Tackle News

Regular readers know that mahi AKA dolphin fish are a favourite species of mine, in summer. There’s heaps around if you know where to look. They strike top water lures which adds to the fun, and they fight like demons. Last, but certainly not least, they are fantastic on the plate – if bled and put ...

Originally published December 2021. Updated August 2026 with additional detail and current Carbontex information. A smooth, consistent drag matters most when a fish stays connected for a long time. Short runs are one thing. A prolonged fight with a powerful fish is where heat, changing drag pressur...

Regular readers of this little newsletter know how much I love chasing small Harbour pelagics, in summertime: All summer long the Harbour and the Heads hold swarms of tailor, salmon, kingfish and tuna. They’re easy to find. Just look for the birds: The key is, match your lure size to the size of t...

Here at Downrigger Shop we’re always interested in something new. That’s why so many of our tackle items are exclusive to us. But sometimes we need to have a stocktake sale. Especially when we’ve got a new shipment coming in and need more space. What better time to do it than a month before Christma...

Luderick AKA blackfish are the easiest table fish to catch in south-east Australia. Here’s how to do it: The key is burley, and lots of it. I go to a beachside rock platform and grab half a bucket of green weed, plus some wet sand. Back home, I transfer half the weed to PVC takeaway food containers...