{"title":"Fishing line and lures","description":"","products":[{"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\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePractical guide:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/pages\/mackerel-trolling-guide-australia\"\u003eMackerel Trolling Guide for Australian Waters\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\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":"spoon-hook-and-soft-plastic-lures","title":"Soft plastic lures with spoon hooks","description":"\u003cp\u003ePackage includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 x 40 gram spoon hooks: Make the soft plastic or squid strip sway like a lure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 x 7\/0 HD short shank stinger hooks: Set one back in the soft plastic tail\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 x 9 inch 2-tone soft plastics with eye; 5 bait fish type, 5 bleeding gills type\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery included in Australia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e20 pieces total\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI don't need to tell readers just how great soft plastic lures are. Anyone who was around when they first took off in Australia will never forget how deadly they proved, on flathead. And they are now such an important part of fishing in this country that a tackle shop owning friend told me that without them, he’d be out of business. For him they’re a close second to fresh bait, in sales importance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBig SPs are deadly on kingfish too. But they are hard to cast and slow to sink. That can be a pain when the nor easters are blowing hard in the middle of kingie season. So when our primary supplier offered us some nine inch SPs at a good price I asked him to include some 40 gram spoon hooks too:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Downrigger Shop spoon hook\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/spoon_hook_large.jpg?v=1540255879\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are rigged with the SP head through the spoon hook then a 7\/0 short shank stinger hook set back in the SP. That hooks short striking fish:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Soft plastics rigged with spoon hook and short shank stinger hook\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/spoon_hook_and_soft_plastic_lures_rigged_3_large.jpg?v=1540255879\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn even deadlier option can be to replace the soft plastic lure with a California squid. In this case the stinger hook goes through the squid head:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Rigging a Squid with a spoon hook and stinger hook is a deadly combo\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/squid_rigged_with_spoon_hook_large.jpg?v=1540255880\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLooks good, doesn’t it? Effective too. If you don’t have whole squid cut strip works just fine:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"You can rig a strip of squid to save bait\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/spoon_hook_and_soft_plastic_lures_squid_strip_large.jpg?v=1540255880\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere’s two videos showing live hookups on this setup off Sydney’s South Head in 2014:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7g88Ay8HETw\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn this one you can hear the rubber band snap at the 30 second mark:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e \u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/oKxG8pTEMYI\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo when our first tester samples arrived I was busting to get out there and give them a try in Sydney Harbour. I rigged one with a small stinger treble which we don’t do anymore because kingfish often hook it up deep in the throat or gill rakers, and removing it causes too much damage:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Pre rigged Downrigger Shop Soft Plastics on spoon hooks\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/spoon_hook_and_soft_plastic_lures_rigged_2_large.jpg?v=1540255879\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst stop was the famous Tripod, off Nielsen Park. This is arguably the best kingfish spot in Sydney Harbour:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"One of the best Kingfish spots in Sydney Harbour the Tripod off Nielsen Park\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/tripod_nielson_park_fishing_spot_large.jpg?v=1540255881\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStraight into them! Mev hooked up first, on the white SP:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Mev catching Kingfish on Soft Plastics at the Tripod in Sydney Harbour\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/mev_with_kingfish_on_soft_plastic_large.jpg?v=1540255879\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen Ed scored a tiny Kingfish on the orange one:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Ed catching a tiny Kingfish off the Tripod in Sydney Harbour on Soft Plastics\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/ed_catching_kingfish_on_soft_plastics_large.jpg?v=1540255880\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo biggies found but I was pleased as punch because it was the middle of a bright sunny day in the busiest harbor in Australia with other boats fishing the same spot and doing no good at all. So why do they work so well? Firstly, the spoon hook gives the soft plastic lure a fantastic action. Check this out:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dmPaXjwBY58\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou cannot replicate that, just using your rod tip. Here’s one more, showing a moderately fast troll:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5DKeIU-LqlM\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHow good is that? Another big benefit is that the spoon hook increases casting range. That’s important, because in summertime with the nor’ easter blowing you can drift away from your intended marks so quickly. Lastly, the 40 grams of lead accelerates the sink rate. That’s a benefit too because if you mark kings on the sounder (for instance, around Harbour structure) they are almost always half way down. So, at the Tripod (in 16 metres) they usually show up 7 or 8 metres down – on the tide side.