{"title":"Featured Fishing Tackle","description":"\u003cp\u003eExplore selected fishing tackle currently featured by Downrigger Shop, including proven products from across the range.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"downrigger","title":"Downrigger","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReady to go out of the box\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe downrigger is \u003cspan\u003eheavily anodised\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes a 4 pound weight, release clip and depth counter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSwivel boomhead for turning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCarbontex drag washers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e65 meters of 200 pound braid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTilting boom arm with locking mechanism\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdjustable rod holder\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSolid aluminium tube rod holder\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany years ago I was fishing for barramundi on Bathurst Island, in the Northern Territory. My guide for the week, Brett, didn’t have much formal education, but was wise to the ways of fish. He had been brought up on a mackerel boat based in Wyndham, and had packed thousands of hours of fishing into his young life. Each morning, Brett and I would leave before dawn to fish for Spanish mackerel around the rocky headlands. The mackerel came on the bite at first light, and disappeared about an hour after sunup. One day, I asked Brett why these big predators were so predictable with their main hunting period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrett opened his tackle box and picked up a long minnow lure to explain. ‘Andy, all bait fish, no matter what type, have something in common: a dark back, blue, black or green. And a light coloured underside- silver, white, or cream. The sea birds that hunt them from the air look down from above, and find it hard to distinguish the dark backs from the dark coloured water. The big fish that hunt them from below look up and find it hard to distinguish their silver bellies from the bright light above.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/live_bait_species_large.jpg?v=1554713444\" alt=\"Good live bait species to use downrigging\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s only at dawn and dusk, when the sun is at an acute angle to the water, that light reflects off the side of the bait fish, making hunting them easier. And dawn is usually better than dusk because the seas are calmer, early in the morning.’\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose weren’t his exact words, but Brett’s insights were spot on. When the early morning feeding opportunity has passed, mackerel take up station over deep reefs. Yellowtail kingfish, which occupy the Spanish mackerel’s place in the food chain around the southern half of Australia, do the same thing. During the middle of the day they’re the same aggressive predators, but like all predators conserve energy, when not hunting. Yet if a bait or lure is placed deeper in the water, close to where the fish are on station, a strike will usually result.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is where downriggers come in. By using a downrigger, in combination with a depth sounder, you can present your bait or lure to fish marking on your screen, or at the depth where fish are likely to be holding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/fish_sign_showing_depth_sounder_large.jpg?v=1554713442\" alt=\"Fish sign showing on depth sounder\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn waters adjoining major metropolitan centres, or popular fishing spots, predators will tend to hold deeper and get on station earlier, because they don’t like boat traffic. This is why fishing in Sydney Harbour or Port Phillip Bay is often better midweek, than on weekends. With downriggers you can still produce fish in the middle of the day, in Australia’s busiest waterways. This technique is particularly deadly on trout, kingfish, Spanish mackerel, and marlin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/downrigger_with_mounted_fishing_rod_large.jpg?v=1554713441\" alt=\"rod set up with downrigger off back of boat\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDownriggers come in all shapes and sizes. The technique was first popularised in the USA, originally used to target salmon and large trout in the Great Lakes. I went on a downrigging charter on Lake Michigan, near to the Illinois \/ Wisconsin border. That kind of fishing is radically different to Australian conditions. With cheap fuel, much larger boats are used. We fished from a 40 foot express, which had a transom at least twelve feet across. The boat had no marlin board, no motor legs and a shaft drive, allowing the use of multiple downriggers. The Great Lakes are freshwater, so downrigger corrosion is not a concern. And through summer, the Lakes are very calm. Check the pic below, the lake was flat as this all week:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/freshwater_species_on_lake_large.jpg?v=1554713442\" alt=\"This technique works just as well for freshwater species\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo very different, to Australian conditions. Here, the average boat is 5 or 6 metres long. The combination of strong sunlight and salt water makes corrosion a serious concern. Our seas are often rough, meaning a robust downrigger is needed. Most boats are powered by outboards, meaning a long downrigger boom is required to keep gear away from the propeller. That’s why our downrigger is built for the toughest Australian conditions, whether just offshore chasing kingfish;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/kingfish_caught_out_wide_large.jpg?v=1554713442\" alt=\"We use strong components for when you get onto that big fish\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOr on the continental shelf, fishing for marlin. Two marlin caught this day on the downrigger, a blue and a striped:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/downrigger_in_rod_holder_large.jpg?v=1554713441\" alt=\"You can use a downrigger to your advantage on the continental shelf\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOr on the continental shelf, fishing for marlin. Two marlin caught this day on the downrigger, a blue and a striped:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/mahi_mahi_caught_downrigging_large.jpg?v=1554713444\" alt=\"Our giant Mahi Mahi caught at Port Stephens\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe idea of our downrigger is that it’s supplied complete straight out of the box.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/assembled_and_ready_to_ship_large.jpg?v=1554713440\" alt=\"Our downriggers are shipped ready to go\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou don’t need to visit the tackle store for weights, release clips, bases and expensive accessories. Firstly, it features a one metre boom to keep everything clear of the prop, even when you’re making tight turns;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/trolling_livies_deep_large.jpg?v=1554713446\" alt=\"Trolling with a game reel\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComponents are heavily anodised, to protect against corrosion;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/anodised_to_avoid_corrosion_large.jpg?v=1554713439\" alt=\"Anodised metal to avoid corrosion\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe downrigger is fitted with a swivel boomhead, which rotates on needle bearings. This swivels towards the downrigger weight on hard boat turns, meaning you can do a 180 and go back over good marks, on the sounder;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/anodised_rolling_tip_large.jpg?v=1554713439\" alt=\"The rolling tip will keep your line in good condition\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA detachable resettable depth counter is also enclosed. It measures in metres;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/line_counter_to_measure_depth_large.jpg?v=1554713443\" alt=\"Also included is a detachable line counter\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur downrigger is fitted with tough Carbontex drag washers, the same kind used in premium game reels;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/carbon_fiber_washers_large.jpg?v=1554713440\" alt=\"The carbontex drags are greased\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ethe downrigger is supplied with a 4-pound lead weight:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/4_pound_lead_weights_large.jpg?v=1554713439\" alt=\"A lead weight for the downrigger\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur downrigger is pre-spooled with 65 metres of 200-pound braid:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"200lb braid included\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/200lb_braid_included_large.jpg?v=1554713439\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe prefer braid to nylon-coated steel cable, for several reasons:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"\u003e1. braid has narrower diameter so, less drag, meaning we can use lighter weights which are easier to wind up;\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"\u003e2. no corrosion;\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"padding-left: 30px;\"\u003e3. no hum. Metallic cables hum in a loud and annoying way, as they move through the water. Not so noticeable in a fibreglass boat, but really bad in aluminium boats of the type very popular, in Australia.