Category: Tackle
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WHY THE SHAPE OF FLY ROD HANDLES IS IMPORTANT
Several months ago I wrote a rod review on the innovative Kilwell Xantu 9’6” #8 weight fly rod. Check it out:- https://activeanglingnz.com/2015/03/27/kilwell-xantu-96-8-weight-rod-review/ One of the things that I noticed as soon as I held the rod was that the diameter of the cork handle was slightly larger than any of the other fly rods in my arsenal. In real terms it was around 2.5 millimetres wider which … Continue reading WHY THE SHAPE OF FLY ROD HANDLES IS IMPORTANT
HOW TO FISH HARD BODIED LURES
Over the years I have read many articles on spin fishing and written down everything that was worth remembering. The following are my summary notes on bibbed minnows. It is a collection of other people’s work so I am not claiming ownership. Hopefully it is of some value. “Bibbed minnows have a tapered, streamlined shape reminiscent of a bait fish and a projecting lip (or bib … Continue reading HOW TO FISH HARD BODIED LURES
LEADERS FOR SALTWATER FLY FISHING
One of the most important changes that an angler needs to make in switching from fresh to saltwater fly fishing is to the leader which joins the fly line to the fly. Saltwater fish species are much larger than fresh, more powerful and live in terrain that is likely to damage a leader. Oyster shell encrusted rocks and horse mussels take no prisoners. In New … Continue reading LEADERS FOR SALTWATER FLY FISHING
TREBLE V SINGLE HOOKS ON LURES
Treble hooks – do they do more damage to fish than singles? I’ve recently received a few adverse comments about my use of treble hooks on lures. I took this criticism to heart and set out to see if there was a sound scientific basis to the proposition that treble hooks cause more damage to fish than single hooks. I found the answer to this … Continue reading TREBLE V SINGLE HOOKS ON LURES
WINTER SPINNING
Text: Alan Bulmer Images: Paul Smith, Tim Bulmer I’ve written at length before about the things to consider when fishing in winter. Click on the following link for more information:- WINTER FISHING TIPS This is what happens when it all comes together in winter. “The day dawned clear, cold and crisp. Not a cloud in the sky. Mist draped the low lying areas in a … Continue reading WINTER SPINNING
SAM MOSSMAN – SPINNING WITH SOFT PLASTICS
About 30 years ago Sam Mossman wrote a seminal book on angling in New Zealand called Saltwater Sportfishing (ISBN #0 7900 0095 4). It was a ground breaking book that was years ahead of its time. Many of the things Sam discussed, and the techniques he suggested, are now common place whereas back in the day they were considered radical and innovative. He was a … Continue reading SAM MOSSMAN – SPINNING WITH SOFT PLASTICS
ROD HANDLES – CORK OR EVA FOAM
Text: Alan Bulmer Lead image: Mark Hoffman Rod handles – Which is better Cork or EVA foam and why? The two main materials used in the fishing rod handles are cork and EVA foam (also called Duplon). Each material has its advantages and disadvantages but which is better? Cork handles tend to be lighter than foam ones and also maintain residual heat in cooler temperatures. … Continue reading ROD HANDLES – CORK OR EVA FOAM
SPINNING TACKLE FOR THE FLATS
The ideal spin fishing tackle for flats fishing is always going to come down to personal preference. You need to find a rod and reel combination that feels comfortable and suits your casting style as you will make a lot of casts in a two hour flats session. However, having said that, a safe starting outfit would be a 2.1 metre (7′) soft bait rod, … Continue reading SPINNING TACKLE FOR THE FLATS
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