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere’s the deal:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 x 40 gram spoon hooks: make the SP or squid strip sway like a lure;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e5 x 7\/0 HD short shank stinger hooks: set one back in the SP tail;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e10 x 9 inch 2-tone SPs with eye; 5 baitfish type, 5 bleeding gills type;\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e$26 for pick up or $34, including delivery anywhere in Australia.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThat’s for the full package, 20 pieces in all.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere’s one of mine rigged on 80 mono:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Andy rigging a Soft Plastic on a Spoon Hook with 80 pound Mono\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/spoon_hook_and_soft_plastic_lures_rigged_large.jpg?v=1540255879\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnd here's how to rig them:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/72YKVZ_e6l0\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DRShop-paragraph shared_content\" data-content-guid=\"u67321-137_64_content\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/downriggershop.com\/pages\/contact-us\" title=\"The Downrigger Shop contact page\"\u003eSend me an email\u003c\/a\u003e if you need more info,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DRShop-paragraph shared_content\" data-content-guid=\"u67321-137_65_content\"\u003eor click the Paypal button if you’d like to try an order?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"DRShop-paragraph shared_content\" data-content-guid=\"u67321-137_68_content\"\u003eAnd don’t forget to send me a pic or two of your success for the Facebook page.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheers, Andy\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":7443551780913,"sku":"","price":34.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/spoon_hook_and_soft_plastic_lures_rigged.jpg?v=1540256066"},{"product_id":"poppers","title":"Poppers","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 x matte black poppers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOwner trebles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIdeal for 3 - 6 kilo tackle\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\u003eThe story is that, last summer, we had a ball popping kings at Long Reef using Roosta poppers:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Catching Kingfish at Longreef using poppers\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/kingfish_caught_on_popper_large.jpg?v=1540012625\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen we found a new buzz – chasing small mahi at FAD 19 (off Sydney) using mini poppers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere’s 60 seconds of a typical session with our $95 light combo:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4wUuqTHB5Zs\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe go is, three kilo line, and small bullet shaped poppers for distance casting:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A classic popper I use that has caught many fish\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/classic_popper_lure_bite_marks_large.jpg?v=1540012624\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut when I went to buy some for this season Arafura Tackle told me this one – the Kingfisher Poppet – was discontinued. So we ordered our own, with one important change – matte black colour, all over:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"The new Downrigger Shop poppers\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/downrigger_shop_poppers_large.jpg?v=1540012623\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe idea being, maximum contrast. A client visited to pick some up and told me why he was  so keen on them. Most poppers have a silver belly, and he reckons that makes them way more difficult for the fish to see. ‘If you were trying to catch a cricket ball, with the sun in your eyes, what colour would you want it to be? Silver, or black?’ Good analogy. These are light, ideal for use on 3 or 6 kilo tackle:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Downrigger Shop poppers only weigh 12 grams\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/poppers_1_large.jpg?v=1524442616\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKings and mahi so much fun, on light tackle:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Catching Dolphin fish on poppers at the FAD\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/hooked_up_light_combo_poppers_large.jpg?v=1540012623\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePricing is 4 matte black poppers, fitted with Owner trebles, for $45 including delivery in Australia.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood deal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis season (2015) shaping up to be just as good as last year and of course this size mahi delicious, on the plate:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Mahi Mahi are such good eating fish\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/mahi_mahi_caught_on_popper_large.jpg?v=1540012624\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTry an order? You won’t regret it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThanks for reading,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/downriggershop.com\/pages\/mahi-mahi-fishing-sydney\"\u003eFish small poppers for Sydney mahi\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e: Plan the FAD approach and switch between surface lures, live bait and jigs as the session changes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":7443554107441,"sku":"","price":50.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/poppers_1.jpg?v=1540013347"},{"product_id":"head-start-trolling-rigs-4-pack","title":"Head start trolling rigs 4 pack","description":"\u003cp\u003ePackage includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e4 x Head start trolling rigs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e80 pound breaking strain bead chain trace\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuick and Easy install on a garfish, ballyhoo or sauries\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMakes a deadbait swim like it's alive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery included in Australia\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMarch 2015 and the NSW mid-north coast experiencing its best mackerel run in years:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Catching Spotted Mackerel on head start trolling rigs\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/spotted_mackerel_caught_on_head_start_large.jpg?v=1539816624\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly downside being, with the number of predators around, live bait is really hard to find.