{"title":"Rods \u0026 Combos","description":"\u003cp\u003eShop fishing rods and complete rod-and-reel combos for spinning, jigging, trolling and light-tackle fishing.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"snapper-combo","title":"Snapper Combo","description":"\u003cdiv\u003eRod:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLength: seven feet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: spin, two piece, can be mailed meaning delivery not expensive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConstruction: graphite\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRating: 6 - 12 kilo line, 5\/8 to 1.5 ounce jig heads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 200 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReel:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRyobi 4000 spinning reel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 320 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGear ratio: 5:1\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBearings: 7\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLine capacity: 170 meters 15 kilo colour change braid (supplied pre spooled)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDrag: 5.5 kilos\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKnob: Polished aluminium power knob\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur new snapper combo. I started testing it in April 2014, mainly popping dolphin fish out at the FADS and casting SPs behind when a kingfish hooked up on the downrigger, close in under the cliffs:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Andy using the Snapper Combo at Bonito Alley\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/andy_using_downrigger_shop_snapper_combo_large.jpg?v=1540078756\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven though nothing big encountered, it was casting poppers out of sight. And distance is really important when you’re casting unweighted live baits or soft plastics. The rod tippy, to store casting energy, but with an even not progressive taper to it, meaning the full length acts as a shock absorber on a good one. A light matching size reel gives the combo a nice balance:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Two Snapper Combos ready to be shipperd\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/two_fresh_snapper_combos_large.jpg?v=1540078756\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI took it up to the footy field for some distance testing, to find out exactly what it was capable of:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Testing the Downrigger Shop's Snapper Combo casting range\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/testing_snapper_combo_cast_range_large.jpg?v=1540078755\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResults, best out of three casts:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e9 inch unweighted soft plastic lure = 41 metres\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40 gram micro jig= 64 metres.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver the moon about that because it proved the concept works. The idea with this combo is light weight and long distance casting but with grunt in reserve- in case you hook a big red. Designed for casting poppers to kingfish, SPs and pilchards to snapper, unweighted live baits for dollies, metals for salmon, all as far as possible. Responsive tip, so light bites can be detected. Specifications on the rod:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLength: seven feet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: spin, two piece, can be mailed meaning delivery not expensive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConstruction: graphite\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRating: 6 - 12 kilo line, 5\/8 to 1.5 ounce jig heads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 200 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrice: $80\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd the reel:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Two of the Snapper Combo's reels, spooled and ready to go\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/snapper_combo_reels_large.jpg?v=1540078754\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModel: Ryobi 4000 spinning reel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 320 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGear ratio: 5:1\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBearings: 7\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLine capacity: 170 meters 15 kilo colour change braid (supplied pre spooled)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDrag: 5.5 kilos\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKnob: Polished aluminium power knob\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Snapper Combo out in action about to catch great fish\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/snapper_combo_colour_change_braid_large.jpg?v=1540078754\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo $275 for the combo including rod, reel, colour change braid and fluorocarbon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoss posted a positive review on the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/downrigger\/\" title=\"The Downrigger Shop Facebook page\"\u003eFacebook\u003c\/a\u003e page:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"I have one of these reels I've had it for 18 months and I have tried to kill it but it seems indestructible. They are well worth the money it feels a lot smoother than my Daiwa Saltist. Mine has landed a 17kg kingfish jigging off Allmark last winter and did it with ease. For anyone who hasn't got one of these reels you should add one to your collection. You won't be disappointed. Tight lines\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne","offer_id":40104232747057,"sku":"","price":295.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Elsewhere","offer_id":40104232779825,"sku":"","price":335.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/downriggershop_snapper_combo_1.jpg?v=1513549449"},{"product_id":"ryobi-warrior-8000-jigging-combo","title":"Ryobi Warrior 8000 Jigging combo","description":"\u003cp\u003eReel:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRyobi Warrior 8000\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGear ratio 5:1\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDrag 8.0 kilos\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBall bearings 7\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight 550 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupplied prespooled with 190m 50-pound colour change braid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePolished aluminium colour matched reel knob\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRod:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHercules 24 kilo 2-piece jig stick\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLength 5.5 feet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight 270 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe biggest development for us this year has been the discovery of Ryobi reels. Light, powerful, reliable and well priced, they check every box on an ‘ideal jigging reel’ list:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"The 24 kilo jigging combo in use with our