Some people have asked me about the fishing tackle products I use. So here’s what you’ll find in one of my tackle boxes, depending on the season or where and what I’m fishing for.
I personally use each of these products and I am happy to endorse them. Naturally, I can’t make guarantees. Only that they have worked for me.
Some of these fishing products are in the “budget range.” Others are little dearer. Most often this is due to quality. Some products can be substituted reasonably well. Others cannot.
In my own experience, cheap copies nearly always let you down. This is particularly true with fishing rods and reels, fishing lines and soft plastic lures.
Skip To Topic: Rods & Reels, The Environment: Winter 2019 Protection , Soft Plastic Lures, Berley & Attractants, Videos, General Fishing Tackle, Boats & Kayak Fishing, ,
Rods & Reels
I’m a huge Shimano fan. If you’ve used a cheaper rod or reel in the past then you’ll be amazed at just how different a Shimano feels. They are sensitive to fish tapping, without compromising on strength. You can actually feel the difference.
You’re going to pay a little more than you’d pay at a discount chain store. But you’re getting a more durable product. The guides are well made and less prone to loosening. Which cheaper rods often do after a few casts. Even the Shimano entry level reels have braking technology found on their more expensive models.
SHIMANO RAIDER SURF RODS
From Flathead to Mulloway right through to Whiting – these are a popular rod with a great action.
Raider series the surf models still feature full-length cork grips, Fuji alu-oxide guides and are built on a 24 Ton Torquay brand graphite blank.
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Shimano Eclipse 8 foot Rod and Reel combo with Hyperloop Reel
The Shimano Hyperloop 6000 Fishing Reel comes with line, ready to fish. It’s great value, with Shimano quality and the reel includes features found on models more than twice the price.
The 802GP Rod, at 8 feet long (a little over 2.4 metres), is a good all around rod. Suitable for freshwater rivers and lakes, saltwater, piers, estuaries and light beach fishing.
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The Environment: Winter 2019 Protection
These products are designed to protect you, while fishing, from the elements. While we often think about the wind, wet and cold it’s really easy to overlook the sun.
As somebody who is fair skinned, this has been a major issue for me. As a younger person I was often sunburned and in later life, it has led to many procedures to remove different kinds of skin cancers. Burned off, cut out and a mild form of “chemo” skin cream. So far I’ve not had a melanoma, but the minor ones are certainly concerning enough for me. I’ve had three types, BCC, SCC and Bowens. Not the worst, but many of them. See this link for how to check for yourself and here for the types to watch for.
So, hat’s, sunglasses, face covering, sunscreen, sleeved shirts etc are all vital parts of your tackle kit and should not be overlooked.
Spotters Sunglasses – Fury Black Frame
With a choice of Photochromic polarised lens colours and an 8 base ripper lens curve to eliminate glare from the top, bottom and sides. You’ll have enhanced depth and colour perception with these quality sunglasses that are ideal for fishing.
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Multi Scarf Sun Protector
Solar protection for your face and neck. You see a lot of people out there fishing in the sun with these on now. At least the smart ones.
Protect your skin, don’t risk it. I wish I’d had something like this available when I was younger.
Offers some protection from the wind, too. So it comes in handy in summer hot winds and some protection from winter cold winds.
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Fish Friendly Sunscreen SPF 50
You know you need to wear sunscreen. But most sunscreens act as fish repellents.
DRI gives you SPF 50 protection and it doesn’t repel the fish. So – you can protect your skin from harmful UV exposure while reeling in the big ones.
- DRI Touch Application – Not Greasy
- Contains Aloe Vera and Vitamin E
- Complies with Australian Standards AS/NZS 2604:2012
- Made in Australia
- Choose from 75ml Tube or 400ml Bottle
- SPF 50 Protection against both UVA and UVB rays
- 4 Hours Water Resistant
- Fish Friendly – won’t repel fish
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Soft Plastic Lures
Chasebaits Flick Prawn Lure
The Chasebaits range of lures has to be the most realistic I’ve seen. In the water, this looks and acts like a real prawn. It really does say “bite me!”
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Berkley Gulp Fishing Lures
Berkley Gulp lures ten to be my go-to lure – and for good reason. They really do catch fish. Berkley claims they are biodegradable (I cannot prove this beyond they do seem to degrade after initial use) and the built-in scent certainly works on fish.
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Berley & Attractants
Simply put, the effectiveness of berley and attractants cannot be underestimated. It’s how experienced anglers often draw large numbers of fish closer to them. Boat, beach, pier or estuary.
Berley and attractants, for a modest investment, are more likely to have a bigger impact on your fishing trips than more expensive and often overpriced “accessories” will.
The use of attractants has now become common in fishing tournaments. For good reason. They work.
I don’t leave home without either. Neither should you.
