LRF - A matter of refinement and delicacy fishing!!

Introduction

Light rock fishing has become a passion for me just within a couple of weeks.To be honest, in the beginning I was very sceptical about finesse fishing and light fishing techniques.

The first question that comes to mind is whether this technique yields positive results. "Would it be worthwhile to invest a lot of time and money into LRF when all you can catch is small fish". "And would it be worth it to invest in the equipment, when you can catch the same fishing using live bait and extremely cheap tackle?"

Those are the same questions that I asked myself when I was faced with the decision whether or not to invest in such a technique. I can assure that, YES, it is all worth it. I would like to explain in detail what Light Rock Fishing is, from the perspective of a fisherman that does not mind a different approach to the traditional spinning technique.

Light rock fishing is a fishing technique quite recently introduced here in Malta and other neighbouring counties, which is fast-growing and becoming a very practical technique used by many anglers.

If you look at the words that make up the name of the technique LIGHT ROCK FISHING (LRF), you can already get a pretty good idea of what to expect.

• Light: lightness, using equipment capable of managing baits from 0.5 grams to a maximum of 7-8 grams.

• Rock: Rocks will be the main spot where we're going to undermine our prey. Bottom fish, living in this habitat, are the main prey of light rock fishing.

• Fishing: Well .. this is easy .. certainly not fishing from the comfort of home!

Doing the right decision - what tackle to use...

The Rod

The rod is a vital part in every fishing technique.Through experience I have understood that the best length for your LRF rod shall be that between 7 feet and 8 feet. On various occasions, I have found that longer and shorter rods can be very useful. However, a rod which is between the above mentioned measures will be comfortable enough for you to fish easily from harbours, pontoons and easy access rocky areas where casting distance is not a necessity . 

Ultra light rods sometimes come with solid tips, instead of tubular, for super sensitivity. Complimented with fast action, these rods will get you into encountering some interesting predators. With experience, you will start to understand, explore and appreciate the difference, and compliment these with your own preferences.

The Reel

The reel is another extremely vital part of your LRF setup! Try to choose a small, front drag reel. Many are sceptic about sizes, in the range of 1000-2000, but it is extremely surprising what you can fish with such small and quality reels. I can assure you that a quality 1000 reel is capable of landing even 3kg+ fish! Small reels are essential with ultra light fishing rods, as they perfectly balance with such rods. Rest assured that even the smallest reel will hold enough PE line for your LRF!!

The Line

In my opinion, your line is the most important aspect of your LRF tackle! Choosing the best line for your light rock fishing is no easy task, but it is extremely important to choose the best possible option that suits your needs. This can vary from direct Fluorocarbon or Fluorocoated lines, to more sophisticated PE lines.

My personal preference goes for PE lines. Slightly more costly, PE lines are extremely thin and strong. Sensitivity is an important factor in finesse fishing, and one of the great advantages of using braided lines over other lines is its non-stretchability, which permits 100% sensitivity to fish bites. A high quality 3lb-6lb PE line may cost more than other lines, but the advantages that you get from such lines are infinite when compared to other lines, including cast ability range. I believe that you shall never go beyond 6lb for light rock fishing, as sensitivity tends to decrease if you go above that!

Fluorocarbon

Fluorocarbons have come a long way over the past 10 years. Originally they were very stiff, and very difficult to tie knots with. I believe that the advantages of using fluorocarbon are its invisibility in water and greater abrasion resistance, with the latter being the most important when finesse fishing using bottom jig techniques. Fluorocarbons are also being designed to be softer, easier to tie, and cheaper than previous years.

Knots

Tying extremely thin PE lines and fluorocarbons together may be a difficult task at hand, due to the thinness of the lines. Over the last couple of months I have been a bit sceptic about discussing this subject, as there are several ideas circulating around, however I finally convinced myself that this would be a very important topic for the any angler who approaches the light game. Especially those who approach this technique without first practising other spinning techniques.