downrigger\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/24_kilo_jig_combo_with_downrigger_large.jpg?v=1542674396\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI fished with mine all through winter 2015, and was super pleased with results and performance, even though I didn’t catch any monsters:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Jigging Kingfish with 100 gram jigs on the 24kg combo\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/ryobi_8000_100_gram_jig_kingfish_large.jpg?v=1542674397\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe imported a few trial shipments after proving the reels’ quality and it wasn’t long before clients were sending positive pics and reports. Here’s Scott Phillips:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Scott Phillips catching great fish on the Ryobi jig combo\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/scott_phillips_jigging_ryobi_large.jpg?v=1542674397\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd here’s a beauty from Rompin:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Marlin caught on the Ryobi warrior 8000 combo\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/marlin_on_the_ryobi_jig_combo_large.jpg?v=1542674396\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere’s specifications:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReel:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRyobi Warrior 8000\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGear ratio 5:1\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDrag 8.0 kilos\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBall bearings 7\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight 550 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupplied prespooled with 190m 50-pound colour change braid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePolished aluminium colour matched reel knob\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe drag is so smooth under 8 kilos of load – the same drag setting we use for marlin, on 24 kilo line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne thing to mention? Ryobi is one of those companies continually upgrading their reels and improving performance each time. The current model we supply not only looks great, it’s great to use:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Ryobi Warrior 8000 reel from the bottom\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/ryobi_warrior_8000_reel_large.jpg?v=1542674397\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI reckon the reel looks great:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"The Ryobi from the top of the reel\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/top_of_24kg_combo_reel_large.jpg?v=1542674398\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMatching rod is our Hercules 24 kilo 2-piece jig stick. A proven performer:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Jeremy jigging 12 mile reef with the hercules rod\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/jeremy_jigging_12_mile_reef_large.jpg?v=1542674396\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere’s our best kingfish on it this year, a 114cm model for Darryl from Sydney’s South Head in November 2015:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A huge Kingfish caught jigging with the 24 kilo jigging combo off Vaucluse\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/kingfish_caught_jigging_off_vaucluse_large.jpg?v=1542674396\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother fantastic development is Roger P catching a marlin on our $125 Hercules jigging rod.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Roger P catching Marlin on the Hercules rod\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/catching_marlin_on_hercules_rod_large.jpg?v=1542674397\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThat Hercules rod i got some years back was finally put to a bit of a test, well for me anyway. Just been up to Brissy to fish with a few mates. They had 24kg tiagra outfits set up. I decided to put my saltiga z30 jig reel on the rod and send a lure out as shotgun. Lo n behold a small 35kg black marlin got tagged n released. Cos of the head injury it got from second hook it was tagged swum n set free without getting out of water shot\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRod length is 5.5 feet. I like a short rod with a slow action, where the shock of the strike and fight is absorbed by the whole length of the rod. You should be able to feel the foregrip flexing on a good one. At the end of the day the rod is designed to absorb shock, some models and brands seem to have forgotten that. Being a two piece it can be posted so delivery not expensive:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"The Hercules rod in two pieces, means cheaper shipping\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/hercules_rod_in_pieces_large.jpg?v=1542674396\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DRShop-paragraph shared_content\" data-content-guid=\"u95681-120_60_content\"\u003e\u003cspan mce-data-marked=\"1\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/downriggershop.com\/pages\/contact-us\" title=\"Contact the Downrigger Shop here\"\u003eSend an email or phone\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/span\u003efor further information and thanks for reading,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DRShop-paragraph shared_content\" data-content-guid=\"u95681-120_61_content\"\u003eAndrew\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"Reel and rod combo","offer_id":7422613192753,"sku":"","price":315.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Reel","offer_id":7422627315761,"sku":"","price":180.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Rod","offer_id":7422627348529,"sku":"","price":150.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/Ryobi_Warrior_8000.jpg?v=1523924212"},{"product_id":"braid-lines","title":"Braid lines","description":"\u003cp\u003eLine and spool sizes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1000m 6 pound colour change\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1000m 12 pound colour change\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1000m 30 pound colour change\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1000m 50 pound colour change\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1000m 80 pound colour change\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1000m 200 pound plain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll braid spools will be shipped with a free detachable line counter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery included in Australia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBraid line. There’s countless varieties now – flat, special composite, hollow and the like. We stick to the original and the best, being PE, known under the brand names of Spectra and Dyneema. We buy it from one of the largest manufacturers in the world. They produce huge volumes of braid for the European and USA market. We add our orders of 100 spools or so to their giant production runs, then we pass the savings on to you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Spools of Downrigger Shop braid line, wrapped and ready for shipping\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/braid_lines_1_large.jpg?v=1539665322\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBraid samples are regularly tested for correct breaking strain on our office line tester:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"The Downrigger Shop tests breaking strain on our office line tester\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/breaking_strain_tester_large.jpg?v=1539731757\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll braid spools are shipped with a free detachable line counter included. So you know exactly how much line you’ve put on your reel, and how much is left to spool up another of your reels or a friend’s reel. That reduces wasted line and saves you money. Here’s some feedback from happy clients.