GULP ALIVE RECHARGE LIQUID BOTTLE
Keep your Berkley Gulp lures fresh and ready to use. No more drying up. Simply place your Gulp lures into a water-tight container. You can buy those (often called “worm proof”) or use recycled plastic peanut butter containers (like I do.)
Keeps those Berkley Gulp soft plastic lures soft, pliable and fully scented.
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Squidgy S Factor Scent (35ml Tube)
When I first purchased a tube of this scent I admit I was cynical. Decades using fishing tackle have made me wary of manufacturers claims.
I was wrong. It really does work. Incredibly well.
The manufacturer states it causes a “feeding frenzy.” I have experienced this first hand. The only caveat being there must be fish there when you’re using it. In other words, when fish are present they have consistently, non-stop, smashed my line. On other occasions, it’s been quiet.
I have found the best way is to be using a berley to bring the fish in. Then S-Factor on my lures or bait.
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Videos
AFN Flathead Tactics Fishing DVD
The only thing better than out fishing for flathead is armchair fishing for flathead. This video will get you up to date targetting juicy “lizards” with the latest tips, hints and techniques.
It’s a balanced presentation suitable for novice and experienced flathead fisho’s alike. That makes it an ideal gift, too, for any flathead crazy angler that you know or love.
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General Fishing Tackle
ANISEED FISHING SOAP (LOT OF 3)
One of the great things about fishing is the smell of the outdoors. One of the not so great things about fishing is the smell of my hands after handling bait and attractants!
This 3 pack of aniseed soap is a must have at our place. I doubt my wife would even let me in the door if I didn’t have a bar ready. Save your skin, save your marriage, save money as these bars come in a lot of 3 for around ten bucks!
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Elastic Bait Thead (2 piece pack)
This is cool Stops soft baits, like pipis, prawns, pilchards, chicken heart/liver and more – from falling off the hook.
This elasticized thread simply wraps around your bait, keeping it on the hook. No need for knots, easy to break off once you’ve finished wrapping. I’ve found this to be indispensable and always carry a roll with me.
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Metal Berley Bomb Cage – Large
Allows you to distribute pilchards or other bait (prawns, shells, berley pellets) directly beneath your location. Whether you be on a boat, a pier or the shore.
Fish are drawn to berley. So this brings them to your location. It makes more sense than casting around and relying on “luck.” If there’s fish there then they’re likely to be attracted to it. Including schools of baitfish, which in turn attract predatory fish.
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Jarvis Walker Pre Made Fishing Rigs
If I learned anything as a professional Software Developer (Programmer) over the last three decades, it’s this. “Don’t reinvent the wheel!” I always carry these pre-made (pre-tied) rigs in my tackle box – fanatically. A real time saver. Just one knot to tie!
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Jarvis Walker 3 Rod Boat Rod Holder System
Nice, easy to install rod holder system for boats – and fishing trolleys. Works well, comes with built-in pliers and knife holder.
This is the product used in our DIY Fishing Trolley Project.
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Boats & Kayak Fishing
Fishing from a boat is a whole different experience compared to fishing from the shore.
While some of the gear and tackle can be used for either there’s stuff boat and kayak fisho’s need that’s purpose-built.
From safety to making things easier to use this is some of the boating gear we use and recommend.
WATERSNAKE INFLATABLE PFD LEVEL 150 – MANUAL PFD
Wearing the right PFD (Personal Flotation Device) is THE LAW in most Australian states.
For good reason too! There’s no doubt they save lives. The Watersnake level 150 (150 Newtons of flotation force) is suitable for offshore use, so it’s classed in most states as a real “life jacket.” Being manually inflatable means it doesn’t get in the way while wearing it, but a simple pull cord ensures inflation when you need it. No inflation accidents, either, so it won’t anciently go off when it gets a little damp.
This is an ideal jacket for kayak fishing too – if you’re a poor or none swimmer. Sure, legally you can wear a PFD 50 vest, but if you need your head out of the water then the level 150 is a must.
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KAYAK MOTOR MOUNTING BRACKET ONLY (WATERSNAKE)
This mount is designed exclusively for the Watersnake T19 and T24 trolling motors. It’s designed to fit most kayaks and offers an incredible variety of mounting options.
The patented design ensures your motor can be removed from the water, to reduce drag, then engaged in position fast.
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KAYAK ELECTRIC MOTOR JARVIS MARINE WATERSNAKE T24 SALTWATER FRIENDLY
Just the right amount of push to get you moving in the water, without paddling, yet still keeping the old stealth factor.
This is a beautiful motor. Combined with a deep cycle battery of around 60 amp/hours you’ll get two and a half of running time easily (less with a battery of less amp/hours.)
Plus – no smelly petrol engine. Faster than paddling or peddling – without any of the effort!
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