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOurs has a locking\/tilting boom arm, which locks in both up and down position with a pin:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/movable_boom_arm_large.jpg?v=1554713444\" alt=\"The boom can be raised and locked in\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003emaking the downrigger easy to store in the boat rod rack;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/fits_nicely_in_rod_holder_large.jpg?v=1554713442\" alt=\"Downrigger stored out of the way in the rod rack\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt has an adjustable rod holder, so you don’t lose a rod holder when mounting your downrigger. . Here’s the procedure. Take rod holder tube in left hand, grasp rod holder mount in right hand:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/rod_holder_is_adjustable_large.jpg?v=1554713445\" alt=\"Changing angle of the rod holder\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePull base of tube away from mount, using left hand:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/pulling_out_to_change_direction_large.jpg?v=1554713445\" alt=\"Easily adjust by pulling\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRotate tube to preferred angle and release pressure so that detent pin locks in:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/lock_the_mechanism_large.jpg?v=1554713443\" alt=\"Lock the holder back into place\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd you’re set to go. The downrigger is supplied with a solid aluminium tube rod holder gimbal. This will fit perfectly in every 37 degree (the industry standard) rod holder and will lock in place on the cross pin:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Measuring the gimbal\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/measuring_downrigger_gimbal_large.jpg?v=1554713444\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf you want your downrigger to point to starboard or port simply undo the four screws holding it to the piece above, rotate 90 degrees, and re tighten the screws. That works fine:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/can_be_mounted_perpendicular_large.jpg?v=1554713440\" alt=\"Can be mounted perpendicular to the boat\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe second mounting option is a three piece detachable sliding base (sold separately). With this system, one plate is mounted on the transom of your boat, another up the front or in the cabin where your downrigger will be stored. The third grooved piece is bolted to the bottom of your downrigger. A locking pin is fitted to ensure secure storage or use.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/detachable_sliding_base_large.jpg?v=1554713441\" alt=\"Slide on base plate\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne Du-Bro downrigger release clip is included;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"release clips for easy attachment\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/downrigger_release_clip_large.jpg?v=1554713441\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEverything you need to start is included in our downrigger package.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere’s no need to go to the tackle shop for bits and pieces, it’s all ready to go.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEleven minutes, twelve videos, dealing with every aspect of downrigging. If you’ve got time to check them out go for it, because owning a downrigger will shake up your fishing in the best possible way:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ctHa7iUQfPo\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eFirst up, here’s downrigger mounting options for your boat (70 seconds)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/YENN-8XQs-U\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eHow to adjust rod holder on your downrigger (25 seconds)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/HESO_QTqTR8\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eNext, the most humane way to attach livebait to your hook (90 seconds)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Px7wkWQ7pME\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow to put your line in the downrigger release clip (145 seconds)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/txdAmMeUl_w\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eAttaching your line using rubber bands - works really well (110 seconds)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Ni6BVRhl-MY\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eWhen kingfish attack – downrigger cam video (64 seconds)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/fwQ9jIqH-jg\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eWhen mackerel attack – downrigger cam video (16 seconds)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/CAxANHKDCl0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eFirst downrigged kingfish (14 seconds)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5It_Rwz-X80\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eDouble hookup on two downriggers (9 seconds)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/TThh7XjZBuw\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eBig fish hooks up – using the techniques shown above (24 seconds)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/WjWn8q99zV8\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e Big fish boated (28 seconds)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/q43hJJc_iew\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003cspan\u003eMaintaining your downrigger drag system – it’s easy (82 seconds)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOkay, your downrigger’s arrived in the post.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do you get started?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFirstly, check out this video, How To Set Up Your Downrigger:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/q4H3X-67HrE\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnce you’ve assembled everything as shown in the video above you’re ready to go. Here’s a suggested how to for your first trip:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSelect a spot where your target species are known to be, or likely to be. In most cases that will be a spot holding bait fish, which in turn attracts apex predators;\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/35_meters_on_depth_sounder_large.jpg?v=1554713439\" alt=\"Gives you the ability to fish down deep\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLive squid a deadly bait for kingfish, check our how-to pages on the best way to rig them:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Squid are one of the best choices for live bait\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/squid_caught_for_live_bait_large.jpg?v=1554713445\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLive bait excellent for all predators. Bridling with a rubber band the best way to rig them to stay fresh. If not familiar with that method, check our how-to pages:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/preparing_live_bait_for_trolling_large.jpg?v=1554713445\" alt=\"rigging live bait for use with the downrigger\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePut the boat in gear, slowest speed, just off neutral. Boat should be going straight, downwind