Hey guys!

No such thing as a silly question in this forum NtF and welcome to fishing.net.

You could attach a swivel to that loop but I suggest you learn to tie a uniknot to attach the line to your swivel. If you simply learn how to attach a swivel and you get busted off you need to know how to start from scratch. Have a look at the sticky topics in this forum for how to tie a uniknot

http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/knots-for-mono_topic67548.html


Generally you do need a sinker for wharf fishing, the weight depends on the depth and the current. One to three ounces would be a good start depending on the location.

For under the harbour bridge in Auckland try a small piece of squid for bait.

I often go fishn beside the bridge  if I have a cupla hrs during the week. I use a $30 reel on a 3.6mtr stick and carry my gear and icebox with me all the time. I predominatly use salted squid as its easy and tidy to carry.........cheers....I hear that Kahawhai are abundant off the dock where Sanfords tie up at Wynyard quarter also Rays so beware.

Hi Edmund, can I suggest you get together with other fishermen who do the type of fishing you want to do & one or more tackle stores. We can advise you on how to do things you are asking about but being alongside an experienced fisho & checking out all the different tackle you can find in stores will get you sorted quicker.
Good luck with your fishing mate. Pete

Hi Pete, 

Btw do I need to cast my rod when I am doing wharf/rock fishing? what is the best way to do it?

Hi NewToFishing,

Fishing of the wharf is how I first learnt to fish before I bought my first boat.  It teaches you so much about the basics of fishing such as baiting up, casting and knot tieing.  And it also builds up your commitment to learn to fish. Under the harbour bridge is a spot I used to go to often.  Watch out as you move further along left of the bridge towards of the end of the fishing zone there is a foul patch and you will get snagged up and loose heaps of gear. 

I remember when I upgraded from my 7ft rod to a 13ft surfcaster rod, I drove out to some Wop's in the northshore and bought a surf rod and by that time it was dark, I was so happy I drove down to the harbour bridge and heaps of fellas were there so I was forced down to the very far left.  The longer surf rods let you cast out way further and I got snagged and lost all my sinkers that time but the fact I got to cast and fish made my night.

A few good landbased spots in AKL central:
- Harbour bridge
- Tank farm (down by the wynyard)
-Okahu wharf
-Birkenhead wharf (on the otherside of the bridge)

to keep it simple i recommend using a running rig with breakaway sinker. This diagram shows the use of a tear drop sinker, but replace with a breakaway sinker so that it grapples the ground and holds tight.  You can mix things up also try a ledger rig.



No doubt you will meet local fishos when fishing of the wharf because once in a while your lines will tangle up and its a good chance to talk to other fishos for advice.

Newtofishing - I work 3 minutes from the harbour bridge. If you are fishing there when I at work I will happily pop down for a couple of minutes and go over some knots, techniques etc.