From memory - 50lbs

Probably go 40- 50lb on the 11# wght then, see what's available in the local stores, will only use a rod length of straight 20lb fluorocarbon leader, no heavier,will only use as a heavy set, I occasionally put a 8lb tippet on the end of my 20lb leader on the #8 rod to even the odds up when only small KY and trevally are around, lots of fun.Thanks for the input guys.

[QUOTE=Clark Reid]Your backing should always exceed the breaking strain of your line otherwise when you get a big on and it runs well into the back there is a good chance the backing will break before the flyline meaning you loose the lot

Absolutely Clark, thanks.

Recently I tried something different. With good results I might add.

Off the current 'line' of the thread, but what about using a floating line with a longer leader (as in more than the usual 2m of 16lb fluoro) for surface schooling Kahawai?
It might enable a novice like me to get a decent cast!

FISHBYFLY wrote: Anyways I find in the wavewalk with drogue out, [in 3 metres and less], I dip the rod quite a way underthe surface to maintain a straight line, works well but do ya reckon one of those Basslines might be better?

Just having a read through this and I reckon this is a very cool thread with some great info and thoughts!

If kahawai are shy, use 10 or 12lb fluro. It is plenty. I also used a silicon smelt fly this season with great results. People tend to think kahawai take anything, they can be fussy at times.

Think I will just tack this on here rather than the king threads.

Couple of posts up I posted on the value of having a VersiLeader in your pocket.

This theory of getting the fly in in the right depth was reinforced during a session on kings yesterday.

I had made up a 7ft RIO T-20 tip with loop connections for use with kings. I whipped a loop in one end a put a braided loop on the other. After 20+ kings both loops are holding up so its good to know both systems work although the braided loop is lighter than the double over whipped loop.

Yesterday I sat outside a shallow area with current running out an over a reef into about 1.5-2m of water. After 30mins a king around 40lb blew through and sat in the eddy of the reef, on the bottom about 10ft out from me. Tricky. I will add it this time, I hadnt attached my 7ft T-20 sink tip.

So I cast out, a few strips no interest. Repeated process 4 times before he left. They don't hang around long.

I was scratching my head when another two came past. Both around 25lb. Same deal.

Of course what was happening was the fly wasn't getting to their level quick enough if at all.

I quickly switched out and connected my hand made T-20. Took less than 2 minutes and I was back in the game.

Next pair came through. One cast and the fly sunk like a stone, first strip, big head turn, mouth wide open, fly disappearing... ...rest is history. Simple lesson. Kings move fast, your fly needs to get in their face asap, no point waiting for it to sink, ain't going to happen.

Ended up with 3 before my arm got to sore and I stopped for a rest to drift the shallows again and look for tails.

Yes, they are a b i t c h to cast but you're not looking for distance anyway. You're looking to get the fly down quick to where you last spotted that king or where you can see him lying. It is a pretty basic principle.

So with the VersiLeader and the 7ft T-20 I've got most basses covered without the need for more rods and line.

No.