Reduce Tangles on Charter Boats
The only part of Paul's gear involved in any tangles was the clip-on running trace. (The trace can slide all the way up to the rod tip) I can't count how many times I wound up pulling up his trace, and often his fish as well. All Paul had to do was
unclip his running trace and attach another one already pre-baited and ready to fire straight back down again. I on the other hand fluffed around undoing knots, taking off fish, winding in sinkers, etc. etc. and finally only getting my gear back in the
water after a lot of wasted fishing time and colourful language.
Rigging a Sliding Trace
The top right hand insert of the diagram shows how the rod is prepared to deploy the sliding trace rig. A quarter ounce sinker is put on the line first, followed by a plastic bead. (Paul used a luminous bead). The bead protects the knot on the swivel.
The swivel prevents the weight, and the bead, from falling off. The one metre long traces are pre-tied with a longline running clip and swivel.
Paul used a recurved target hook but this system should still work with your favourite hook or flasher rig. Paul also pre-ties the drop lines,
(from the swivel on the rod to the swivel that holds the bottom weight).
The drop line should be weaker than
the mainline on your rod in case the bottom weight snags. The drop lines are tied in different lengths for different bottom types. Paul used a 3 metre drop line over the black coral and a 2 metre drop line over the kelp.
Get the Parts To Make this Fishing Rig HERE > > >
Storing the Components
All of Paul's traces and drop lines were stored on a rack to keep the traces free of kinks. If you don't have a decent trace rack, then it's easy enough to make a temporary one using a piece of wood and a few nails. (See bottom left insert on diagram)
The only other item required is a variety of clip on weights ranging from 2 ounces to 8 ounces.
Using the Sliding Trace System
When you arrive at your fishing spot clip a drop line onto the swivel on the rod. This will allow your trace to be deployed above the foul, coral or kelp. Lesser foul requires shorter drop lines. Then clip the bottom weight to the end of the line.
The
baited trace can be clipped under the quarter ounce sinker at any time while the main weight is sinking, or even after it has reached the bottom, as long as the small sinker is kept in your hand.
When released the trace drifts downwards slowly regardless
of how fast the the main sinker is falling and the hook keeps away from the rod line and streaming clear in the current.
How it Works
Effectively the trace trolls slowly from the surface all the way to the bottom. (That's how Paul managed to fool the two john dory) Paul believes in stronger rip conditions the small top sinker may be unnecessary.
This system is a boon to all those
fishers who spend half their time rigging the kids gear before they can wet their own line. It's one of the best bottom rigs fishing charter boats can use to minimise the risk of tangles.
Save Fishing Time
Using the sliding trace system allows all the setting up to be done at home.
The savings in reduced down time untangling gear will ensure all your fishing time is as pleasant and productive as possible.
If the fish are hard on a sand or mud bottom just
clip the trace on to the swivel under the bead and you have a conventional running sinker bottom rig.
If the weight is too light simply clip a running sinker on the rod line and let it go, no need to haul the line up to add weight!
Get the Parts To Make this Fishing Rig HERE > > >
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