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Downrigger Shop braid comes with a free line counter\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/detachable_line_counter_1_cdb87dc6-d9c9-466a-ab3f-2dc18ddba9b7_large.jpg?v=1539665339\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHi! Andrew,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJust returned from Swains Reef with a group of like minded  mates, it was a first for my son and myself we had a ball, no monsters the largest being a 15kg Chinaman, Lost plenty to the Grey Overcoats never realised how many sharks can appear from nowhere . Big Hammer Heads, Tigers and Reef sharks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Catching 15kg Chinaman on braid line\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/15kg_chinaman_caught_on_braid_large.jpg?v=1539731757\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLooking forward to our next trip.The lads that I bought the colour braid for were more than impressed with their purchase thank you, we saw what looked to be very similar line if not the same in one of the tackle shops on the way up at over $400.00 per 1000 mtrs we got a good deal thank you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Catch Chinaman without wasting money on overpriced braid line\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/chinaman_caught_on_colour_change_braid_large.jpg?v=1539731757\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhil G went wide off Brisbane and fished 380 metres down, for some beautiful blue eye cod:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Phil with a Blue Eye caught on braid line off Brisbane\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/blue_eye_caught_on_colour_change_line_large.jpg?v=1539731757\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd a solid 51 kilo hapuka:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Braid line worked for this 51kg Hapuka\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/51kg_hapuka_on_braid_line_large.jpg?v=1539731757\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhil’s report is short and to the point:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHey Andrew, the braid works just fine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGlad you’re pleased with it, Phil! After a different trip, he wrote again:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Giant Blue Eye caught on Downrigger Shop colour change braid line\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/giant_hapuka_on_downrigger_shop_braid_large.jpg?v=1539731758\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHi Andrew, it has been four years of planning, finally got the kit together. 24 feet of glass boat, 175 hp Suzuki, raymarine sounder with 1kw transducer, alvey reef king, some Hestelow 200 lb braid, a few tips out of the how to catch deep sea ooglies from the downrigger website and bingo I  have my first Blue eye.  Yahooooooo. He went 15kg and jeez do they taste good. The little 17kg mahi mahi was on your 24 kg yellow braid. That stuff is good too! Thanks for your part, Philip\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA 17 kilo mahi is ‘little’??? Phil, I’m glad to hear our braid has worked so well for you. In a big discussion on various braids on Sydney Angler Forums, website member Brownie wrote:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJigging braid\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI buy from Andy (downrigger shop) our site sponsor, it works great and is far cheaper than the branded lines. Save yourself some money.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHi Andrew thanks for the line, we tested it and it broke at 67 lbs which is pretty good, and i used it yesterday.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Catching Cobias, great fish\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/cobias_caught_with_downrigger_shop_gear_large.jpg?v=1539731758\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCaught 3 big cobias [black kings] how good and lucky was that, to actually catch 3 and me mate also caught 2 all approx 15 kgs [great eating size mate] but never had any probs with your line.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTrevor K:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Huge Sambo caught on our braid line in Western Australia\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/giant_sambo_on_colour_change_large.jpg?v=1539731759\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew, thought I'd drop in this photo of this sambo from last Saturday, we were camped in 35m of water straight out from Ocean Reef, WA. This was caught on the floating mulie routine, needless to say it was a back breaker for 5-10 mins and your braid held up effortlessly. We guesstimated it at 30+ Kg, it was released with no dramas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Paul G:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Catching Snapper on colour change braid\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/great_snapper_caught_on_our_line_large.jpg?v=1539731758\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHi Andrew, just reporting back after our trip to Gnaraloo last week. Thanks for the colour-change - braid it worked a treat and the crew I was with were pretty impressed. Needless to say there will be some orders coming through for some more when I get them all sorted. One of the crew of 8 was my old man and at 81 he kicked our butts on quality fish as the pictures show.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeter H:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Big Mackerel caught on 50lb Downrigger Shop braid line\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/our_braid_is_tested_large.jpg?v=1539731760\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI have bought cheap braid in the past and found it drips a black stain everywhere when it gets wet and was very stiff. I got some of your coloured 50lb Braid and spooled it on a Daiwa LD40 on a Monster Mesh and it performed beautifully on the Mackerel. I found there was no releasing of the colours and was very impressed with the flexibility of it, I will now be re spooling all my other rods to get rid of the other stuff.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrad, WA, May 2012:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou won't be disappointed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBert Hall in amongst them up north:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Jigging with 50lb Braid has been a deadly combo off Townsville, Queensland\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/jigging_with_braid_line_works_large.jpg?v=1539731760\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThanks Andrew, paid and excited to test out some new gear.  