Q&A
LRF
Q: I see small pollack swimming on the surface, but they don’t seem interested in my dropshot Isome. What should I do? GARETH REES, SWANSEA
AK & DS say: Even small pollack are highly predatory. They’re most likely hunting fish fry or shrimps. It’s unlikely that they’ll be interested in worms when on the surface. Try fishing a small soft-plastic lure fished on an appropriately-sized jighead. Lures of 1-2in should suffice.
Sometimes, fish will attack strongly with a slow, steady retrieve. Other times you’ll need to use a jerky motion to make the lure look like it’s struggling.
It’s great fun watching how fish react to your method.
Q: Do different shape jig-heads offer any advantage over standard round ones? ALAN DRAPER BY EMAIL
AK & DS say: Tackle manufacturers appear to have endless imagination when it comes to jig-head styles.
The round shape is great at bouncing over snags, but doesn't add anything to the action of the lure.
Generally, pointy-shaped heads have a darting action, especially when they feature flat surfaces. If you jerk the lure repeatedly, the lure should dart off in different directions, giving a natural appearance like a fleeing baitfish.
A flat surface on top of the jighead increases the darting action, while a flat surface on the bottom will facilitate a gliding action on the drop.
Q: What is the technique for fishing metal casting jigs? DAVID SHAW, BRISTOL
AK & DS say: There are a couple of different techniques. Because of their weight, metal jigs are fairly versatile and can be straight-retrieved at different depths by varying your retrieve rate.
The combination of lure weight, retrieve rate and line diameter will set the depth.
However, our favourite method is sink-anddraw. The action of the metal lure fluttering down towards the seabed is often enough to trigger a strike from a nearby fish.
You're trying to imitate a dying or dead baitfish. Let the lure flutter down, then lift the rod tip briskly and make a few turns on the reel. Now lower the rod tip slowly, allowing the lure to flutter back down once again, then repeat.
Q: I want to try LRF, but I'm bewildered by the choice of lures. Where should I start? PHIL ROBINSON, RAMSGATE, KENT
AK & DS say: You could start by using shads, which are a really effective when fished on a jig head, and can yield good results.
Success comes from the tail that beats in the water when you swim or twitch the lure along. They can be fished high or low.
There are dozens of shads available. Use lures between 1in and 2½in long and slim in profile. Buy them in both natural and bright colours, so you can match to the water clarity.
Q: Can you please give me some tips for LRF when the water is murky? PETE WHITTAKER, EASTLEIGH, HANTS
AK & DS say: Your tools for working in poor water clarity are colour, vibration and noise. With colour, we're really talking about contrast. Dark or bright colours help the lure to stand out. Don't worry about it looking unnatural, the fish will be hungry in these conditions.
Fish hunt by feel, too, and a lure with some kind of vibration will help. That might be a subtle shad-tail, or something really aggressive like a metal vibrating lure.
Lastly, noise can be introduced to soft lures by inserting purpose-made lure rattles.
Experiment with these techniques and build your confidence in them.