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut bait is just so deadly, on mackerel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlmost always way better, than lures:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Bait fish hit hard by a Mackerel\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/chewed_live_bait_large.jpg?v=1539816623\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAround February I noticed sales of our Head Start lures were picking up fast. Checking with some of the clients making purchases I found they were the answer to the problem of finding live bait. With a Head Start you can pretty much replicate the appeal and scent of  bait but also have the attention-grabbing benefit of a trolled lure. If you haven’t seen them in operation, check out this video? As you’ll see below, Head Starts are deadly:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7s43xcuKWyM\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI find the best way to use them is – just like so much other tackle that needs special rigging – to do as much as you can at home. I keep my eye out at the local fish store (Hornsby Seafoods) for whenever quality fresh garfish are in stock:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Pre rigging fresh Garfish from the fish market at home for trolling\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/garfish_rigged_with_head_starts_large.jpg?v=1539816623\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou don’t have to buy many. Just enough for the Head Starts you have, but maybe a couple of spares. So, six or eight. Here’s how to rig them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou’ll need a knife or braid scissors, a fresh garfish, yellowtail or slimy mackerel, Head Starts, a bait needle, and some Ziploc or cryovac bags.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Preparing for a head start trolling rig session\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/garfish_ready_for_trolling_rigs_large.jpg?v=1539816623\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMy bait needle’s made from a plain wire coat hanger. Just cut the long side of the coat hanger with side cutters, and bend one end to form an open eye:That’s like two minutes work with a pair of pliers, not hard at all. Here’s how:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gH1gXeqlYSg\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnother item that’s handy is half a bucket of water, to wash your hands. Here’s how to proceed:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Garfish laid out it trolling rig, braid scissors and needle\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/head_start_trolling_rig_1_large.jpg?v=1524451614\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCut the beak off the garfish, and check that the ring on the bead chain fits into the hook on the needle:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"First step cut off the beak and thread the ring through the end of needle\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/head_start_trolling_rig_2_large.jpg?v=1524451615\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePass the hook end of the needle through the bait’s mouth and feel your way so it exits through the vent. Hook up the bead chain and draw it back through and out the mouth:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Feed the hook and chain through the Garfish with the needle\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/head_start_trolling_rig_3_large.jpg?v=1524451616\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDrop the end of the bead chain through the hole in the hard plastic head. This will be the tow point. Then, push the pin through the eye socket. In the pic below, the yellow plastic pin can be seen in the eye socket. This will lock into the Head Start cover:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Attach the bead chain to the pin in the head start rig\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/head_start_trolling_rig_4_large.jpg?v=1524451617\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSlide the larger cover part of the Head Start over the smaller first part, dropping the end of the bead chain through the gap. The tag end of the bead chain is attached to your line, wire, or snap swivel:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Close the head start with the bead chain exposed through the hole in the end\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/head_start_trolling_rig_5_large.jpg?v=1524451618\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI usually do mine in a batch of four:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Four Garfish rigged with Head Start Trolling Rigs\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/head_start_trolling_rig_6_large.jpg?v=1524451619\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen they’re done, pack them in a Ziploc bag (or better, cryovac bag) and freeze them for future use:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Store your head start rigged dead bait in plastic sealed bags to keep them fresh for your trip\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/premade_head_start_trolling_rigs_large.jpg?v=1539816624\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's fast and easy:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bRWFxuhHGoU\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecently (April 2015) we found that Pacific Sauris make a really good alternative when quality garfish are hard to find. Sauris are a true bluewater species and a prime food source for Bluefin and Yellowfin tuna, as well as albacore and marlin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHead Starts are absolutely deadly on spanish and spotted mackerel. Check out this feedback from clients.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere’s Alan Goggin, at Coffs Harbour:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Alan with a Spanish and Spotted Mackerel caught on head starts\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/spanish_mackerel_using_trolling_rigs_large.jpg?v=1539816624\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Hi Andrew, another fish on the board for the headstarts on Friday morning! This time it was a Spotty on the blue one and while i was dealing with it yakside i threw out a pilly on a set of ganghooks and picked up the Spanish. Exciting fight on 20lb leader and no wire\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe took the kayak out from Coffs and trolled dead garfish on two Head Starts. Of course he hooked up to two mackerel at the same time.  