I have attached a few photos of some fish caught using your 100g, 250g jigs and 50lb colour change braid.  All caught offshore from Townsville, Queensland which makes for a change to your usual Southern reports.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Bert catching Cobia and Spanish Mackerel on 100g and 250g jigs paired with braid line\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/cobia_and_spanish_mackerel_on_braid_large.jpg?v=1539731759\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e100g and 250g jigs have proven themselves time over on Cobia, Spanish Mackerel, Trevally and Cod to name a few species.  Look forward to trying the 40g jigs and the new spinning combo, Thanks again for your assistance,  Bert\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnytime at all Bert. Greg Costello likes our braid for deep dropping:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Greg pulling up Blue eye on Downrigger Shop line\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/blue_eye_is_a_great_eating_fish_large.jpg?v=1539731757\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI got this blue eye first drop with the braided line I purchased off you recently, first drop I got a double header. The line is great.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNice blue eye Greg. Lachlan Oldfield and Co went to Lord Howe Island to find gold:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A monster 142cm Kingfish caught on Greenback Charters with colour change braid\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/huge_kingfish_caught_on_colour_change_braid_large.jpg?v=1539731759\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHey Andy here are the shots! This king was 142cm on Dave Gardener's Greenback charters. Dave also said to mention that he uses your braid, thus this fish was caught with your braid!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent! 142 cm, I could go some of that action. If you’d like to see a braid sample first, just click the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/downriggershop.com\/pages\/contact-us\" title=\"The Downrigger Shop contact page\"\u003eCONTACT tab\u003c\/a\u003e? We will put a metre or so in the mail for you, same day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThanks for reading,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"6 pound","offer_id":7447277109297,"sku":"","price":90.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"12 pound","offer_id":7447280943153,"sku":"","price":95.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"30 pound","offer_id":7447280975921,"sku":"","price":105.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"50 pound","offer_id":7447281008689,"sku":"","price":115.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"80 pound","offer_id":7447281041457,"sku":"","price":130.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"200 pound","offer_id":7447281106993,"sku":"","price":220.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/80_pound_colour_change_braid.jpg?v=1540073949"},{"product_id":"802-light-combo","title":"802 Light combo","description":"\u003cp\u003eLesson 3000 reel specifications:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 320 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGear ratio: 5.2:1\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 ball bearings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCarbontex washers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpooled with 200m of 3 kilo or 6 kilo colour change braid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComfortable good sized handle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiawa Sweepfire spin 24A rod specifications:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e8' 2-piece casting rod\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRating: to 40 gram lures\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 170 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePackage includes: Floats, split shot and two leaders including hooks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery included in Australia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJune 2017, half the year over already. And what a shocker it’s been, weather wise. Rain. Then, wind. More rain. And then, a cyclone. The effect has been fisho frustration with blokes unable to get wide or offshore for weeks on end. Here’s today’s forecast. 20 knots on Sunday, the most popular fishing day of the week:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Sydney weather can be unpredictable for fishing\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/sydney_weather_fishing_forecast_large.jpg?v=1542842140\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere’s a factor at work recently making things even more frustrating. Seabreeze, Buoyweather and Willyweather give great forecasts. But of course they are based on isobars, barometers, cold fronts, high pressure systems and the like. They can’t take localized factors into consideration. Meaning that for instance, a local issue affecting weather doesn’t even show up on these online sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat’s been happening is that the weather sites forecast a five to ten knot westerly with a swell of under one metre,  in the morning. You check that forecast online and plan a trip, launch the boat and progress down to the Heads. But as you come out into the open ocean there’s a nasty 15 knot westerly producing a short steep chop. The breaking crests get bigger the further east you go. You either keep going in a worsening sea, turn back and try something else, or just get frustrated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt happened to us on Wednesday. Down to Roseville boat ramp, where Dan and Mev were waiting. Big day planned out wide with the jig combos prepped and multiple electric reels on board. An ominous sign that only two trailers were in a car park designed for 100+. But check this pic, taken as we cast off.  Total glass out. We headed down the Harbour, with hopes high.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Preparing to launch the boat at Roseville Boat ramp\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/roseville_boat_ramp_large.jpg?v=1542842140\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd those hopes crashed, as we passed South Head. White caps everywhere. Onto the Artificial Reef just two miles east. No-one else there. A brutal short chop. Drift really fast,  even though we were in 3 metres of water. The obvious concern being how bad would the drift be in 400 metres, at Browns Mountain?  If we could even get there, that is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut we had a fallback. After having this happen too many times recently, I had added some of our $95 802 blackfish combos to the gear list. We originally imported these for carp fishing:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Three 802 light combos set up on rod pod from the shore\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/three_802_light_combos_on_rod_pod_large.jpg?v=1542842141\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd they’ve been deadly, for that purpose:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Andy fishing with a light combo at a dam\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/andy_dam_fishing_light_combo_large.jpg?v=1542842138\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere’s specs on the rod:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eManufacturer: Daiwa\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModel:  Sweepfire spin 24A\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDescription:  8’ 2-piece casting rod\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecification: Daiwa Sweepfire is an inexpensive quality rod ideal for light fishing where distance casting is required. Flathead on soft plastics, squidding, float fishing for blackfish, casting into salmon schools.