Bring these two outfits (at least) to be an effective estuary angler -

Bring these two outfits (at least) to be an effective estuary angler

Bring these two outfits (at least) to be an effective estuary angler: I believe in an outfit for every possible scenario – rigged and ready, in place – good to go. The seconds and even minutes spent on changing hooks or lures are not gonna cut it. You need to respond instantly to the conditions as they unfold around you.

If the surface-feeding bullet trains come past, you only have milliseconds within to operate. I have filmed many kingfish underwater now and not one of them ever goes slow anywhere. It’s pedal to the metal as they charge into baitballs. Obliterating them one after the other. You can see them coming. And seconds later, going.

But if you don’t have all the tackle in the world, convenience clips and good preparation can be a workable workaround. But if you want to be that effective estuary angler…with the ability to change fast and adapt to your surroundings…then these two are your minimum specifications…

Ultra-light

But with 20 or 30 lb braid! This keeps you in the game even though you are ultra-light in form, but not factor. From the braid, you go back down to 10 or 20 lb fluorocarbon or whatever leader you choose to fish.

I use 30lb braid on my small rig. I have been beaten up in this estuary so many times now. But I do start with a very light leader. Working up as need be. Changing and refreshing more often than you would think.

A 20- or 30-sized coffee grinder with metal gears and a decent drag will work just fine. The rod can be short. 5 Or 6 feet as strong as possible but with enough flick to despatch a very tiny and light lure.

Any decent bass rod will perform this outfit’s function. So long as there is decent braid on top.

Ultra-light Spinning Rig

Far-caster

These days, this could be your shad, and garrick rod. Kob too. 8 To 11 feet or so. A 40 or 50 sized coffee grinder. Packed with 40 or 50-lb braid. At least.

A 30 lb leader to start you off, and increase as necessary.

It needs to handle a half-ounce to a three-ounce lure or sinker. On the estuary, it is also your live bait stick. But can be switched via convenience clip quickly to a lure when need be. You can also count on this rod to increase the spread out that back when trolling from spot to spot. As we do here in the Umzimkulu.

MYDO Shad Spinning Outfit 20lb

Modus Operandi

Is then to have a live bait or big lure on your big stick. And the small ultra-light never leaves your hands. Or it is right there close by ready to deal with whoever disturbs the peaceful surface near you.

There is hardly any more fun to be had than heading up to the big bridge and catching a slow drift down towards the ocean. With a spread of live prawns and mullet, flicking from both ends of the boat,

Recently a shoal of proper Geets have stormed into the Umzimkulu Estuary. Matt Wainwright had 6 hookups over the weekend. All on lure. Successfully catching and releasing 6 for the effort. Hooking and losing as many along the way. The biggest fish Matt got was 3.2 kgs and took him 40 minutes on his ultra-light. Right in front of the awe-struck crowd at the Umzimkulu Marina.

One more thing

In order to really have a shot at glory in an estuary, you also gonna need your own cast net. There are many cheaper options but generally, old-school basic lead and nylon nets are the nicest to use.

It would be a dream if every angler I took out on the estuary had these items sorted!

Get your own spinning outfits in The Sardine News online store – follow this LINK. Where you an also buy Mydos and things.