bottom bouncing, how do you get it right

[leonardgid]

Hello chaps, i love fishing. but i have to say that bottom bouncing for a mixed bag over a reef using paternoster rigs is one of my favorites, problem is when i do get out there the drift is almost always too fast, i have tried using sea anchors , but they work only some of the time, light lines, braid, heavier sinkers, tried everything, so my guestion is this , how do i pick the days when there is no drift or very little, has the moon got something to do with with how strong the drift will be, the tides? please explain , thank you all for your help.

[Noodles]

There are just some days when the drift will be too fast no matter what you do. If the current and wind are going the same direction a sea anchor will only make you go faster. Some days the current will be raging out wide but non-existant in closer and I've seen it the opposite as well. You can check online for current forecasts and tracking, SE Currents or Sydney Hobart Currents,but it is still a bit of hit and miss in my opinion unless you are prepared to subscribe to a paid service.

Why don't you drop an anchor on the days you can't drift. I only drift on the days I can't drop anchor.

[Converted 2]

Hi mate, i also agree with anchoring. Try to anchor away from the reef. And drop bait back to the edges of the reef, conditions will dictate. Depending on the depths and conditions of the day, berleying is a good bet as well. I also predominately anchor and only drift when i can't anchor . Best catches have definately been at anchor. Unless chasing Yellowfin, Sharks or drifting sand chasing Flathead on beach drifts or throwing plastics.Some days drifting around broken reef have been productive chasing Snapper. Also drift problems can occur on different types of different boats. If you have half cabin boat try opening hatches etc to stop the parachuting effect. Or if you have a bimimi cover try to drop it, but watch the sun protection. Every type of fishing has its day and conditions. Try not to limit your enjoyment of your fishng experience with just drifting. As this will limit your days on the water. Anchoring takes time to master but give it a little patience and watch your fish catch rate climb.

[finin]

leonardgid, the moon has nothing to do with current, although the moon still plays an important part in your fishing, its called high and low tide. Current is the movement of a body of water caused by a prolonged wind. Basically eg, if it has been blowing strongly for a few days from the NE the current will run downhill, north to south and vica versa. By studying how to read a weather map, you will learn how to decide when the weather will be favourable to fish. They arnt that hard to understand.

Also if you are fishing outside the heads look for the current lines most times you will find different speeds and temperatures in them from one side to another. They are easy to distinguish when it is flat and glassy, they look like oil slicks on the water. If you go up to one have a look in and at the water, the water tension is different, the colour of the water is different usually and you will see bits of flotsam in it the temp either side will be different as well. How do you tell the current line in rougher water? much the same as smoother but the surface tension still gives it away it is a little rougher than the surrounding water and you will still see flotsam. It is a lot easier to spot with height on your boat eg tower, upstairs helm.

[leonardgid]

Thank you chaps, its all good info that i will be using from now on, any more?