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRating: to 40 gram lures\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 170 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePackaging:  Inside a cloth bag, secured in taped bubblewrap, shipped in cardboard carton.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rod has a slow forgiving action, which soaks up the sudden sharp runs of hooked fish which so often cause a break off. We soon found it ideal for blackfish:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Fishing offshore with the 802 light combo\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/using_the_802_light_combo_for_blackfish_large.jpg?v=1542842141\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Blackfish caught on our combo\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/a_blackfish_caught_on_our_light_combo_large.jpg?v=1542842138\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe reel is our proven Lesson 3000:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 320 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGear ratio: 5.2:1\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 ball bearings, giving super smooth winding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCarbontex washers for  a super smooth drag\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpooled with 200m of 3 or 6 kilo colour change braid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnd an important feature which too often gets overlooked - a comfortable good size handle:\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"The rod and reel combo ready for action offshore\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/fishing_offshore_with_light_combo_large.jpg?v=1542842140\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rig is a plastic quill float held at the correct depth by a adjustable silicon stopper. Two tiny ball sinkers sliding on the braid, down to a micro swivel. Then a 70cm trace of 3 kilo fluoro carbon to a size 8 ringed Sneck hook – anodized in green finish, to match the weed colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Blackfish rig and everything required for catching them including our favourite bait\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/blackfish_rig_with_required_bait_large.jpg?v=1542842139\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUp the Harbour, checking out mooring buoys for weed growth. These are in water too deep for the blackfish to venture, considering the risk from jewfish and sharks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tJieJrL4t8g\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScrape some into a plastic box and back we go to Sow \u0026amp; Pigs Reef. It’s a large area of shallow broken ground in lower Sydney Harbour, half way between Clifton Gardens, and Watsons Bay.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A map of Clifton Gardens and Watsons Bay\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/map_of_clifton_gardens_large.jpg?v=1542842140\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI’m told that rocky structures projected way above the water until the 19th Century, when they were used for naval gunnery targets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Rocky underwater structures are perfect for targeting black fish\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/rocky_underwater_structures_harbour_large.jpg?v=1542842140\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRunout tide coming down the Harbour with a westerly blowing, meaning everything was in alignment. We moor up with the reef anchor in 6 metres of water, 25 metres west on the Harbour Bridge side of the reef.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDice up half of the collected weeds into small pieces, using a knife. Mix that with breadcrumbs and some saltwater in a bucket. Throw over small lumps regularly, and let the mix smell of fresh weed and breadcrumbs wash towards and hopefully eddy around the reef. Take one clean good quality cabbage leaf, from the weed box. Try and select a leaf  with the tiny hard root still attached. Put the hook point through the middle of the leaf once, and then use the leader to make a hitch around the top of the root.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe were moored in six metres of water, with our baits set around three metres  under the float. Normally that would be too far off the bottom but not in this case, due to three factors. The water was murky after recent rain. Heavily overcast so, low light levels. I figured those two factors would make the fish bolder than usual in following up the burley which sank very slowly and was maybe only two metres down, two or three rod lengths behind the boat. But the most important issue was that, at this spot, the Harbour floor gently rises to a couple of metres or less. So as the float and bait drifted towards the reef it would get closer to the bottom. Meaning all depths were covered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA down is the word used when your float slides under the water as a blackfish nibbles at the bait. Dan got a down thirty seconds into his first drift. He counted to three slowly, lifted the rod tip, and felt the weight of a good fish – which unfortunately jumped off the hook almost immediately. But it was a very good start to the session. We then experienced a thirty minute quiet spell of few downs and a few missed strikes. As the tide picked up, and as the burley started to work its magic, the fish came on the bite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/1djSFtTWm_g\" 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=\"Luderick on the deck with the help of our 802 light combo\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/blacfish_on_deck_rod_and_reel_large.jpg?v=1542842139\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll were keepers, some approaching 40cm in length.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Blackfish are such good eating and using light tackle is perfect for them\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/another_blackfish_caught_on_boat_large.jpg?v=1542842138\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey fought hard, like they always do. Mev and Dan were happy to divide up the catch before taking their share home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A great day on the water catching Luderick and what we used for them\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/a_great_haul_fishing_from_the_shore_large.jpg?v=1542842139\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese fish taste great if a little extra bit of care is used in preparation. The best way to do that is firstly, keep the fish live until you get back to the boat ramp. A basic mesh keeper net will accomplish that. Secondly, after bleeding and gutting your catch, scrape the black lining from inside the stomach cavity. That can be done with the edge of a knife or with a small brush or even a toothbrush.