usually the best;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAttach your boat and lure and run it back behind the prop. Check to make sure that your lure or bait is swimming correctly;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrop the rod in the rod holder and grasp the line at the rod tip. Back off the drag so you’ve got something to work with;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOwners ask me what distance should the bait be, behind the weight. In most cases, and certainly when fishing for kingfish in shallow water, I like mine up close, usually two metres behind. Three main reasons:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fish don’t care. They are not alarmed by the weight. Actually, it’s possible they are attracted by it;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have your bait or lure way back and need to make a turn with the boat it will come around on an acute angler and may even go near the prop. Keeping your bait up close to the weight means that, with the long arm on our downrigger, you can turn your boat like a car and still keep everything clear. For instance, you might see a missed strike on the rod tip, signs that the bait fish is alarmed, or mark a good show on your sounder screen that you wish to revisit. If the bait is up close you can do a hard turn and go back over;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhy give a hooked fish a head start? Every metre of line between the rod tip and the hook puts him that much closer, to the reef.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour bait is now attached to either the downrigger release clip or the rubber band and is swimming comfortably behind the boat. You are ready to set depth. Firstly, back off the drag on your reel, so that as the weight sinks it won’t tear your fishing line out of the release. Hit the orange button on your line counter, so it resets to zero. The boat should be going slow ahead. Note that, at speeds over three knots, small live bait will start to spin. So if the current is fast and everything’s streaming nicely behind your downrigger, there’s nothing wrong in drifting with the boat in neutral. Palm the downrigger spool with your left hand (to prevent an over run) and, with your right hand, turn the spool tensioner anti clockwise. Your weight will sink, taking the bait with it;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatching the line counter, stop the downrigger spool with your left hand when the preferred depth is reached. Tighten the spool tensioner with your right hand and you’re under way. Often you’ll be able to see the weight on your sounder screen and observe its position relative to passing fish. In this case, the weight is at nine metres, in eighteen metres of water:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/18_metres_deep_shown_large.jpg?v=1554713439\" alt=\"18 meters deeps is a great depth for trolling in the right location\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHugging the bottom contours is a risky business because your downrigger weight could foul the bottom on a sudden jump up. And in most cases, it’s not necessary anyway. For general downrigging over a rough bottom I usually set depth half way down. Kingfish are very aggressive predators and have no problem at all rising in the water column to attack a bait moving overhead. If you are downrigging over a sand bottom, or somewhere with no obstructions, you can go as deep as you like.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree things to mention in closing. Firstly, if you are reading this from outside Australia, and assuming the downrigger would cost too much to import, don’t. In this country we have no sales tax on exports, meaning a $50 deduction straight off the top. And often, airmail isn’t as much as you think – seamail even cheaper. So send me an email with your location, for a quote? You might be pleasantly surprised.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSecondly, a lot of anglers contact me concerned our downrigger might not be an easy install, on their boat. Don’t be concerned. We have fitted downriggers to almost every kind of boat imaginable. Some examples below. We can supply longer booms, different mounting setups and of course the boom arm can be rotated, to operate out to one side of your boat. For any questions at all, just send me an email? I will respond promptly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/preparing_at_the_boatramp_large.jpg?v=1554713446\" alt=\"Set up at the boat ramp to get out on the water\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Small boats work just as well\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/downrigging_in_the_harbour_large.jpg?v=1554713442\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/along_the_coast_small_boat_large.jpg?v=1554713439\" alt=\"You can still get small boats outside the heads if your experienced\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/on_trailer_set_up_large.jpg?v=1554713445\" alt=\"Back on land after a big day out\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe bottom line is, we’ve worked hard to produce the best downrigger on the market. And even though we’re still improving it with every production we reckon we’ve achieved that. But don’t take my word for it. Check out these reviews from happy owners:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAndrew , I went out for a solo trip off Noosa last weekend here are pics of my day out – it rained a lot onshore all weekend but nothing much offshore, just passing squalls. Got one hoo, three stripies and bag limit of pearlies (returning the pearlies due to the green fishing ban ?)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/trolling_off_shore_game_large.jpg?v=1554713446\" alt=\"Can still be used when separated\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/catching_fish_offshore_large.jpg?v=1554713440\" alt=\"Catching large species for a great meal\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eI use the manual downrigger with 3lb weight for up to 5m down and the electric downrigger with 10lb weight for deeper – set up works well with rigged garfish.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/kingfish_downrigging_large.jpg?v=1554713443\" alt=\"Running two downriggers from the back of the boat\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHeaded across the bay in reasonable weather and then out through the south passage bar. Never crossed the bar on the southern end, but had seen a few boats do it before. Dodged a few sharp waves that got the heart pumping, though made it out the other side. Over to the bait reef for a load of livies which took a little while, though managed a dozen or so. It was about 6:30am by the time we had a bait in the water, as it is a 50km run from Manly to the fishing grounds. We had one bait on the downrigger, and one on the surface and within 3 minutes we had a double hook-up and all hell broke loose.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/great_result_on_fishing_boat_large.jpg?v=1554713442\" alt=\"Catch fish at the exact depth you see them\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWe managed to keep the fish away from each other and also get the downrigger up before they tangled with it. We landed both fish and got 2 more baits in the water. Again the baits were in the water for another five minutes and the downrigger goes off again. Another cracking spanish mack. We ended up with 5 fish for the morning and 3 from the downrigger.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/young_bloke_with_great_catch_large.jpg?v=1554713446\" alt=\"Young bloke catching a great fish\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eStill excited about the haul the previous day, and a mate in town keen to head out, off we went again. Water colour was completely different with a green tinge to it, and the fish proved bloody hard to get. We landed a shark mackerel first, then two nice yellowfin tuna all on the downrigger. Things went really quiet for the next 2 hours and no one around us was catching anything. We ventured out into the deeper water and dropped the rigger really deep. In almost 40 meters of water, the line on the downrigger starts screaming and finally we got a blue for the morning.