from your local plumbing store. Cut each end at an angle and when you push one end into the sand the other will be a perfect rod holder which will stop your reel getting sand and water in it!
(4 March 2003)

Spark plugs make great snapper sinkers
From: Dave
Here's an idea I saw in Malta some time ago. Use an old spark plug as a perfect and recyled snapper size sinker, just by closing the gap you have a very strong tying point. However, don't be tempted to try and use the one out of your car when you park up to fish or a call to the RACV will probably be next. Now where's that outboard?
(19 February 2003)

Ear plugs keep you safe from hooks
From: Mark
Hook safety, I use a pair of ear plugs and I push them onto the hooks so my jigs are set up either in the tackle box or on the rod and you don't have to worry about getting spiked or loose hooks. It's quite handy with kids too, as I give them a hook with an ear plug on the barb so they can thread it onto the jig without getting a barb in the finger. Also easy to see the hook on the rod or in the tackle box with the ear plug on the end of hook. Just remember to dispose of them properly or put them in your pocket and reuse them after a great day's fishing. Cheers, Mark.
(13 December 2002)

More ideas to prevent corrosion
From: Harry
Sick of rusty hooks in your tackle box? Rub in a few drops of olive oil for protection from corrosion. The scent will not deter fish from lures or your bait when it's used later.
(10 December 2002)

Keep your drag system in smooth working order
From: Harry
When servicing your fishing reel drag system, spend a few minutes with the metal drag washers to ensure smooth fishing. Lay down a sheet of very fine (600-800 grit or finer) wet and dry paper on a sheet of glass on your bench. Wet with a few drops of light oil. With light and then moderate finger pressure rub your metal drag washers around in a figure 8 pattern until there are no visible raised marks on its surface. Do both sides. The glass gives you a true flat smooth surface backing for your wet and dry paper.
      You'll find your drag system will now be able to be fine tuned so that line can be smoothly taken by a fish without the jerking that so often stresses your knots, causing terminal failures and causing lost fish.
      To set your drag correctly, use a set of spiring scales and hook your line up to it. Place a working (fighting) curve into your rod and set the drag at the point when line comes off the spool smoothly at 1/3 of the breaking strain of your line. I.e.: if you are fishing 6 kg line your drag should give line smoothly at 2kg of pull. (That'll wear out a fair sized fish in short time.)
(10 December 2002)

Tips on storing soft plastics
From: Adam Crossman
When storing soft plastics, always store them in separate containers from other solid lures and in separate colours. This will stop the lures from coming out looking like a rainbow coloured lure. When soft plastics are stored in a container, make sure the container is sealed and that no sunlight or heat can penetrate into the lures. If this happens your lures will stick to the edges of the container, but also stick together, which would ruin any fisherman's day.
(10 December 2002)

Use a back pack for long treks
From: Teresa
Instead of carting around a huge tackle box with all of your fishing supplies for all types of fishing, take a small back pack with you. You can leave the big tackle box in the boot and load up the back pack with just the sinkers, hooks, swivels, floats, etc., that you need for this particular trip. If you store all your required tackle in little clear plastic clip-lock boxes, they will not become mixed up, and are easy to take out when needed. This is particularly good when fishing the surf or walking a long distance to the fishing spot, as you will most likely save yourself from carrying a few kilos extra, and you can carry it safely on your back. Keys, wallets, food, etc., can be safely zipped into side pockets too. Reels can also be removed from the rods and put into the bag to not only make the rods easier to carry, but also to protect the reels.
(3 December 2002)

Helping to prevent corrosion
From: Chris McMennemin
After a saltwater fishing trip it pays to give your rods a squirt with freshwater because this will prevent corrosion. Also it is better to take your reels off your rods when storing them after a saltwater session because sometimes the reel seat gets corroded from the reel sitting in there trapping the salt.
(25 November 2002)

Carpet deadens the sound
From: Chris McMennemin
Line the bottom of your boat with an old piece of indoor/outdoor carpet. This will greatly deaden the noise of your feet on the bottom of the boat and you won't spook the fish as much.
(25 November 2002)

Velcro helps hold the rod
From: John Kerford
To avoid having my rod and reel go into the water, I place Velcro tabs 3 1/2 inches long on my vest (using shoe goo adhesive). Place it on the right and left front side of the zipper/between pockets. Now I can open tabs and wrap velcro around the rod to hold it for me while I switch my flies.
(25 November 2002)

Keeping your fish fresh
From: Marcus & Gayle Lee
Get an container and an aerator (Big W for $10). That way you keep your fish really fresh especially when you are out fishing on the pier/boat for hours. But that's not only the point, if you catch too much, you can always release the smaller ones! That way, you have your catch and help the fish stocks out!
(6 November 2002)