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne last thing to mention? Twenty years ago, when I used to drive my boat under the Spit bridge and down through Middle Harbour, it was common to see two or even three small trawlers netting the dropoff in front of Castle Rock. A big part of their catch at the time was blackfish. But all those trawlers are gone now, and the Harbour is free of commercial fishing. After passing through the Heads, I would turn north or south to chase kingfish along the cliffs. The ledges would host dozens of blackfish anglers, almost all of which have gone now. Going even further back to the mid 1970s, my grandmother would drive me to Fairybower carpark in the morning – then pick me up in the afternoon, after a full days chasing blackfish off the rocks. On weekends, and even sometimes mid-week, there were so many anglers chasing blackfish that we would form a picket line. That’s when you bait up and cast in, and move right or left to follow the drift of your float. When you get to the end of your drift you wind in and go back to the start of the queue, which might have eight or ten anglers in it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll that has gone now. Realistically, the pressure on this species has never been lighter since the 50s or even before. There are swarms of them in every suitable habitat both inside and outside east cost estuaries. They fight hard, they taste great, and you don’t need expensive gear to chase them. Yes, they are a challenge to catch, but the right gear makes that so much easier. The proof being this quality blackfish – the first he’s ever caught – for Mev on our boat, this week:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/6ZVjEbzyJL8\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGive it a try.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs well as the rod, reel, and line I’ll throw in floats, split shot, and two leaders including hooks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou’ll have everything you need to get started – except the green weed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThanks for reading, Andy\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"3 Kilo Line","offer_id":7447439638577,"sku":"","price":115.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"6 Kilo Line","offer_id":14283926110257,"sku":"","price":115.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/802_light_combo_5.jpg?v=1524797889"},{"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":"ryobi-4000-with-7-foot-702-reel-and-rod-combo","title":"Ryobi 4000 with 7 foot 702 reel and rod combo","description":"\u003cp\u003eRod specifications:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e702 rod\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLength: 7 feet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 piece casting rod\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReel specifications:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRyobi 4000 spinning reel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 320 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGear ratio: 5:1\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBearings: 7\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLine capacity: 170 meters 15 kilo colour change braid (supplied pre spooled)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDrag: 5.5 kilos\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKnob: Polished aluminium power knob\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e10 kilo flurocarbon leader spool and 2 x 40 gram jigs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery included in Australia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":8684172279857,"sku":"","price":300.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/andy_getting_results_on_ryobi_4000_combo.jpg?v=1553494977"},{"product_id":"ryobi-4000-with-6-foot-bay-jig-reel-and-rod-combo","title":"Ryobi 4000 with 6 foot bay jig reel and rod combo","description":"\u003cp\u003eRod specifications:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBay Jig rod\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLength: 6 feet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2 piece jig and boat rod\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReel specifications:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRyobi 4000 spinning reel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 320 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGear ratio: 5:1\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBearings: 7\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLine capacity: 170 meters 15 kilo colour change braid (supplied pre spooled)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDrag: 5.5 kilos\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKnob: Polished aluminium power knob\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eComes with 2 x 100 gram knife jigs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery included in Australia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":8684233621553,"sku":"","price":285.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/bay_jig_rod_with_ryobi_4000.jpg?v=1553494934"},{"product_id":"blackfish-combo-with-floats-and-rigs","title":"Blackfish Combo with Floats and Rigs","description":"\u003cp\u003eIncluded in the Blackfish combo is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e802 light reel and rod combo\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFloats and rigs for catching Blackfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery included in Australia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2017 has been a pretty annoying year for those of us on the east coast who love offshore fishing. So many times we’ve headed down the Harbour with a run out wide planned. Get to the Heads and it’s blowing twice as hard as forecast. Sometimes, we battle our way out there anyway. But that brings a fresh set of challenges, including the possibility someone will get seasick. Finally, we came up with a simple answer which has worked well for us. Here’s the story:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A blackfish in a net on the deck\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/blackfish_on_the_deck_large.jpg?v=1527639165\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackfish are a species available pretty much anywhere on the coastline of south-east Australia. They fight hard and, if bled and chilled down after capture, go very well on the plate. The bait is free and the tackle to catch them is inexpensive. Here’s what we do.