I just tie on about 1 metre of 50-60lb trace to the mainline via a swivel with a average size livebait hook. Clip an 8oz sinker to the swivel or whatever you need to hold against the tide. Might be obivious but anchor up don't drift, all youll do is get snagged all the time. Give the little livie a bit of body piecing thru the scruff & dispatch. Set him up just clear of the bottom, weed etc so he's in full vis, that will soon tell you if there are Johnies around. I even managed to recycle two of my livies though they wen't too happy about repeating the trauma, bugger being a baitfish man. Any little bait in the 15- 30cm works. If you want a big Johnie put a big livie on. Jack Macs' would be my favorite but whatever takes the sabiki will do. Johnies are not that fussy. Sorry can't divulge my spot as I was shown it by my regular crew but places like the end of Whangaparaoa Pen. back of Tiri, Motuora with a bit of structure on the bottom will hold them. What I do is if while anchored smelly bait fishing get a berley trail going on the surface to get some volinteers around for some piercing & send one down. Real easy, just stick the rod in the holder & wait. You'll know if one jumps on! Good luck & let me know how you get on.
Clemmo wrote: Unfortunately I did not have the masks on the boat and they were moving pretty quick. I would love to get in the water with them. The matriarch was pretty bloody intimidatingly big though. Has anybody swam with them? |
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