KEY POINTS:
How often have you gone fishing and found the fish hard on the bite from the moment the first bait hits the bottom?
Once, I was stray line fishing on to a reef just after a storm when the first bait was nailed by a big snapper virtually on the surface. The same thing happened to the next seven baits.
On most fishing trips, it takes from a few hours to all day to catch enough fish for a feed. You may even have to move to different spots to find fish that will take a bait.
Generally, these are days when fish are more affected by the moon phase or change of season. I usually get a gut feeling as I'm heading out about just what will and won't work.
Other days, you know that to be successful you will have to cover your bases. That's when I drop a long line to ensure I'll have a few fish in the bin by the end of the day.
Over the years, I've learned more about fish movements and feeding habits by setting a long line than anything else.
The best thing about a long line is you can try it in areas you wouldn't normally fish, using several different baits to see if the fish have any preferences. Often, I've found the time of day you set it makes a big difference to the catch numbers.
One of my biggest long-line surprises came on a day when I was nursing a hangover and didn't have much enthusiasm. I told the crew to set the long line in the shelter of a popular Eastern-Suburbs bay and we fished a local reef.
The crew caught a few fish off the reef but when we pulled in the long line, we were staggered to find every hook had a fish on it.
If you've never used a long line, it's important to be aware that it can be dangerous. Until you are fully confident, you need to practise by setting the line in an area where the bottom is clean sand and there's little tide.
Never leave a long line set for more than two hours, because the baits will have been eaten and any fish that are hooked will still be alive. If they are undersized, they can then be released.
The old saying of "big baits big fish" is not true for long lines. Here, small is best.
A bait no bigger than half your thumb is all you need. I try to use a mixture of baits that are tougher than most - squid, mullet or kahawai - so they hold up a little longer.
