In fact the bigger, more powerful Dropper Rigs can run two or three of the illustrated rigs at the same time if multiple droplines are used, or up to 25 hooks on most of the illustrated rigs.

The four fishing rigs pictured below give some idea of just how versatile kitefishing can be.

All of these rigs have been thoroughly tested on New Zealand species.

The most successful reports are from kitefishers using 500 ml plastic bottles weighted with sand or water to prevent the kite from lifting the hooks off the bottom.

When using a bottle far less weight is required on the hook section.

This results in a much faster setting speed and vastly increased casting distance in light wind conditions.

There are many ways of separating the two lines.

Barley sugars or other soluble confectionery are the most reliable release system on these kites.

The Pocket Sled Kites are not powerful enough for kite release clips and roller trollers so anything mechanical is best avoided.

Depending on the method of release chosen you can obtain separation either prior to or upon the initial strike of the fish.

Leaving the kite attached for the maximum time possible will aid in keeping your line at its ideal fishing angle offshore without having to resort to grapple type weights.

Reef Ledger Rig Click to enlarge

Straylining over reef is a popular method, particularly during winter.

This rig is ideal for areas with low current flow or at slack water.

In stronger rips a sacrificial weight tied on with very light nylon and attached to the bottom of a ledger rig is also very successful, particularly on trevally around harbour mouths.

The second smaller Pocket Sled Kite (shown) is flown 200 to 300 metres back from the main kite.

This system allows the kitefisher to keep the mainline supported out of the water up to 700 metres offshore or over 1000 metres when spectra type main lines are used.

When using the small Pocket Sled in light winds the bait will stay near the surface when the kite is stationary and skip when line is retrieved or let out, or the kitefisherman moves up or down the beach.

In stronger winds a small weight can be attached anywhere on the dropline to ensure correct bait behaviour.

Trolling live or dead baits, jigs, lures and poppers on the surface under a Paul's Fishing Kite can be very productive.

The bait or lure should be slightly heavier than the pull delivered by the kite. When deploying deep weighted baits, a float weighted to stay on the surface should be fitted to the dropline.

This allows the bait fish to sink to the required depth. Active trolling occurs when the line is set out or retrieved or can also be achieved by walking or driving slowly up or down the beach.

Trolling is an exciting method used to target kahawai, kingfish, tuna and marlin.

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