Devon wrote: Good idea that, thanks You've still got the issue of getting the bail arm closed though

On this rod I use a pretty big bait when I can get them. It is set out back under a ballon. Using tuna circle hooks so try to count to 5 before lowering the rod tip and engaging the reel. Has 80lb braid on it and I set the drag at full. If you can pull line off comfortably its to soft. If you survive the first run you can "sometimes"????? lead a fish to deeper water. And sometimes you can,t lol.

My other bait will be set on a down rigger this year. Only had a couple of trips out so far but is proving very effective.



The top fish is about the ideal size for the downrigger. This big ky is a little bigger than ideal but I have had this size taken by fish under 20kg too. I find if you hook a smaller fish it is not uncommon to have the horse kingy on the reef follow it to the boat. Having a bait ready has paid off heaps.

CBF
Whk

OK another question.. u put the live bait out under a balloon... and the damn thing wants to keep swimming back to the boat... how do u get around that?

stellajigger wrote: get this crap out of this area

it almost feels like days of old...

Set your drag ready to fight, only use circle hooks because your fish will already pointing down on his way to the reef no need to strike just lean into it to set the circle hook. Any reel including spin can fail if it is not upto the stresses of catching kings. Buy the right gear, set your drag reasonable hard & have confidence in what your doing. IMO