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/awesome_day_fishing_large.jpg?v=1554713440\" alt=\"Filling the eski with 4 great catches\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrant Rand fished South West Rocks, with two of our downriggers he’s customised:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWe went out and crossed the bar straight out to get livies. It was a struggle to get any after an hour and a half we had enough for the day trolled around the gaol for a few hours with nothing happening. We packed up and headed for fish rock, started to troll x-raps about 250m before, and on our first pass we had a double hook up on yellowfin. Lost 1 mid fight, and I lost mine right at the back of the boat it was a good fin around the 20KG mark disappointing but very promising. Next pass we boated a nice mack tuna and for the next 2 hours it was mack after mack. After pulling in a mack I put the x-rap back out, and got smashed straight away by a small yellow fin of 7KG. On our last pass Liams rod goes nuts, 10 mins later we had a 115 cm spaniard on board. Not a bad day for our first day fishing at SWR 15 or so fish in the boat and a good feed of fish for the night. Most of the fish were caught on your braid so a thumbs up on testing it out.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Running a dual set up from the back of the boat\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/downrigger_in_use_ocean_large.jpg?v=1554713441\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFred Burley bought a downrigger  from us, and headed to Jervis Bay with his Quintrex in tow:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Trolling for kingfish along the cliffs\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/kingfish_trolling_near_coast_large.jpg?v=1554713443\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSaw water as warm as 24.2 degrees last week 100m off Currarong last week and my brother in law picked up a Yellowfin Tuna trolling. (another first). We have been consistently catching Bonito and Rat Kingfish on trolled lures and downrigging yakkas up and down the Beecroft peninsula. Great fun!!\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/hooked_up_offshore_4110df44-97aa-4833-af6f-96a2ca6acc26_large.jpg?v=1554713442\" alt=\"Fighting hard to bring it in\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThursday though at the Drumsticks was insane. Amongst non stop action with Rats averaging 60cm, at 3.00pm picked up 130cm\/18kg Kingie in 30m of water. I was only on 10-15kg rod and 50 pound braid. What an experience!! My brother in law picked up one at 100cm on Saturday too.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/back_at_boat_ramp_large.jpg?v=1554713440\" alt=\"Coming back from a trip with a good haul\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDownrigging has really put a smile on my face!!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Measuring a kingfish\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/measuring_the_days_kingfish_large.jpg?v=1554713444\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBeautiful. Downrigging’s deadly for big mahi. Tony won at the Whitsundays comp with a 17 kilo one. He writes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Mahi was caught on the eastern side of Hook Island \u0026amp; the reef, about 60km off the mainland. We won the heaviest other game fish \u0026amp; runner up highest combined point score.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/mahi_caught_in_warmer_water_large.jpg?v=1554713443\" alt=\"Tony winning a fishing competition with his mahi\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBrad writes from WA:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/marlin_downrigging_offshore_large.jpg?v=1554713444\" alt=\"Catching Marlin on the downrigger\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eI share a boat with a Friend Paul Grant who put me onto your site and he purchased a Down rigger and each got some Braid. Paul asked me to send some photos of a recent trip which we got the equipment for.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIt was the 1st time we had used a Downrigger so was all new to us but found it very effective when we only raised 1 Marlin for the trip but interestingly it was caught on the Downrigger in preference to the other 3 surface rigs we had out…. he was released and we hope to catch up with him again next year.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChris, in Sydney:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/chris_with_big_kingfish_sydney_large.jpg?v=1554713441\" alt=\"Chris with two kingfish\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHi Andrew, had some success off Wattamolla on the kingies yesterday. After getting dusted 4 times the week before on both 80lb braid and 24kg mono, I invested in a Stella 20000, spooled it with 150lb braid and had another crack. Caught these 2 fish in less than 15m of water in close to the cliffs, using yr downrigger with live yakkas.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf you have any questions whatsoever on downriggers, please call or email. And if you would like a free DVD on downrigging by mail, just click the contact tab on the front webpage? Thanks for reading,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Hestelow\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eManaging Director\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"Sydney","offer_id":1230640119815,"sku":"","price":670.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Melbourne","offer_id":7415942578225,"sku":"","price":670.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Brisbane","offer_id":7415942610993,"sku":"","price":670.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"North Queensland","offer_id":7415942643761,"sku":"","price":710.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Western Australia","offer_id":7415942676529,"sku":"","price":710.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Northern Territory","offer_id":7415942709297,"sku":"","price":710.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Elsewhere","offer_id":7415942742065,"sku":"","price":690.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/downriggers_in_use.jpg?v=1513135566"},{"product_id":"trolling-lures","title":"Trolling Lures","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 lures included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrolling lure, rigged\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeathers and plastic skirt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan be trolled at 12 knots+ for wahoo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlack and purple colour scheme for maximum contrast\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComes pre-rigged with armour spring to snap onto a snap swivel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSharp short shank stainless steel trolling hook\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 44 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery included in Australia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the USA, the Zuker ZF-14 Black \u0026amp; Purple is the number one skirted trolling lure. Our clone is very similar in size and shape but   is rigged ready for use and, way cheaper. Each lure is six inches long, with a heavy gauge stainless short shank trolling hook. Rigged on two metres of 100-pound mono with armour spring loops and crimped at both ends.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginal Zuker lures from Rayanne’s Tackle are $20 each – unrigged, plus delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOurs are $50 for 4 *including delivery in Australia.*\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeadly on southern  bluefin, yellowfin, striped tuna and can be trolled at high speed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor toothy critters like mackerel and wahoo just cut off the nylon leader and run mono wire through the armour spring loops, using the same hook.