The camera recorded what happened next, just so good:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mZ90oy8LgK0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI put together a little vid of the double hook up. Unfortunately the ratchet on my TLD gave in before the double hook up. It’s just not the same fighting a fish when the drag is making no noise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrad Plummer’s extra cute daughter impressed with his Spaniard:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Brad with a Spaniard caught on a trolling rig\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/catching_spanish_mackerel_on_head_start_large.jpg?v=1539816622\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Hey Andy the head starts are working a treat up here at Coffs Harbour, can't wait for my next delivery, got two hits for two fish on them and lost another on a chin weighted Sauri\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep in mind these can be trolled at 7 knots, so a good addition to the marlin lure spread? Here’s Lachlan’s mahi:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Lachlan with a great Mahi Mahi caught on a head start trolling rig\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/mahi_mahi_on_trolling_rig_large.jpg?v=1539816623\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Hi Andrew, thanks for the Headstarts.....\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003efirst trip out and got this nice Dollie on the black one with a Gar.....\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ethey swim the Gar perfectly! Thanks again....\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou’re very welcome, Lachlan! Karl Houseman’s mahi taken on a Head Start too:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Karl with a Dolphin Fish taken on head start rigs\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/dolphin_fish_caught_on_head_start_large.jpg?v=1539816623\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore client reviews to be added soon. Please \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/downriggershop.com\/pages\/contact-us\" title=\"The Downrigger Shop contact page\"\u003ecall or email\u003c\/a\u003e with any questions whatsoever and thanks for reading,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew Hestelow,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eManaging Director.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":7443654115377,"sku":"","price":98.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/head_start_trolling_rig_1.jpg?v=1553495737"},{"product_id":"assist-hooks-5-pack","title":"Assist Hooks 5 pack","description":"\u003cp\u003eDeal includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e6\/0 hook size\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKevlar cord\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeatshrink\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSolid ring\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSplit ring\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBarb protector\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery included in Australia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5 Hooks\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeatherjackets, barracouta and bonito give knife jig assist hook cords an absolute hammering. Our commercial clients tell me even kingies eventually wear through the cord, if you catch enough of them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut what’s really annoying is when they cost you the fish of a lifetime.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHerb writes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"float: none;\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/herb_catching_kingfish_on_assist_hooks_large.jpg?v=1539823283\" alt=\"Herb catching Kingfish using assist hooks\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Good King fight going on... 80lb braid Stella 10000 Xzoga pE6\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHeavy drag and big fish was tough, on the terminal tackle:\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"float: none;\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/williamson_assist_hook_failing_large.jpg?v=1539823283\" alt=\"A couple of Williamson assist hooks failing\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWilliamson single assist hook failure.  Here is the photo of the hook gap bent open again on a monster king that wanted to find the bottom rocks\/reef.  My son Michael couldn’t turn the head of the Kingfish using a Xzoga jig rod and Stella 10000 with JM upgraded spool. Again drag was up tight trying to turn and stop a monster kings. The deck hand John commented  was thats a “good fish”  you have on there. This occurred just after I thought I’d try a different brand hook after the assist cord failed!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat’s annoying. Not sure who sent this pic to me but here’s a Zest cord failure:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"float: none;\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/assist_hook_zest_chord_failure_large.jpg?v=1539823283\" alt=\"Zest chord failure on an assist hook\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe get so many inquiries for these – not so much due to breakage, but mainly wear and tear from sharp teeth. Before fitting a replacement, use the \u003ca href=\"\/fr\/pages\/assist-hooks-for-metal-jigs\"\u003eassist-hook size, length and connection checks\u003c\/a\u003e to match the assembly to the jig and inspect the cord and point.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo it’s time to add them to the range. First up, I checked Mo Tackle’s pricing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey offer Zest 8\/0 assist hooks at $8.95 for two plus delivery, or $4.50 each;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"float: none;\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/expensive_assist_hooks_at_mos_tackle_large.jpg?v=1539823283\" alt=\"Expensive assist hooks at mo's tackle\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBCF, sell Williamson assist hooks at 3 for $9.95 plus $5.52 delivery or $5.00 each, delivered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOurs are $10 for five (5) including postage - $2.00 each, delivered:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"float: none;\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/assist_hooks_1_large.jpg?v=1524455161\" alt=\"The Downrigger Shop assist hooks\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6\/0 size. Hook, Kevlar cord, heatshrink, solid ring, split ring, and barb protector included.