Converting floats for use at night
From: Dave Wheeler
Here is an idea I use to convert my pencil float into a night float.I don't like using those big bulky floats like Bobby Dazzlers because I don't find them as sensitive to the bite as the pencil float. When it gets hard to see the float I just slide on some silicone rubber which you can buy from most tackle shops, I use 4-4.5mm for my floats. You will find this size fits your starlite which will slide in very snugly. The advantages are that you can still use a light rig well into the night and not have to mess around changing to a Bobby Dazzler or similar which I find you usually lose your starlight upon casting anyway, which works out a bit expensive. I have not had any problems with this yet so I hope you give it a go. WATCH OUT GARFISH.

Keep you landing net secured
From: Steven Agius
We all have a landing net in our boats and we know how annoying it can be when the net gets tangled up in the CB or fixed fire extinguisher, etc. So basically all you need to do is place an elastic band, preferably a heavy duty one, at the top of the handle. Then tuck the end of the net under the elastic band, resulting in a much more non swearing environment. :)
(10 October 2002)

Make your own fishing trolley
From: Dave
I have come up with this great little trolley for all us fishos who enjoy a surf fish but hate lifting all our gear up and down the beaches to those gutters that always seem to be further away than they looked. I have been using this all season and have enjoyed the surf fish a lot more this year. Pick yourself up a cheap golf buggy with slick wheels from a garage sale and then grind off all the fancy gagdets that hold the bag on (don't worry, it won't rust, it's aluminium). Then bolt to it a nice big plastic box, I was lucky enough to get a freebie through Coles supermarkets but you can also pick up cheap ones from Bunnings, etc. Then hunt around for some 50mm plastic pipe, also available from Bunnings, and bolt as many as you like to the plastic box, but make sure that the tubes you use to carry your rods are not too close together as they may knock together and get damaged. Also make sure all nuts and bolts are galvanised or stainless so they don't rust. I have 4 tubes in mine which I find enough for myself and a friend and all tackle needed for the day. If you are lucky this project will cost next to nothing with a bit of scrounging and begging in the right directions and is well worth it for an easier day on the beach.
(21 August 2002)

Helping to prevent rust
From: Andrew
An easy way to prevent rust attacking fishing knives and hooks is to smear the smallest amount of Vaseline (white petroleum jelly) an them. Leave it to dry and hope for the best!
(16 July 2002)

A lesson in wader safety
From: Ross McLeod
I've just discovered the joys of spinning the surf with 15/25 gram lasers around Kilcunda, Woolamai and Williamsons Beach. This has accounted for some good fish and sure beats standing around staring at a rod tip. This style of fishing means you spend a lot of time in the surf and do heaps of running around (keeps you warm). It's also more dangerous specially when you use the light spinning gear. You don't just run down the beach, belt out a 3 ounce sinker then retire, you're constantly at it.
Last week during a particulary viscous blow at Kilcunda I had the entire coast to myself until a couple of blokes from Shepparton turned up. Having driven all that way they were not about to turn around and go back without at least giving it a go. They donned chest waders despite the atrocious conditions and proceeded to spin.
The bloke on my right did a tumble and got knocked up the beach. No harm done just wet and dinted pride. Then his mate who was on my left went over and over and couldn't get up. The swell was huge and this bloke was in trouble. With his waders full of sand and water it was like watching a drunk lurching around trying to find something to hold onto. I was just on the point of dropping my rod and running over when the next wave mercifully picked him up and dumped him on all fours up the beach. He was buggered, but very lucky to be alive.
Waders are dangerous and I don't wear them when I'm seriously working the surf. Far better to put on tight fitting layers of thermal tops, beanie, neck warmer and a wet suit with a light spray jacket over that. I use a 'steamer'- singlet style top with long legs. I also go barefoot given the relatively warmer temperature of the water and with all the running around I don't feel the cold at all.
It is in fact the most exuberant style of fishing I've ever had and if you haven't experienced the drama of our coast when the elements are at full throttle then you are missing out. It's a hoot, but if you go... leave your waders at home!

