Fishing How-To Guides
Practical fishing guides covering downrigging, jigging, offshore techniques, bait rigging and equipment setup. Browse the topics below for step-by-step advice built from years of Australian fishing experience.
Downrigging
Start with the basics, learn the current setup, or find instructions for the older Vector model.
How to Use a Downrigger
Set up and fish a downrigger, including weights, releases, bait setback, depth control and practical trolling tips.
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How to Use Downrigger Release Clips
Mount, load, adjust and troubleshoot release clips for reliable downrigger fishing with mono or braid.
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Plan a Fishing Boat Stern
Plan rod holders, downrigger reach and outboard clearance around safe access, boat balance and a practical dockside dry run.
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What Is a Downrigger?
Learn how controlled-depth trolling works, what the weight and release do, and why anglers use downriggers.
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Vector Downrigger Setup Guide
Original step-by-step setup instructions for owners of the discontinued Vector electric downrigger.
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Born Again Downriggers
Andrew Hestelow's original Boat Mag downrigging article, preserved with the original scans and PDF.
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Downrigging for Trout
Build a repeatable Australian lake-trolling run with light tackle, clean releases and sensible depth checks.
Read the guide →Jigging & bait rigging
Practical techniques for jigging and preparing live or dead baits for offshore fishing.
Getting Started with Jigging
Learn the basic technique, tackle choices and how to work knife jigs for kingfish and other pelagic species.
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How to Rig Pacific Sauries
Prepare and rig Pacific sauries with wire, trebles and a Head Start for offshore trolling.
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How to Rig Live Bait
A practical method for rigging yellowtail and other live baits for trolling and downrigging.
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How to Rig Head Start Lures
Use Head Start rigs to prepare garfish and other dead baits for stable, higher-speed offshore trolling.
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Assist Hooks for Metal Jigs
Choose assist-hook length, clearance and connections, then inspect the cord and hook before the next drop.
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Bonito on Metal Lures
Approach feeding bonito carefully, match the bait profile and work the lure through the right depth.
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Catching Live Bait
Catch yellowtail and slimy mackerel on small rigs and keep them in good condition for later use.
Read the guide →Deepwater & offshore fishing
Techniques and stories for fishing deeper water, offshore structure and seasonal game fish.
How to Catch Kingfish in NSW
Find bait, read the sounder and choose between live bait, jigging, surface lures and downrigging.
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Mackerel Trolling Guide for Australian Waters
Build a manageable spread for Spanish and spotted mackerel using dead baits, lures and controlled passes.
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Deepwater Fishing with Electric Reels
See how electric reels make deepwater fishing more accessible, with practical offshore advice.
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Fishing 400m at Brown's Mountain
Andrew Hestelow's original deepwater fishing article covering the tackle and techniques used off Sydney.
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How to Catch Squid
Practical squid-catching and rigging techniques for producing fresh bait and targeting larger fish.
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Winter Game Fishing
Target yellowfin tuna, mako sharks, kingfish and other game fish through the cooler months.
Read the guide →Sydney & general fishing
Local fishing techniques, accessible species and a simple way to turn the catch into dinner.
Carp Fishing in Sydney
Find accessible carp fishing around Sydney and learn the simple tackle needed to target them.
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How to Catch Blackfish
Find bait, choose simple tackle and target blackfish from Sydney's wharves and waterways.
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How to Cook Kingfish
A straightforward way to prepare kingfish medallions with panko breadcrumbs for an easy seafood meal.
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Catching Snapper on Soft Plastics
A future guide to targeting snapper with soft plastics.
Lures and tackle care
Choose, rig, troubleshoot and look after the lures and terminal tackle used on the water.
Fishing with Poppers
Make a popper chug or skip deliberately, manage slack and diagnose fouling before changing the lure.
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Trolling Lure Troubleshooting
Work out why a hardbody runs shallow, tracks sideways or blows out before changing its tow point.
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Replacing Lure Hooks
Match replacement trebles or inline singles to the lure, fit them safely and retest the action.
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Lure Colour, Flash and Glow
Compare lure finishes without confusing colour with profile, depth, action or another tackle change.
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Saltwater Lure Storage
Separate wet tackle from the dry box and use a practical rinse, dry, inspect and pack-away routine.
Read the guide →Equipment guides
Get more from sounders, reels, line counters and offshore rod setups.
How to Read Your Lowrance Sounder
Identify fish, bait schools, reefs and underwater structure on a Lowrance depth sounder.
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How to Upgrade to Carbontex
Replace standard reel drag washers with Carbontex for smoother, more dependable drag performance.
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Why Is My Fishing Reel Drag Sticking?
Diagnose spool slip, visible grit and inconsistent drag symptoms before deciding whether the reel needs servicing.
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Braid, Monofilament and Leader Selection
Choose braid, monofilament and leader material to suit the method, depth, terrain and complete outfit.
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How to Use a Fishing Line Counter
Use a clip-on line counter for deep dropping, jigging, downrigging and accurate reel spooling.
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Bent Butt vs Straight Butt Rods
Compare bent and straight rod butts for deepwater fishing, rod holders and fighting fish under load.
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Landing and Releasing Fish
Prepare the net, tools and working area so landing and release are controlled beside a small boat.
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Checking Rod Guides
Find chipped inserts, bent frames and loose bindings before a damaged guide starts cutting line.
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