The team behind popular fishing brand EDGE design and test heaps of new items of gear each year. As soon as the conditions are right, they’re out there putting the latest products through their paces. So, who better to answer your questions about all things saltwater fishing.

Q. Why would I use braid on my reel? Bob, Nelson

A. Braid is extremely thin when compared with mono, so a more compact reel can be used to hold the same length of line. It also cuts through the water easily and allows you to fish with lighter tackle, get into the strike zone effectively and stay there. In addition, braid does not stretch, so you are in direct contact with the fish and can feel their every move. You can be certain that your lure is doing exactly what you intend it to do.

Q. I am about to purchase an inchiku jig and I am wondering what colour would be best to start off with. Also, do they need to be replaced often? Ash, Auckland

A. Every colour has its day and the most effective colour can change depending on the light and conditions. Start your trip with a selection of different colour options being used and change them out until you hit the one that is working. That said, the brighter combinations of orange/gold and pink/silver are a great ‘go to’ when targeting snapper.

To answer your second point, inchiku jigs can be re-used time and time again. Just wash them in fresh water and dry well after use. Replacement assist rigs are available when the assist rig becomes worn and damaged by multiple fish.

Q. I’m new to softbaiting and mainly target kahawai and snapper from the shore. To avoid tying knots, I want to use lure clips and also add split shot sinkers to the line for when wind/current changes. Is this a good idea? Jason, Foxton

A. There’s a variety of tiny, high strength lure clips available to help in this situation. These don’t affect the lure action in any way and using them only takes seconds to unclip a lure/jig head and put on a new one. When conditions change and more/less weight is required, just change the jig head weight. Jig heads come in lots of weights and have small incremental differences between the sizes, so it’s easier to change your jig head sizes, especially when using lure clips, rather than add lead spilt shot to your leader.