The knots that I am going to discuss here are those that I personally use, and which have been tested several times to success:-


- Arbor (knot to tie the PE line to the reel spool);

- Improved Clinch (knot to tie jig-heads, swivels, hooks with eye, etc.)

- Peixet (junction knot PE Line  -->  Fluorocarbon)


As for the Peixet knot, that allows to tie thin braided lines with thin FC, this is a knot that I have learnt with the help of a friend of mine, Mr. Alex Santoro, an Italian who forms part of the Akua Pro Staff team, and is a collaborator of several tackle manufacturers. He has a vast experience on Light Rock Fishing.

I discussed this subject in detail with Alex, and both came to the conclusion that the Peixet is a better alternative that the Tony Pegna knot, which we both used in the past.

After personally using the Peixet knot for the first time, I could immediately appreciate the huge benefits that this knot brings about, in terms of output, tightness and ease of execution, both in the medium-heavy spinning techniques, and now in LRF!

Here I will show you a step-by-step guide on how to execute this knot, through the help of photos and tips by Alex. The images are copyright of Mr. Alex Santoro, who gave me a special permission to share them this article for your benefit:

Step 1

With the fluorocarbon, create a simple knot, and then repeat the operation in order to have a node with two laps.

Step 2 & 3

Tighten the knot a little bit, in order to achieve a sort of a figure of eight, but inverted! Image 3 shows the result that we will get after completion of step the above mentioned step, the "inverted eight"...

Step 4

Now is the time to start passing the PE line through the "inverted eight", as shown in the detailed picture below. 

Step 5

After you pass the PE Line, make 15 turns around the fluorocarbon with the same PE Line. 

Step 6

Repeat the process in the opposite direction, with 15 turns upwards now. Be very careful to match the coils with the gaps left in step 5, and then pass the free end of the PE line again through the "inverted eight" 

Step 7

Now is the time that you lubricate the sliding parts of the knot, and carefully start to pull all the 3 active leaders. This is shown in the picture below, and by doing so. you will be tightening the knot.

Step 8

Finally, just cut the excess fluorocarbon and PE Line a few millimetres from the node and you're done. There is no need to burn the excess, as you greatly risk to weaken the knot due to excessive heat. 

Step 9

The Final result. 

Lures & Accessories

Lures, including hard baits and soft baits, jig heads and other accessories, are an extremely vital part of your LRF tackle. A light game fish grip is essential if you want to practice C&R, and in order to handle dangerous bottom fish like scorpion fish, which is found and caught commonly on LRF tackle. 

There is a vast range of light rock fishing lures and accessories on the market. At www.fishwiselures.com we distribute a vast range of products, including some top worldwide brands such as Reins, Keitech, Damiki, YGK, and Black Flagg. Visit our website to discover more!! 

Conclusion

Finesse fishing has become another part of saltwater spinning. It is a world full of emotions, unexpected catches, and colours. I hope that I have been of help with this article. Personally, I would like to thank Mr. Alex Santoro for all his help and support. Please feel free to contact me on info@fishwiselures.com should you want to discuss further more. Thank you for reading this article !! 

Other Pictures

Sstackle Sniper

After the success that the Italian manufacturer had with the Vendetta 173 long jerk minnow, Sstackle have just produced prototype 002, the SNIPER jig. An artificial of 7cm in length, the SNIPER is to be included in the Short Jig category, designed to target and catch Dolphin fish, Atlantic Bonito, Little Tunnies, Amberjacks, Blue fish and more.

The choice of the name, "SNIPER" (as the well known Sniper Rifle) predicts the ballistic qualities of stroke, and a lethal weapon against the big predatory fish.

The Sniper jig is composed of a Tri-asymmetric body; a side that has a smooth and highly reflective surface, and another with a pronounced reflective design. This particular design allows the SNIPER to produce erratic and irregular movements, full of reflections, both during the fall out phase and during the jerking phase of this jig.

SNIPER is a product designed in Italy and tested in Mediterranean waters. The jig is produced in Japan, with high quality standards and colors.