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTry an order? You won’t be disappointed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThanks for reading,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAndrew\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":7443696287793,"sku":"0","price":10.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/assist_hooks_1.jpg?v=1524455161"},{"product_id":"spreader-bars","title":"Spreader bars","description":"\u003cp\u003eProduct information:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrolling\/Lure teaser\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e15 squids mounted to replicate a surface school with the last squid carrying a heavy duty gamefish hook\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e106cm bar made from Monel wire\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 200 grams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePackaging: 110 x 26cm bag with clear PVC front, mesh back for quick drying and Velcro closure\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\u003eI'll never forget the first time we got onto them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaybe twenty five years ago – before the internet, anyway – I ordered a couple by mail through the (totally awesome) Edge fishing magazine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"The Downrigger Shop Spreader Bar in action\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/spreader_bar_3_large.jpg?v=1524462641\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDue to a mix up they were sent by sea mail so, took ages to get here. But when they arrived we were so excited we went out the next day on Graeme Almond’s Bertram 25 and hooked up a striped marlin within 30 minutes of deploying one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor some reason – probably, because Graeme sold his boat soon after –\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI stopped using them, and they sat in the back of the garage for twenty years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnyway, some bright spark came up with the idea that they might be good for kingfish at Long Reef. We’re all familiar with the spectacle of small pods of bait fish like sauris or gar moving fast and nervously through the danger zone, to escape predators.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"A school of bait fish jumping to escape a predator\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/bait_fish_jumping_to_escape_predator_large.jpg?v=1540165252\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePredators hit them hard:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Tuna attacking a school of bait fish\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/predator_fish_attacking_fleeing_bait_fish_large.jpg?v=1540165253\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere’s an amazing video showing spreader bars in operation. Giant Atlantic bluefin tuna slamming hookless plastic squid, definitely worth a look:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/5ZTdtQCMSRU\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou see sauris showering out of the water between the 80-fathom line and Browns, all winter. Stand on the Crowdy Head breakwall or the rocks at Charlotte Head in February or March and watch the longtail tuna send small schools of garfish leaping, to escape attack. The idea was, replicate that, but put a separate bait or lure behind the spreader bar to imitate the weak tail end charlie, trailing the school. We made a half hearted attempt at this project last year, using a welded stainless bar set up I bought from Mo Tackle. That one didn’t work because the heavy bar makes too much splash and drag and distracts from the lures, which should be the focus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSo when our biggest tackle supplier brought out his new catalogue recently, and I saw he had the light, springy Monel-type wire bars newly added to the range, I was interested. So interested that I ordered ten, on spec. They arrived in late January 2014, just in time for the peak of the kingfish run at Long Reef.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere’s specifications:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModel: Spreader Bar\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDescription: Trolling lure\/Teaser\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecifications: 15 squids mounted to represent a surface school, with the last squid carrying a heavy duty game fish hook. 106cm bar is made from special Monel wire. Tail end squid (with hook) can be supplied with crimped loop, so it can be quickly removed when the spreader bar is required to be a teaser only.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeight: 200 grams\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrice: $95\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePackaging: 110 x 26cm bag with clear PVC front, mesh back for quick drying, and Velcro closure\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qlmQqV97JXI\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eObviously, I didn’t want to fish them the way they are normally fished. Because the thought that a hooked kingfish dragging around a spreader bar and fourteen squids was somewhat unsporting. So we removed the stinger lure (with the hook fitted) from the spreader bar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Our spreader bars squid lures have the hooks removed\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/squid_lure_on_spreader_bar_large.jpg?v=1540165253\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen we attached the bar to the downrigger clip, in place of the heavy lead weight usually fitted. The boat sped up to around 3.5 – 4 knots, and the spreader bar run out on the downrigger cable maybe 15 – 20 metres behind.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Spreader bar trolling attached to a downrigger\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/spreader_bar_2_large.jpg?v=1524462640\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rod was dropped into the downrigger rod holder and the popper was set about three metres behind the spreader bar. The effect was that of a nervous school of large baitfish skittering along the surface, and just behind the school a wounded bait fish in trouble and struggling, to keep up.