Keeping your tackle dry
From: Mark Sterlson
When you buy a pair of shoes check the box they come in as the silica gel package that is included is a great moisture attractant. Put them in your takle boxes to protect the hooks from rust.
(27 May 2002)

Handy way to store hooks
From: Michael Ketelaar
Use empty Fuji film containers to store your hooks in your tackle box, and write the hook size and type on the side with a permanent marker. This keeps the spray off hooks not being used and prevents rust, as well as making it easier for you to find the right hook for the job.
(22 April 2002)

Fixing a broken rod tip
From: Ben
If the car door monster eats the tip of your rod, it is easily fixed. Grab the tip and hold it with a cloth. Hold a lighter under the tip, until the fibreglass shoots out. If after 15 seconds this hasn't happened, pull it out with some pliers. Now just slide the tip onto the (slightly shorter) rod, with a bit of super glue to keep it there. This will only work if you lose an inch or so. If it is broken further back, it is probably better to just go to the next eyelet anyway.
(11 February 2001)

Sharp hooks catch more fish
From: Michael Ketelaar
Sharp hooks catch more fish, and chemically sharpened hooks aren't cheap, so look after them! A handy tip I recommend is to store your hooks inside your tackle box in the clear Fuji film containers, as this will keep any spray and moisture from getting into them and ensure rust free tackle boxes!
(27 December 2001)

Clean your gear in the shower
From: Michael Ketelaar
Use your shower for cleaning your fishing rods. Not only will the warm water dissolve any salt water, the gentle spray will ensure that sand isn't forced into any of the moving parts, which can happen if you simply rinse your gear with the garden hose!
(27 December 2001)

Handy additions to the tackle box
From: Bob Grimwood
Three items in my tackle box are a sheet of lead from a plumber supply shop, a pair of heavy scissors and my imagination.
      Lead squares of 5 or 10 mm can be folded and nipped onto the line like split shot. 10 mm or wider strips can be cut to length and rolled to form any weight sinker required. I fold the edge of a 2 inch by 3 inch rectangle over an elongated wire loop to form a keel to add weight to the rig when trolling cowbells or ford fenders. Heavy pieces tied to a securing cord can be wrapped around your main line and dropped to maybe retrieve that snagged spinner.

Tips on maintaining your gear
From: John Allen
Any salt water fisherman knows the importance of cleaning their equipment well after each session fishing. Cleaning rods and reels with fresh water after an outing in the salt is a must, drying rods after cleaning is easy, but reels are a little more difficult. If you live in close proximity to the sea, salt laden air can still get into your reels and cause havoc. After cleaning reels with fresh water and drying them as best you can both inside and out, spray lightly with the commercial 'Fish Oil' in an aerosol can - this inhibits any rust that may have already formed and also repels water. Finally a quick spray and wipe with RP7 or similar, place your reel in a snap lock plastic bag and it is safe and protected till the next use.

Don't overlook your hook!
From: Peter Jolly
After you have caught your big fish, change to a new set of hooks - even when the set of hooks are chemically sharpened and new that day. Once you have calmed down get a new set on. Also check your swivels, knots and your line for any cuts or fraying, if there is then re-tie and replace your leader.
      This mostly applies to snapper over 4 kilos due to their very tough mouths and hard teeth. Don't think that you are wasting hooks as you can use them for other fish like flathead. The easy way to check the sharpness of your hooks is to gently run the point over your thumbnail and if it scratches it easily it's sharp, if it doesn't then get rid of it.

Avoiding "superline" fouls
From: Derminator
When using the new 'superlines' over reefy, rocky or snaggy areas they have a higher tendancy (over monofilament) to snag owing to the nature of the line. The tip here is to run a metre-plus length of monofilament trace between the superline and the rig. Do not allow the line to belly too much, or your superline (even with your monofilament leader) may still reach the bottom and foul up.

Look after your gear
From: Mark Bolger
BE sure to clean and wash down ALL equipment after outings to the Saltwater. I always wash down my rod with the hose, then take the reel apart and lubricate with reel grease and reel oil. This is a simple and effective way of keeping your gear in good shape, and most importantly, good working order. A bottle of reel oil and grease shouldn't cost more than $10 combined - a worthy investment. In the long run, your equipment will last longer, and will result in less fish being lost - something that will please us all!

Power Source for Small Sounders
From: Peter
One of my greatest pleasures is to work out how to make the things I see in tackle shops for minimal cost. The results may not be pretty but some of them actually work.
      I use a small Eagle sounder to locate reefs, etc., in the Black Rock area where I do most of my fishing. My small outboard does not need an external battery. After trying lead acid batteries (heavy/bulky/expensive) and gell cell batteries (expensive), I took a stanley knife and carved out part of the internal compartment in the plastic box in which the sounder was supplied, so that it would hold 2 x 6 volt lantern type batteries - $3-4 each at discount shops. One pair of batteries lasts a whole season.


<< BACK TO TIPS MAIN PAGE