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Downrigger Shop Trolling lures are great for Tuna\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/Zuker_clone_1_large.jpg?v=1540013923\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere’s how they work:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5uLnqXtDLbM\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModel: Zuker clone\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDescription: Trolling lure, rigged\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecifications: A copy of arguably the most popular tuna lure of all time. A mix of feathers and plastic skirt makes it ripple and pulse through the water. Optimised hydrodynamic shape means it can be trolled at high speeds (12 knots+) for wahoo. Black\/purple colour scheme provides maximum contrast. Shipped pre-rigged with armour spring at rod end ready for snap swivel clip on, and razor sharp short shank stainless steel trolling hook at business end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight: 44 grams\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrice: 4 lures for $50\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePackaging: clear PVC bag in taped bubble wrap\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"The classic Downrigger Shop Trolling Lure\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/Zuker_clone_2_large.jpg?v=1540013923\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Downriggershop Trolling Lures are perfect for Tuna\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/Zuker_clone_3_large.jpg?v=1540013923\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":7431229997105,"sku":"","price":50.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/Zuker_clone_2.jpg?v=1540018979"},{"product_id":"detachable-line-counter","title":"Detachable line counter","description":"\u003cp\u003eProduct information:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall clipon unit with display\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMeasures in metres and is reset with the push of a button\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUseful for judging depth or knowing how much line a reel was spooled with\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery included in Australia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery so often the creative minds in the tackle business come up with something really handy and unique. And that’s certainly the case with this product – our detachable line counter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Detachable line counters are simple cheap and work well\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/detachable_line_counter_1_cdb87dc6-d9c9-466a-ab3f-2dc18ddba9b7_large.jpg?v=1524523807\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA small clipon unit with a display, it can be attached to almost anything from a skinny trout rod to a downrigger boom or 130-pound game rod. The line counter measures in metres and is reset by the push of a button. We fished the Birchgrove Park wreck using these. That one is off Sydneys’ northside in around 80m of water. It still has deck railings attached and (so divers tell me) is covered in snapper rigs and jigs. Being able to read the depth on the sounder screen, I just clipped the line counter onto my jigging rod and was able to stop the jig just short of the wreck. I’m sure that tactic saved me some tackle\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrice just $22 for 1 or $33 for 2 including delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"The detachable line counter mounted on a rod\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/detachable_line_counter_2_large.jpg?v=1524459061\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel: \u003c\/strong\u003eDetachable Line Counter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDescription: \u003c\/strong\u003eClip-on line counter used for measuring line out\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications: \u003c\/strong\u003eClips on to any rod with padded jaws and stainless clip. Measures in one metre steps down to 1000 metres. Large 3 digit display and convenient reset button. To operate, simply fit to rod (ten seconds) wrap line around orange wheel in clockwise direction once. Ideal for deep dropping, electric reel fishing, or knowing or finding out how much line you have on your reel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight: \u003c\/strong\u003e65 grams\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrice: \u003c\/strong\u003eOne line counter $20. Two line counters $30\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePackaging: \u003c\/strong\u003ePlastic bag inside cardboard box and taped with bubble wrap\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KD_bwy3eNUM\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery handy for dropping down live baits or soft plastics offshore, and can also accurately tell how much line you’ve wound on to a new reel. Just wrap the line once around the orange wheel. To reset to 000, push the orange button. You may have seen it on Strikezone TV when Al McGlashan used it to catch a large big eye tuna, straight off Sydney.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"The line counter in use on Strikezone\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/strikezone_line_counter_large.jpg?v=1539659862\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eandy weekends fish!! hey also can I order a few of those line counters - they are rusting up because i look after them  so well. caught a rays bream and an oil fish on the deep as well\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003echeers, big ears\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTony Anson sent in a nice note about our reel counter:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Andy, Got the braid thanks very much. Have not had a chance to use it yet as the weather over here is WA has been awful last couple weeks. So impressed by the line counter that I would like to get two more of them and give them to a couple mates so hopefully they'll buy some of your gear as well.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Hi Andy, as I said in the quick message the other night, the line counters would appear to have had instant success.  While we are still fiddling with the sounder trying to get clearer readings on the predators, we had at least 4 hook-ups by 'stopping and dropping\" on fish we had marked.  I have attached a couple of photos of what we are seeing on the sounder images - not as clear as some of the other readings I am seeing from other boats, but nonetheless workable.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Thanks again for the counters, and I have cc'd a couple of our crew who were also impressed by the counters and might want to get some (in a hurry!)\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Fish the exact depth you see on your sounder by using a line counter\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/mirror_your_sounder_depth_with_line_counter_large.jpg?v=1539660700\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/downriggershop.com\/pages\/contact-us\" title=\"Contact the Downrigger Shop here\"\u003eCall or write\u003c\/a\u003e if you’d like to place an order, or if you need to know more?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThanks for reading.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"1 Line counter","offer_id":7443839320113,"sku":"","price":22.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 Line counters","offer_id":7443839385649,"sku":"","price":33.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/detachable_line_counter_1.jpg?v=1524459058"},{"product_id":"micro-jigging-combo","title":"Micro jigging combo","description":"\u003cp\u003eRod, reel and line specifications:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLesson 3000 reel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 ball bearings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCarbontex drag\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5.2:1 gear ratio\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBay Jig rod\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6 feet 3 inches, split butt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFuji reel seat \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRated to 120 grams and PE3 line\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrespooled with 200m of 6 kilo colour change braid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTotal weight (rod, reel and line): 460 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery included in Australia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuying rods in bulk sight unseen from our suppliers can be a lucky dip. But with our new micro jigging rods I was pretty confident, because  had sent not just pictures but a video of the rod in action on a Rompin sailfish. That was spectacular and got a big response from Facebook readers. Anyway when a big carton arrived from DHL I opened it with a lot of anticipation. And soon after was over the moon at how good these micro jigging rods are. K guides, Fuji reel seat, split butt. The guides are a little larger than on the Gomoku, meaning not as many problems with the braid to mono knot passing through.