Malta Fishing Forum

Boat Fishing in Malta => Offshore & Coastal Boat Fishing => Topic started by: sg on August 07, 2010, 17:03:04 CET

Title: small catch?!
Post by: sg on August 07, 2010, 17:03:04 CET
hello, maybe someone can explain what i was doing wrong:

i went fishing at marfa, sea is quite deep there so i was expecting to catch some decent fish: i fished from around 10am-12pm, using a small rod and reel: i used ragworms (dried) and size 6 and 9 hooks (the treble hooks you buy from shops). caught nothing on the 6, and a burqax and a smaller fish (no idea what it is) on the 9...

any ideas? thanks in advance
Title: Re: small catch?!
Post by: SPITEC on August 07, 2010, 20:31:08 CET
First of all you fished in the worst hours,second marfa isn't much deep and it's not so much productive.You have to find a place were it is less fishrd.
Title: Re: small catch?!
Post by: sg on August 08, 2010, 07:57:35 CET
thanks for the reply...i guess there is reason for the proverb "min jorqod ma jaqbadx hut"!

actually i was boat fishing in the area between marfa and comino...i would have thought it should be quite deep.
Title: Re: small catch?!
Post by: SPITEC on August 08, 2010, 12:11:41 CET
That's another story boat fishing is different and between marfa and comino is deep enough.
Title: Re: small catch?!
Post by: caldaland on August 08, 2010, 12:29:25 CET
usually,between marfa and comino there would be strong currants. be sure to add a heavy lead to the leader so that the bait would be truly at the bottom. if the boat is moving to fast put a bottom or floating anchor.
Title: Re: small catch?!
Post by: sg on August 08, 2010, 15:04:26 CET
it's a kayak, and the weight was heavy enough...i think spitec was right, probably the timing was wrong.
Title: Re: small catch?!
Post by: lazyfisherman on August 08, 2010, 21:48:13 CET
Treble hooks for bottom fishing?? You should be using normal hooks.
Title: Re: small catch?!
Post by: twoutes on August 09, 2010, 03:02:27 CET
You might find that Fresh bait work better that Dried bait.
Don't be discouraged, get out there and have another go...look forward to hearing how you go
Title: Re: small catch?!
Post by: sg on August 09, 2010, 08:24:06 CET
thanks for the encouragement: fresh bait as in shrimps or worms?

whya re normal hooks better than treble hooks for bottom fishing?
Title: Re: small catch?!
Post by: lazyfisherman on August 09, 2010, 09:16:51 CET
Treble hooks are far too bulky for the purpose and are generally used with trolling lures. They are definitely not suitable for baiting with worm or shrimp for light bottom fishing.
Title: Re: small catch?!
Post by: sg on August 09, 2010, 15:17:56 CET
thanks :)
Title: Re: small catch?!
Post by: jean on August 10, 2010, 01:32:05 CET
If you are fishing from a Kayak you should also try light trolling or spinning from it! Something i saw on the net and not sure if its practised much in Malta or who does it. If it wasn't for the lack of time and cash I would love to give it a shot hehe ;)

Re the worms, if you get a box of Korean worms its quite practical and easy to use. Then there is also the Bibi and Americano worms you could get from various fishing stores. If these are not available, then fresh squid is always an excellent option - yet one that breaks my heart as when I catch noting I always regret not cooking the squid in the first place. With worms this doesnt happen hehe ;)  Also keep in mind the type of hooks should match the type of line, bait and fish you are targeting. Also the different knots to tie the different hooks.
Title: Re: small catch?!
Post by: twoutes on August 10, 2010, 02:49:17 CET
Quote from: sg on August 09, 2010, 08:24:06 CET
thanks for the encouragement: fresh bait as in shrimps or worms?

whya re normal hooks better than treble hooks for bottom fishing?

Fresh prawns or small baitfish on a 'J' or Circle hook, not a trebble hook as mentioned





Then you can go on to this.....but it all comes back to basics. Learn them first and enjoy the many experiences as you progress




good luck on your next trip
Title: Re: small catch?!
Post by: sg on August 10, 2010, 15:11:03 CET
Thanks guys, very useful info.
Title: Re: small catch?!
Post by: jean on August 11, 2010, 00:51:18 CET
Now that knot he makes at the end whilst rigging the prawn is one hell of a good idea!!! Thanks for sharing!

The kayak fishing vid is amazing :)

All the best :)
j
Title: Re: small catch?!
Post by: twoutes on August 11, 2010, 01:00:06 CET
That knot is a 'half hitch'.
If you have a long bait you can use more half hitches to secure your bait to the leader.
I always end with 2 half hitches near the tail of any small baites (like sardines) l use on long shank 'J' hooks.