Tip of the week

On the west coast the most popular rig for snapper is the ledger or dropper rig, but just like when fishing work-ups in the Hauraki Gulf the biggest fish can be targeted with a whole jack mackerel (yellowtail). It is easily hooked with a 6/0 or 7/0 octopus hook (to match the size of bait), inserted under the pectoral fin on one side and out through the gill plate, reversed so the point is facing backwards, which will hold the bait firmly as it is the toughest part of the anatomy. A half hitch round the tail with the trace and a ball sinker running freely down on to it completes the bait. The sinker can be incorporated in the half hitch, so it sinks as part of the bait. If using such a rig on harbour with strong currents, like the Manukau and Kaipara Harbours, a very long trace below a heavy sinker is the best approach. More fishing action can be found at GTTackle.co.nz.