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"The Lesson 3000 reel and Bay Jig rod are the perfect micro jigging combo\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/micro_jigging_combo_1_large.jpg?v=1539849977\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere’s specs:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReel: Lesson 3000. Our No. 1 reel by sales, so popular and so proven. Ten ball bearings so, super smooth winding. Carbontex drag. 5.2:1 gear ratio, only weighs 280 grams. One of the best things about this reel – which often gets over looked, but which I find important – is that it’s got a really comfortable handle for winding.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRod: house brand Bay Jig. Split butt, 6 feet 3 inches, Fuji reel seat, rated to 120 grams and PE3 line. It’s not a key factor (although important to me) that this rod looks really good, too;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLine: 200 metres x 6 kilo colour change braid. Drop to the marks showing on your sounder screen. Lift, wind, and bang – you’re on.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTotal weight (rod reel and line)only 460 grams. Great combo, great price.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePrice: rod, reel, line complete is $190 with a twelve month warranty on parts and labour.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheers, Andy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/3e87o7_5ubE\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere’s Mev giving the new micro jigging combo a workout on a small kingfish, Thursday 4th December 2014.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4QI2JjspGG0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Mev's Kingfish micro jigged with the Downrigger Shop combo\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/micro_jigging_combo_2_large.jpg?v=1539850002\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA few days later and we were back outside, this time light jigging. Up to a wreck off Long Reef and all signs promising good fishing. Clear water, good sounder shows, correctly matched tackle and most importantly, an enthusiastic upbeat crew. Here’s a short clip showing what happened next, three hook-ups in forty seconds:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dNvOAwVCKzk\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost of the kingies were right on the legal mark, with a few around 70cm. On 6 kilo tackle we had some great sport:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Even 65cm Kingfish make for a good, fun fight on light tackle\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/micro_jigging_combo_3_large.jpg?v=1539850025\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThanks for reading, Andy\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":7456329990193,"sku":"","price":190.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/micro_jigging_combo_1.jpg?v=1539849977"},{"product_id":"carbontex-drag-washers","title":"Carbontex Drag Washer Sheet","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOur Carbontex drag washer sheets come in three sizes: 1mm, 0.75mm and 0.5mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe best quality Carbontex, not sandwich material\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEasy to cut and install\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA great upgrade for your reel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions of our carbontex sheets: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e100 x 195mm\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThey just fit inside a DL business envelope. Depending on the size of reel you can do up to seven reels, with one sheet – making this way of purchasing drag washers extra good value.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePRODUCT IS 1x \u003cspan mce-data-marked=\"1\"\u003eCARBONTEX SHEET 100 x 195mm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFree delivery worldwide\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll orders placed from outside of Australia include free delivery. If you require tracking, please select ‘Standard’ as the shipping option, because the ‘Economy’ option has no tracking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDave writes this morning, about fishing at Texas reef off Terrigal on Saturday:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Package arrived yesterday thanks mate, we missed the opportunity to use it as we were out early getting bait and then out to Texas........it was horrible and slow, so many barracoota and plenty of red algae\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJosh stayed inside Sydney Harbour. Disappointing result:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"We saw a few salmon under the bridge and saw a king get caught on a jig at the port marker outside darling harbour. No decent fish for us.\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGee this season has been tough. Without salmon and carp to fall back on, I’d be in a padded cell by now. Thankfully, November is nearly here. That’s the best month for kingfish, going by my diary. Here’s one we downrigged at Mugs Reef off Manly, this time last year:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Downrigging kingfish at Mugs reef off manly with carbontex drags\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/Kingie_caught_on_carolyn_jane_with_carbontex_large.jpg?v=1539737124\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI’m upbeat about what’s coming because the strong currents and relentless bad weather this winter have an upside. That is, way less fishing pressure, on offshore species. Not just from us rec fishos but from the pros and kingfish drop liners, too. I’m noticing that the few kingfish that are being caught are a good size. Here’s Denis Harsany on Friday:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Dennis pulling in a nice kingfish on an upgraded reel\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/kingfish_caught_with_smooth_carbontex_drags_large.jpg?v=1539737124\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs we say in Scouts, be prepared. The last thing you want is, after a long dry spell, to slip up when the rain comes. Get everything prepped. Make sure your boat trailer tires are properly inflated and your lights are working. Grease the wheel bearings and check the trailer brakes are adjusted. Run a tissue through your rod guides to check for cracks.  Replace tired braid and mono on your reels. And most of all, make sure your reel drag is super smooth. Because once you’ve hooked up to the fish of the summer it’s all too late, fix a mistake. Here’s how to give yourself the best chance for a big one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Carbontex Drag Washers pre cut and ready to be installed\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/pre_cut_carbontex_drag_washers_large.jpg?v=1539737125\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarbontex. It’s the name for the hardest, smoothest, and most reliable fishing reel drag washers ever invented. Some expensive high and reels come pre-fitted with carbontex drags. But most don’t. Check the bodgy factory washers installed in the Daiwa 40H, compared with its carbontex replacement:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A reels original and tired drag washer compared to the carbontex upgrade\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/carbontex_drag_washer_new_old_comparison_large.jpg?v=1539737123\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe good news is we’ve made it super simple and cheap to retrofit your reels with carbonTex drags. It doesn’t take long to do and, at around $3 per reel, it’s a cheap way to give you the maximum chance of boating a big one. Here’s how to do it. Firstly, order a sheet of carbontex from our website. \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan id=\"u89017-42\"\u003eOnly $29 and that includes delivery anywhere in the world\u003c\/span\u003e:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstalling Carbontex Drag Washers:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1. Undo your drag knob, remove the circlip, lay out the drag washers in order:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/drag_washer_assembly_downrigger_shop_large.jpg?v=1539996252\" alt=\"Installing new Carbontex Drags in a Diawa reel\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Here's a short how to video:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dZVWWZnFqC8\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eREMOVING YOUR DRAG WASHERS\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e2. Clip one of your old washers to the sheet of carbontex, using a bulldog clip or similar:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Mark out your new Carbontex drag washers by placing the old one on the sheet\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/getting_ready_to_cut_carbontex_to_size_large.jpg?v=1539737123\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e3. Use your power drill to punch a centre hole:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/60agTJpf8iw\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eDRILLING THE CENTRE HOLE\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e4. Cut around the outside of your washer, using an old pair of braid scissors:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Use braid scissors to cut out your new washer\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/use_a_drill_for_easy_carbontex_cutting_large.jpg?v=1539737125\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/HMlF84eFdHE\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eCUTTING THE OUTSIDE EDGE\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5. Grease the washers then wipe the excess grease off. It will stay in the cross hatching:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Pre greasing the carbontex washer is very important\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/greasing_new_carbontex_drag_washers_large.jpg?v=1539737123\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eGREASING THE DRAG WASHERS\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6. Reinstall drag washers in the correct order:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Reinstalling the Carbontex washers in an old reel\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/installing_new_drag_washers_in_old_reel_large.jpg?v=1539737124\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSimple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEasy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEffective.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne thing to mention? There’s a lot of bodgy discount carbontex around, on eBay and the like. Mostly, it’s sandwich material. Check this pic:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Downrigger Shop Carbontex compared to the cheap alternative\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/cheap_vs_real_carbontex_comparison_large.jpg?v=1539737123\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSee the white line, in the sheet on top? That’s fibreglass. A super thin sheet of carbontex has been glued to each side. Sold on eBay. No good.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNow check the bottom sheet. That’s our product. No white line. 100% carbontex, all the way through.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGive it a try? Best and cheapest tackle upgrade you’ll ever make. Super smooth drags are a joy. Two sizes available but it’s simple to decide which is correct for your reels. Spinning reels mostly use 1.0mm thick, and baitcasters use 0.5mm. Click here to buy a sheet which should do around seven average size reels:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThanks for reading\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Hestelow\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eManaging Director\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eAlso...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/downriggershop.com\/blogs\/tackle-news\/upgrade-drag-washers\" title=\"How to upgrade fishing reel drag washers using Carbontex\"\u003eCheck the last page about Carbontex Drag Washers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"1mm","offer_id":13611975540785,"sku":"","price":39.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"0.5mm","offer_id":13611975573553,"sku":"","price":39.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/pre_cut_carbontex_drag_washers.jpg?v=1539996462"},{"product_id":"light-spinning-combo","title":"Light Spinning Combo","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRod: 2 piece, 6 feet, 100% graphite.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReel: 10 ball bearings, carbontex drags\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpooled with 6 or 12 pound colour change braid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 320 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGear Ratio: 5.2:1\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery included in Australia\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a lot of our readers know I’m a Cub Scout leader, managing around thirty 8-11 year olds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Andy with a rod holder attached to his Kayak\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/using_a_rod_holder_in_kayak_large.jpg?v=1543528734\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAmongst them are some pretty fanatical young fishos. They watch all the TV shows and Youtube clips, read fishing magazines and have an amazing thirst for angling information. However, many of them don’t have the opportunity to do it as often as they’d like to, and even then, nine times out of ten, the fishing is shore based, with a lot of mados and toadies involved. So when John S asked if I could take him and his ten year old son out for a run a few years ago, I was quick to say yes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey met me down at Apple Tree Bay boat ramp on a sunny Sunday morning and, an hour later, we had a tank full of livebait and were raring to go. I elected to do a run straight up the middle with live yellowtail, knowing that the place had been firing for kingfish and other inshore pelagics, over the previous week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A cheap combo with everything needed\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/a_cheap_rod_and_reel_combo_large.jpg?v=1543528731\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe only downside was the lad’s gear. It was \u003cspan\u003eyour typical Big W\/K-Mart blister packed combo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The size was right, a 4500 threadline reel matched with a 10 kilo rod, but the quality was terrible. A rinky dink little handle more suited to a trout reel, and stiff hard sun baked mono line, that looked like it had been on the reel since Adam was in Kimbies. I said straight out to his dad that the gear couldn’t cut the mustard, and recommended he use one of the outfits we had on the boat. ‘No’, said dad, because the lad had ‘always wanted to catch a good fish on his own gear.’ So it was with misgivings that a live bait was rigged, and put it over the side.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Chris finding the Salmon in the harbour\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/chris_catching_salmon_sydney_large.jpg?v=1543528732\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy son was aboard too and first up, he caught a solid salmon. About five minutes after that our young visitor’s live bait was hit hard. I actually saw the kingfish because, at that time of year (February), Pittwater is so clear on a flood tide it’s like a big aquarium. Not a big one, maybe 75-80cm, but the effect on the boy’s tacky tackle was horrible to behold. The rod doubled over and the reel gave line in short jerks. It was actually making screeching sounds, as the dry spool lubricated with beach sand moved against the el cheapo plastic washers, which are always fitted to this type of combo. It was all over in ten seconds or less, with the line parting somewhere near the rod tip. I turned around to cheer him up and say, ‘don’t worry, another one will be along soon’, but the little bloke just burst into tears. It was the biggest fish he had ever seen, let alone hooked. I immediately regretted not demanding that our own gear was used, and from that point forward have always been a lot more insistent that, if the visitors’ gear is sub-standard, they should leave it in the rod rack.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are now offering a beautifully matched light combo ideally suited for three kilo line. Really, it’s for trout, bass, tailor, bream and squid. But in capable hands, can be used for larger species. Of course, with our wacky clients there’s always someone who takes that option too far! So when mad keen Sydney fisho Andy W sent me a cell phone video of him using the combo on kingfish last weekend I wasn’t totally shocked. How’s this, for rod bending?