Dispensing with a sinker altogether, or using a float rig to suspend baits and give a visual indication of bites, are simply further extensions of this finesse concept. Logically enough, it’s much easier to reduce sinker weight if you reduce the diameter of your line and leader. Finer lines are also less affected by wave and wind action and transmit bites more efficiently. As a huge bonus, skinny lines and leaders are much less obvious to shy, fickle or hard-pressured fish: something that becomes paramount on clear, bright and calm days, when rock fishing can be notoriously tough.
//THE CONUNDRUM
This is the author’s favoured rock fishing rig. Normally he’d choose a smaller sinker, but on this day a powerful surge called for a little more weight. Those Mustad Big Gun hooks are hard to beat on the rocks: sharp and strong!
Naturally enough, the lighter you go in your tackle choices when rock fishing, the more likely it is that you’ll start to lose a few good fish. This becomes especially relevant when dealing with so-called “dirty” fighters like drummer and groper. These opponents are notorious for powerdiving straight for their favourite cave or undercut the instant they feel the sting of a hook, dragging your delicate line across encrusted rocks and kelp stems in the process.
A handsome black drummer or “pig” alongside the sort of gear Starlo favours for this caper.
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