STRENGTHS -

1. Tri-asymmetric Body
2. Large surface reflection
3. Eyes adhesive plates to reduce turbulence
4. Dual mode coupling, enabling a reverse utilization of the Jig
5. Double split rings for a greater resistance to torsion
6. Single hook 2/0 to deal with challenging situations
7. Made in Japan

The SNIPER jig will be available in 5 different sizes: starting with the 27 gr version, and going up to 37 gr, 47 gr, 67 gr, and 77 gr. This product will be distributed in Malta by FishWise Lures very soon. Please visit http://www.fishwiselures.com for more information, and stay tuned to www.facebook.com/fishwiselures.

Target Barracuda!!

I have considered it essential to dedicate the first post of this blog towards the one of the more common predators that frequent our waters. Due to the fact that the Mediterranean Barracuda, Sphyraena Sphyraena, has certain characteristics, such as, the frequent encounters with it throughout the whole year,  makes it a highly targeted predator by many sea spinning enthusiasts.

The Mediterranean barracuda is a highly gregarious fish, which can be found frequently moving around our waters in compact flocks. This makes them compete towards limited food resources, and thus may become very aggressive, to the advantage of the angler and his lures casted in our waters from shore. Besides, and although not so common, highly hungry solitary female specimens can also be encountered, which can be on the hunt as soon as they lay their first eggs. The female deposit their eggs at the end of spring, with the first signs of the increase in sea temperature. Here, and at this time of the year, one can easily encounter female specimens which may exceed the 4-5kg range.  

Understanding the rules that 'trigger' the encounter with the Mediterranean Barracuda is an aspect of the saltwater spinning education that every one of us has certainly gone through. More often than not, the fish respects its 'appointment' with the angler. Certainly, most of us has started practicing sea spinning targeting the Mediterranean Barracuda, and have been doing so on a regular basis. 

Let us get to some important tips that I would like to share with you with regards to targeting this fish. It is essential understanding the habitat of the predator. During the day, the fish will be stationed, more often than not, at medium depths, even reaching for more than 30 meters. Looking for rocky shores in open water areas, which result in increased depths within a small reach, may be an indication of the presence of the Mediterranean Barracuda. In open water areas, the predator likes agitated conditions....currents, and oxygenated waters, are perfect conditions for the predator to hunt. 

The Mediterranean Barracuda has one particular advantage over other predators'....eyesight. It can count  on its outstanding long range eyesight, that permits the species to target bait fish and food resources. With this in mind, the angler needs to understand the correct conditions, and locations where to target the predator. Certainly, conditions with poor visibility, during the change of light, and night hours, are some of the best conditions to get the predator to bite. Especially during the change of lights, and night hours, the predator will move in flocks towards the surface, hunting for food resources. 

The angler must also understand the correlation that exists between the above mentioned, and the moon light. The moon, especially when growing, may play a very important role, as it helps with the vision of the fish. More often than not, and as long as the water is clear and calm, with the moon growing, there will be an increase in the hunting activity of the Mediterranean Barracuda during night hours. 

Artificial lights in portal areas and breakwaters, especially in the areas between those illuminated and not, will certainly result in the encounter with the predator. The angler must not forget that the Mediterranean Barracuda is capable of seeing bait fish in complete darkness within large distances. Another important aspect worth mentioning are noises. The predator is extremely attracted to noises, especially those at the water surface. The use of surface lures is essential to attract the attention of the predator.

The angler shall be present on the spot at least one hour before sunrise or sunset, understanding that the encounter with the predator is more common during change of light hours. If you are familiar with the spot, you will understand what are the more important rules and conditions, that will result in a profitable session. 

It is very important that the angler uses the correct tackle to target this predator. The angler must be equipped with the correct tackle in order to target and land the fish successfully. A spinning session, more often than not, consists of around 2 or more hours of casting lures in consequent mode. Having the use the palm and wrist of your hand, in order to work your lures in the water at your advantage, can result in a lot of fatigue and pain. Using an extremely light saltwater spinning rod, which is balanced, powerful and versatile at the same time, is highly recommended. Saltwater spinning rods manufacturers nowadays take this into consideration, producing spinning rods as light as 150 grams. The tip of the rod must be extremely thin and flexible, in order to enable the angler to 'feel' and work the lures successfully, and to cast long distances.