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LOdO9CJ3Vk0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Drax fighting Kingfish on light tackle\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/catching_kingfish_on_the_light_spinning_combo_large.jpg?v=1543528732\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood onya Drax and thanks for sending the vid and pic. With 10 ball bearings and carbontex drags, the reel is unbelievably smooth. We spool it with your choice of 3 or 6 kilo colour-change braid.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThree kilos is recommended, but 6 kilo good, if you need a little insurance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"The light spinning combo is well made and affordable while still being strong\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/the_602_reel_is_great_for_smaller_fish_large.jpg?v=1543528733\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe rod is the closest copy we were able to have manufactured of the ABU Hellbender 800, which in my humble opinion is one of the best three kilo light spin rods ever made\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The good part is that, despite the rod being six feet long, we can post it. So delivery is by no means expensive. If you want something that is well made, casts beautifully, is smooth as silk both with winding and drag, and doesn’t cost a packet, call or email for more details. We’ve had a few sample sticks out in the field, being tested by some keen clients:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"In the harbour the rod and reel is great for smaller fish species\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/fishing_the_harbour_with_light_gear_large.jpg?v=1543528733\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA kingfish even got into the action. How’s this, Darryl giving our light spin combo a major workout. He brought the king boatside, too:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Darryl hooked a kingfish on the boat offshore\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/darryl_chasing_kingfish_on_boat_large.jpg?v=1543528733\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eI thought I would send you a couple of fish (blue salmon, queen fish and a Barra) we have got over the last week or so, the queenie was on one of your $99 outfits with the light braid, I am not quite sure the rod and reel was made for this but it handled it well. I brought a couple for when I take our nieces and nephews out but I couldn’t help myself and I thought I would see how they go.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Queenfish are found up the north coast in warmer waters\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/queenfish_from_up_the_coast_jigging_large.jpg?v=1543528733\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"This big red caught on light tackle from the downrigger shop offshore\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/10kg_red_from_western_australia_large.jpg?v=1543528732\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAndrew, just a quick pic of this nice 10kg red that I  caught last week at Gnaraloo in WA’s north. Just did a quickie 4 day trip with my son and 2 mates to try my mates new 7.0m Swiftcraft boat before our more serious trip in 3 weeks. Got some smaller 4-5kg reds on those $59 dollar 10bb reels that I got from you earlier this year loaded with 30lb braid.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePeter H, June\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Mack Tuna on the light combo makes for a solid fight\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/smaller_mack_tuna_offer_a_great_fight_large.jpg?v=1543528733\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHi Andy, things were a little quiet here over the weekend but still managed a nice 3kg Snapper and a Mack tuna on the combo.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"This Snapper was caught on the Downrigger Shop tackle seen here\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/light_tackle_on_snapper_is_fun_large.jpg?v=1543528733\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNo need to thank me for using your combos, I'm having a ball seeing how far I can stretch them. I'll use them right through the snapper season and see how they're standing up at the end for salt intrusion, main gear wear, bearing failure and general rough and tumble. At this stage they're going well with the rod bent right to the butt on the tuna and bigger snapper and the reels still smooth. They're a real pleasure on the soft plastics when you're launching hundreds of casts in a session too.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePhil B, June 2012\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBut this fish ran too hard and too fast, to be a snapper. Here’s a short clip:\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/XYfIyacQ3j4\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt one point so much string was out we couldn’t see where the line touched the water. Thirty minutes or so later a nice 22-pound northern bluefin tuna came aboard. As far as I’m concerned our light combo has passed the test! These fish go hard:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Northern Bluefin Tuna caught on the light spinning combo\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/bluefin_tuna_using_the_light_combo_large.jpg?v=1543528731\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAndrew H.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"6 Pound","offer_id":14301064560689,"sku":"","price":145.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12 Pound","offer_id":14301064593457,"sku":"","price":145.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/the_602_reel_is_great_for_smaller_fish.jpg?v=1543531242"},{"product_id":"10g-knife-jigs-10-pack","title":"10g knife jigs 10 pack","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e10 gram knife jigs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMiniature version of our popular 40 gram size\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHook and cord included\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDeadly at Long Reef when fished through a burley trail (see video)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOur price: 10 jigs for $44\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cb\u003eDelivery included in Australia\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":16031269027889,"sku":"","price":44.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/10gramnew2022.jpg?v=1650927386"},{"product_id":"spoon-hooks","title":"Spoon Hooks","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e5 x Spoon Hooks\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLike a jig head – but better\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMakes your soft plastic, or dead squid, swim like a minnow lure\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeigh 40 grams, way increases your casting range\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuper sharp hook and fins, to hold your soft plastic secure\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery included in Australia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUsing with squid\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKingfish hooks up on a spoon hook squid\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=7g88Ay8HETw\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v%3D7g88Ay8HETw\u0026amp;source=gmail\u0026amp;ust=1748242559669000\u0026amp;usg=AOvVaw2lGbOXXgITRbaHHcDwwhc2\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/\u003cwbr\u003ewatch?v=7g88Ay8HETw\u003c\/wbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e \u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUsing with soft plastic lures\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=5DKeIU-LqlM\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v%3D5DKeIU-LqlM\u0026amp;source=gmail\u0026amp;ust=1748242559669000\u0026amp;usg=AOvVaw34ywecZq9Ev3VWe4T4EL2i\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?\u003cwbr\u003ev=5DKeIU-LqlM\u003c\/wbr\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40684401262641,"sku":"","price":25.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/5_1e5e9385-67a9-472c-a2f6-00ebe4ec9fbb.jpg?v=1748157611"}],"url":"https:\/\/downriggershop.com\/collections\/featured-fishing-tackle\/rod-and-reel-combo.oembed","provider":"Downriggershop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}