Kings and more kings

[Pickles]

Took 2 newbies out, father-Col and son -Jordan, (an ex student from school, who used to spend a bit of time in, and outside my office) this past Friday. Jordan had caught whiting off the beach before, but heard his dad talk about catching Kingies with me and because things had been “awkward” for a while, Col was excited Jordan wanted and was able to get a day out. We hit the water early and headed for the harbour bait grounds.

The bait was easy and we filled up with Yakkas (didn’t try for squid as all the kings I’ve caught in past 2 trips have been on live fish baits). Again we headed outside, but the conditions were not pleasant - 2m swell, 20-30kt wind from NE, so uncomfortable, but I was confident it would be worth it and it was. We boated 13 kings, all under 80, so no bigger units, but it is hard to tell when you’ve got a rat or a legal as one of the great things about seriola species is “they punch uncovered their weight”. At least 1/2 of those boated were 62-64, so not all legal. We also dropped several, me - a 73 (perfect eating size), at the side of the boat when bleeding it. I always use a few meters of curtain cord to (securely) tie the tail, then cut the throat and bleed over the side of the boat - this significantly improves their eating quality - then straight onto ice.

Jordan had “an awesome day” and being a big lad, had no trouble landing them. We kept 3 only, but lost quite a few on the lighter 30lb gear, and one I lost because we we double hooked up and I was in a hurry to get a bait back in the water and held the tail, didn’t tie out off when bleeding it.

I have 2 live bait tanks (one for squid and one for fish) and have in the past, used one as a “ Kill tank”, but Kingies thrash around so much, it makes a huge (and sLippery) mess, so over the side for bleeding out now.        

I had one outfit should a monster turn up, as I was smoked several times last trip. This was a Penn Slammer 111 with 85lb braid and 130 lb leader (FG knot) with 3 turn uni knot on hook. All the baits / livies were either down rigged or floated out unweighted and (as always) we burley heavily, some of the kings eating out of the berley pot.

my favourite outfit is Steller 8000 with 65lb braid on a Daiwa demon blood64 CJ. I love this outfit and has landed me many hundred of kings from 55cm- 115cm.

Cant get out again for a few days, but 12 mile is a great spot at the moment - don’t mind sharing as there are plenty there and although I haven’t caught any, some boats have pulled in Yellow fin as the warm current is eddying here - don’t know how long it will last though.

it was great to spend the day with father and son and see the sharing their captures and the “scream of the reel” - as it should be when spending the day fishing with mates.

Go Get Em Raiders.

 

 

[zmk1962]

Congrats again @pickles and a big thanks for all the gem tips in your post - I have not had consistent results chasing kings - this should help. Much appreciated! 

Cheers Zoran

[Rebel]

Great repoert. Well done.

[anthman]

Another great report! When you say outside, are you down rigging along the rocky shoreline? 

[Pickles]

Yep, either “poor mans downrigger” (heavy snapper lead on bottom of a paternoster rig with heavy duty 3 way swivel) or conventional downrigger.

when you find the fish, if not too deep then flick an unweighted bait / livie out and hang on.

[noelm]

I can't say that a 3 way swivel would be my choice of tackle.

[masterfisho7]

Nice report well done 

[James Clain]

8 hours ago, noelm said:

I can't say that a 3 way swivel would be my choice of tackle.

3 way shogun crane swivels rated to 100kgs have worked fine for me

[James Clain]

Great report Pickles, really interesting read!

[Yowie]

Another good day out, showing others how to do it and pull out a few.

[big Neil]

Top report Bob. You are a true legend sharing your tips and hints to help others get among the fish. Cheers, bn