The reel must compliment the spinning rod, and creates balance in order for the angler to be able to take the best advantage from his tackle. Again, saltwater reel manufacturers nowadays are producing saltwater reels which are extremely light and durable. 

PE (braided) line is also extremely recommended for targeting the Mediterranean Barracuda. There are several good brands around, now also producing 8-strand fibre PE lines which are extremely smooth on the rod guides and super strong. A good 17Lb 8-strand PE line is recommended. 

The angler must take into account that, when the Mediterranean Barracuda strikes, it will give around 3 strong pulls. After these pulls, the angler would be able to retrieve the fish without many more resistance. As the hooked fish gets closer to shore, it will give one or two last pulls, trying to free himself from the hooks. At this moment, and during this last agitated attempt to loose free, you might have the fish looking for the deep, which may result in having your fishing line scratched against rocks. Thus, the use of 0.35+ fluorocarbon leader is recommended, as fluorocarbon is much more resistant to abrasion than PE line.

The nature of the Mediterranean Barracuda, as with other pelagic fish species, is to hunt for food resource, but also to attack other predators hunting in the same area. The angler must take this into consideration, and present the lure as if it is a predator hunting on the same food resources. This might instigate the barracuda to strike. The nature of the strike may consist of first 'tasting' the bait, and tearing a piece of the bait fish with its sharp teeth (striking the bait fish at its center) followed by a return to indulge the injured bait fish. 

Long jerk minnows have been used successfully lately, with great results. Managing to deploy the lure in a state of irregular motion also instigates the Mediterranean Barracuda to attack. The Mediterranean Barracuda loves to hunt for bait fish which is swimming irregularly, meaning that the same bait fish is having difficulties in motor movements, and is an easy prey. Long jerk minnows are able to be jerked in order to produce an irregular movement in the water, imitating a bait fish in difficulty. Together with the proper inclusion of pauses and jerks, long jerk minnows are used successfully due to the slim and long design, which helps with the hooking of the predator as he strikes at the center of the bait.

With regards to the selection of colors, this is quite an intriguing issue that needs a lot of attention and study to master. Try to study the environment around you before selecting the color to use. Do not forget that the Mediterranean Barracuda has an excellent eye sight; this might turn as a disadvantage as, if not using the correct colors, the predator might understand that you are trying to cheat on him. Many are those who try to study the bait fish that is present around, and produce a color that imitates the color of the same bait fish. On the other hand, 'ghost' and natural colors, with flashing holographic material reflecting when worked properly, can be perfect all rounders for when the water is visibly clear. 

On the other hand, experience has thought me to try and produce something for the predator that gains its full attention. Something 'unusual' that instigates curiosity might, more often than not, work. Artificial colors, if used in the appropriate conditions, are resulting to be very productive and attractive for the predator. 

I would like to conclude this article by suggesting (and not imposing) to you to fish responsibly and respect the predator. Many consider the Mediterranean Barracuda to be a common fish, and an intruder to our seas from other tropical seas. I suggest to practice catch and release techniques when possible. The fact is that, with the climate changes that are occurring, we have seen the introduction of this species from tropical seas into the Mediterranean sea during the past 15-20 years. The predator has successfully integrated himself in the ecological system of our waters,  with researchers suggesting that the effects of such an introduction had not developed any negative effects on other species, as many tend to believe. The fish must be respected at all costs. Unfortunately, I believe that we do not give enough respect to this fascinating predator......

Thank you.

Welcome

Welcome to the fishwiselures.com blog. If you are an enthusiast angler, practicing sport fishing regularly, this is a blog you should be following.

This web space will be utilized to educate, inform and update those following the blog with the latest news within the saltwater fishing world.

May I thank the opportunity to thank all those who support me in keeping this blog updated, and those who follow this blog!

Thank you