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOn each trip, we pack our \u003cspan\u003e802 Blue combo\u003c\/span\u003e, one for each crew member. These long, thin, light outfits fit perfectly in the side pockets of our boat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/catching_blackfish_off_the_rocks_net_large.jpg?v=1549272572\" alt=\"Fishing the rocks with light tackle\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003cimg src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/land_based_fishing_luderick_large.jpg?v=1549272925\" alt=\"Hooking fish from the shore\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"The rod pod and light combo is great for catching blackfish\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/blackfish_haul_on_light_combo_large.jpg?v=1527639165\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf we don’t need the rods that day, a light freshwater spray at the end of the day and they’re ready for use next time. But if we get to the Heads and it’s too lumpy to proceed, here’s the plan that’s delivered for us. We take a bucket and half fill it with wet sand, at the boat ramp. Then down the Harbour, keeping an eye out for mooring buoys with weed growing on them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Weed growing on a buoy mooring in Sydney, Australia\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/buoy_covering_in_weed_large.jpg?v=1527639165\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere's Mev scoring some weed from the giant ship buoy near Clark Island:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/tJieJrL4t8g\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScrape some off the buoy and put a quarter of the best stuff aside, for bait. Chop up the rest on the bait board and mix it with the wet sand. Anchor up at a likely spot – of which there are hundreds, because this is such a common species. Usually best to be on the uptide side, of the mark. Steadily deploy the burley. We have never missed out at our favourite spot – Sow \u0026amp; Pigs reef, in lower Sydney Harbour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Sow and Pigs reef, in lower sydney harbour\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/old_lower_sydney_harbour_large.jpg?v=1527639165\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter anchoring, check water depth on your sounder. Move your sliding float stopper up or down the line so that your bait will be around a metre off the bottom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Lower Sydney harbour on the map\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/fishing_map_large.jpg?v=1527639165\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe've been using the Downrigger Shop 802 blackfish combos. $95 for rod reel and line, they come pre rigged with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Float rigs assembled by Downrigger Shop\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/two_assembled_floats_large.jpg?v=1527639166\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"Two assembled 3 kilo Sunline fluorocarbon leaders with size 8 green Sneck hooks\u003cbr\u003eTwo floats and sliding line stopper already fitted to 3 kilo colour change braid main line\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo all you need is the weed. We weight the floats correctly for you because there’s nothing more annoying than adding then removing splitshot to get the correct balance when you’re at your spot and raring to go. Mission accomplished, your floats will be perfectly weighted:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"An example of the rigs weight distribution\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/weighted_floats_demonstration_large.jpg?v=1527639166\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCast the rig out with an underhand lob and let it drift with the tide towards the structure you selected. The bite of the blackfish is gentle but confident. In most cases your float will slide under the water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zzCPweDGGoo\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDaiwa 802 the perfect rod to soak up the sudden runs: \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/1djSFtTWm_g\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e First blackfish ever for one of our crew:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/6ZVjEbzyJL8\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are so many around, especially in winter. This one hooked up on the first cast of the day, within ten seconds of the bait hitting the water: \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mkmZfFfjDh4\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlackfish are a surprisingly strong fish for their size and always hold a bit of energy in reserve, to play up next to the boat. You will definitely need a landing net although note a small short handled one works fine, off a boat. Put them in a keeper net, or in your livebait tank, until you’ve finished up? When cleaning blackfish, make sure the black membrane on the inside of the gut cavity is scraped off. An old toothbrush or even your knife is okay for this purpose. They taste great so look after them:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Blackfish are easy to cook and super tasty\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/blackfish_for_dinner_large.jpg?v=1527639165\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI can’t recommend this too highly. As readers know, we love jigging for kingfish, deep dropping for gemfish and blue-eye, and drifting for mako sharks. But when it’s windy that’s not going to happen. I can honestly say that fishing for blackfish is so much fun there’s very little disappointment from a bad weather day. Give it a try? Here’s the link, for more information or ordering. Note that this rod and reel combo is also excellent for squidding:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThanks for reading and get back to me with any questions whatsoever,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAndrew Hestelow\u003cbr\u003eManaging Director\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":14298609680433,"sku":"","price":175.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/blackfish_haul_on_light_combo.jpg?v=1549272739"},{"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":"802-blue-light-spin-combo","title":"802 Blue Light Spin Combo","description":"\u003cp\u003eReel:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHG 3000\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNine ballbearings\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCarbontex drags\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBig comfortable handle made from polished aluminium\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpooled with 200 metres of six kilo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRod:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e802 Cuttlefish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEight feet two piece with split butt\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMedium to fast action\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGood for long casts\u003c\/span\u003e\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\u003e2017 and New South Wales is experiencing perhaps the windiest winter, in a decade. Day after day of strong westerlies, broken once a week or so by a howling southerly. Usually at this time of year we chase salmon, using light gear. Big schools of hungry salmon are found under the cliffs protected from the wind, in spring:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Salmon hitting the surface in pursuit of bait fish and birds indicating\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/bust_up_off_the_vaucluse_cliffs_large.jpg?v=1544051220\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut this year it hasn’t happened. Despair