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Trolling a popper behind a spreader bar is very effective\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/poppers_mimick_bait_fish_fleeing_large.jpg?v=1540165252\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe results were incredible. Kingfish hit multiple squids in the array, very spectacular. And of course, the poppers. We were using Halco Roostas, painted black with a Texta for maximum contrast. Kingfish not big that day but strikes super visual, I was having a ball:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Kingfish caught with a spreader bar and popper combo\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/kingfish_caught_on_downrigger_shop_popper_large.jpg?v=1540165252\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt times it was like those videos you see where giant trevally hit a popper repeatedly as it’s retrieved towards the boat – although on a much smaller scale, of course.\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\/MKZiudxd0oE\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"autoplay; encrypted-media\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Here's how it looks:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Spreader Bar from Downrigger Shop bringing in a Dolphin Fish\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/spreader_bar_1_large.jpg?v=1524462639\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis technique, which I call ‘uprigging’, has some big benefits. Firstly, you’re working the water surface. Meaning you can get the boat up in the shallows, close to the rocks, which is often where the big fish are. Secondly, everything’s on the surface and up nice and close. That’s a plus because, with big kingfish, the last thing you want to do is give them extra line or present a bait close to the bottom. That just makes it easy for them to reef you. With this method the kingfish – or mackerel, longtail tuna, coral trout or whatever – has to do the climbing. Not your bait or lure, doing the diving. So we ordered a large shipment of the best performing spreader bar, a large one with 15 red six inch squids:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"The Downrigger Shop spreader bar with 15 red squid\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/downrigger_shop_spreader_bar_without_case_large.jpg?v=1540165253\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe bar is 102cm long and there are five sets of squids in this order: 2-3-5-3-2.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese can be somewhat hard to manage and store onboard so we ordered a mesh backed Velcro sealed bag, for each one:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"The Downrigger Shop Spreader Bar shipped in convenient case\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/spreader_bar_4_large.jpg?v=1524462642\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe haven’t had these long but they’re working well already. Ian Beavis:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Ian with a Marlin he caught with the use of a Downrigger Shop Spreader Bar\" src=\"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/files\/marlin_attracted_by_spreader_bar_large.jpg?v=1540165252\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\"Andrew, just a short note to say we had a great time last Saturday with the teaser I purchased from you last week. We were trolling the teaser with dollys chasing the teaser and a marlin chasing the dollys we sent a lure out past the teaser and caught our first marlin out of Broken bay See attached picture of the 35 kg Marlin\"\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePLEASE – someone give them a try on southern bluefin? They should work just as well on those as they do on the giant Atlantic bluefin shown in the video above. \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/downriggershop.com\/pages\/contact-us\" title=\"Get in contact with The Downrigger Shop\"\u003eSend me an email\u003c\/a\u003e if more information is needed?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Thanks for reading, Andy\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":7444010991665,"sku":"","price":115.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/spreader_bar_1.jpg?v=1540167846"},{"product_id":"mono-and-flurocarbon-leaders","title":"Mono and Flurocarbon leaders","description":"\u003cp\u003eLine specifications:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e80 metres Fluorocarbon coated mono\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e80 pound breaking strain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEasy use dispenser\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eor\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e80 metres 100% Fluorocarbon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e80 pound breaking strain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEasy use dispenser\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDelivery included in Australia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"Fluorocarbon coated mono","offer_id":7444149698609,"sku":"","price":17.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"100% Fluorocarbon","offer_id":7444161331249,"sku":"","price":78.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/mono_and_fluocarbon_leaders_1.jpg?v=1524466029"},{"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":"large-soft-plastic-and-spoon-hook-pack","title":"Large Soft Plastic and Spoon Hook Pack","description":"\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFive assorted 175mm\/40gram soft plastics\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTwo pre-crimped paternoster rigs, 80-pound mono\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThree x 40gram lead weighted spoon hooks\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTwo pre-crimped rigs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSinker just in the pic to show where it goes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIncludes delivery in Australia\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Downriggershop","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":13638754041905,"sku":"","price":48.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1940\/1341\/products\/downrigger_shop_large_soft_plastics_rigged.jpg?v=1541371008"}],"url":"https:\/\/downriggershop.com\/fr\/collections\/fishing-line-and-lures.oembed","provider":"Downriggershop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}