Alright, let’s talk about them jetty fishin’ rigs, you know, the stuff you need to catch them fish by the rocks. I ain’t no fancy fisherman, but I’ve caught my fair share, and I’ll tell ya what works for me.
First off, you gotta have a good, strong leader. Them rocks and pilings, they’ll cut your line quicker than a gossipy neighbor can spread a rumor. I like to use somethin’ tough, like that 60- or 80-pound fluorocarbon they talk about. Makes it harder for them fish to break off, ya know? And you gotta connect it all good and tight. I use them clinch knots, the kind my old man taught me. He said they ain’t pretty, but they hold.
Now, for the rig itself, there’s a few ways to go. One they call the “fish finder” rig. It’s real simple, even I can figure it out. Basically, you got your main line, then a weight that slides on it. Then you tie on a swivel, and after that, your leader and hook. That weight, it lets the fish take the bait without feelin’ the pull right away. Smart, ain’t it? Makes ’em think they got a free meal, then BAM! You got ’em.
Then there’s that hi-lo rig, they call it. High-low, bottom rig, dropper loop, whatever you wanna call it, it’s all the same. Good for beginners, they say. Basically, you tie two hooks on your line, one a little higher than the other. More hooks, more chances to catch a fish, that’s my motto! It’s easy, real easy. Just tie one loop up higher, and one down lower. Put your bait on them hooks and drop her down. Simple as pie.
And speaking of bait, don’t go throwin’ any ol’ thing out there. Them fish, they got their favorites, just like us. I’ve had good luck with prawns, calamari, that yellowtail scad stuff, even chicken sometimes! Fresh is best, if you can get it. And don’t put no weights on your bait, let it swim around natural-like. That’s how you trick them big ones.
Now, how you fish depends on what you’re after. If you like to move around, you can cast lures or jigs between them rocks. It’s fun, keeps you busy. You gotta be quick though, them fish are sneaky. Or, if you’re feeling lazy, you can troll. That’s where you drag your bait behind the boat. Targets the fish that swim around the jetty, not just the ones hidin’ in the rocks.
What you’ll need, plain and simple:
- Strong line, like that fluorocarbon stuff, 60- to 80-pound test, they say.
- Swivels, the kind that spin so your line don’t get all twisted.
- Weights, to get your bait down to where the fish are.
- Hooks, sharp ones, so they don’t slip out of the fish’s mouth. I like the circle hooks, they hook ’em in the corner of the mouth, makes it easier to let ’em go if they’re too small.
- Bait, fresh if you can get it. Prawns, calamari, whatever them fish are bitin’ on.
A few extra tips from an old gal who’s spent a few hours by the water:
Check your knots. Make sure they’re tight. You don’t want to lose a big fish ’cause your knot came undone. I’ve seen it happen, and it ain’t pretty.
Pay attention to the tide. Fish bite better when the water’s movin’. Incoming or outgoing tide, that’s when you wanna be out there.
Don’t be afraid to try different things. If one rig ain’t workin’, try another. If one bait ain’t gettin’ bit, try somethin’ else. Fishin’ ain’t an exact science, ya know? It’s about figurin’ out what them fish want on that particular day.
Be patient. Fishin’ ain’t always about catchin’. Sometimes it’s just about bein’ out there, enjoyin’ the fresh air and the sunshine. And if you happen to catch a fish or two, well, that’s just a bonus.
So there you have it, some plain talk about jetty fishin’ rigs. Nothin’ fancy, just what works. Now get out there and catch some fish!
Tags: Jetty Fishing Rigs, Fishing Rigs, Saltwater Fishing, Fishing Tips, Fishing Techniques, Beginner Fishing, How-to Fish, Fishing Bait, Jetty Fishing, Fishing Tackle