was setting in when, a fortnight ago, some red hot intel arrived. Two Facebook readers who work on the ferries sent cell phone videos of big schools of salmon, which had arrived in the Harbour. I headed down to North Head lookout to confirm:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/rY4yd5AgKKs\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e… and posted the video to Facebook within the hour. That’s helpful because hundreds (if not thousands) of readers have been facing the same problem - where to fish and what to fish for, when it’s blowing 20 knots every day. The salmon move around the Harbour depending on tide and time and are often in sheltered bays, out of the wind:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/8-bt0w70ED8\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor those not experienced with them, salmon are one of the most common pelagic fish in southern Australia. They are tough fighters known for leaping out of the water when hooked. Note the angler on the left is hooked up too:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Salmon caught during a bust up in the harbour\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/catching_salmon_in_harbour_802_large.jpg?v=1544051221\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGiant schools enter estuaries on the east coast during winter. Once there they focus on tiny fish fry called eyes, or glassies. Their messy feeding attracts big numbers of seagulls and terns, meaning the schools are easy to spot from a distance. Note the school in the background of this pic, taken on our boat last week:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"The giant schools of Salmon provide fun reliable fishing close to home\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/salmon_caught_from_boat_light_spin_large.jpg?v=1544051222\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’ve been fishing for them regularly over the past two weeks and they’ve saved the day when the winds are blowing too strong, to go wide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLet’s run through the gear we’ve been using. The salmon are feeding on tiny fish, around three centimetres long. It’s crucial to match the hatch. When multiple boats are trying to hawk up fish from the same school, you’ll see all kinds of bait and lures being used. Many don’t work. These do. Flies with resin heads and eyes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Fishing flies with resin heads work well for fish hitting the surface\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/fly_fishing_lures_for_saltwater_large.jpg?v=1544051221\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTiny soft plastics:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Small soft plastics work so well for Salmon\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/small_soft_plastics_to_be_tied_large.jpg?v=1544051221\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd transparent soft plastics:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Transparent soft plastics are a classic for salmon in the fishing world\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/transparent_soft_plastics_in_packaging_large.jpg?v=1544051222\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeedless to say it can be difficult-if not impossible-to cast these tiny lures in a strong wind. So what you have to do is to add casting weight while keeping the lure in the strike zone-which is the top 30 centimetres of water. The way to do that is with a bubble float. This is a float made from transparent Perspex which you can weight using salt water, by opening a little stem valve:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"802 blue light spin combo pre rigged with a tiny soft plastic\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/rigging_small_soft_plastics_large.jpg?v=1544051221\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTie that on your leader - 6 to 10 kilo fluorocarbon, because multiple fish mean a lot of wear and tear. The salmon don’t seem to mind the float. Rod and reel should be our 802 Blue combo, spooled with six kilo line:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Two of the light spin combos ready to go beach fishing\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/two_pre_rigged_802_combos_large.jpg?v=1544051222\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can go lighter than six kilo, especially if you’re fishing solo. But three kilo line can mean a fight lasting more than 10 minutes, on a good one. Fighting the hooked fish will draw you away from the school, meaning other anglers on the boat will be out of casting range. This combo is the perfect mix for soaking up the head shakes and sudden powerful runs. But it’s not a heavy action. It’s particularly good at distance casting and can often make the difference in who gets the hook ups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRod: our 802 Cuttlefish. Eight feet two piece with split butt, and a medium to fast action. Really good for long casts, which are the key to success in the wind. Loads up beautifully on a good one:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"The 802 rod takes the weight of the fish with ease\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/hooked_up_on_the_light_spin_combo_large.jpg?v=1544051221\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut has grunt to spare for the end game:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Under strain the 802 has a great bend while feeling strong\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/802_rod_handles_bend_well_large.jpg?v=1544051220\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReel: HG 3000, our number one reel. Nine ballbearings, for super smooth winding. Carbontex drags, for supersmooth fighting. Big comfortable handle made from polished aluminium –because there’s nothing worse than a little plastic reel knob you have to hold in the tips of your fingers. Spooled with 200 metres of six kilo colour change braid joined to 3 metres of 10 kilo fluorocarbon leader for you, with an FG knot:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"The rod and reel combo can be used offshore from the boat\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/using_the_hg_3000_reel_offshore_large.jpg?v=1544051222\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003etwo bubble floats, two soft plastic salmon lures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll you have to do is cast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLast but not least I should mention this combo is handy for more than just salmon and kings:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI’ve been using mine off the rocks:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor everything from squid, to drummer:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSend me an email with any questions whatsoever and thanks for reading,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne","offer_id":40104139784241,"sku":"","price":160.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Elsewhere","offer_id":40104139817009,"sku":"","price":200.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/hooked_up_on_the_light_spin_combo.jpg?v=1553495543"}],"url":"https:\/\/downriggershop.com\/collections\/rods-combos\/jigging.oembed","provider":"Downriggershop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}