Driveway fishing...

[khiemtran]

We took Liem to Wattamolla for his first fishing trip yesterday, but I made one vital mistake. We had bought him a kids fishing kits only that morning, and I hadn't tried it out beforehand. It had been so many years since I'd used a rod and reel that I'd completely forgotten how hard it was, and it soon turned out that, with the kit I'd brought, I could barely cast a metre or two. Some quick research was in order, and then we had another go today, this time on our driveway...

The rig we're using is what I'm going to call the Sydney Concussion Rig, which consists mainly of a swivel (attached with a snap swivel to the main line) and a light sinker. It is something of a novelty amongst fishing rigs because it doesn't have a hook, requiring the angle to hit the fish on the head instead in order to concuss it. On the plus side, it doesn't have a hook, so I don't need to worry about Liem taking his own or someone else's eye out.



Here's Liem demonstrating his new found technique...



Step 1: With the bail (the wire hoop) down, turn the handle until the roller (on the right) is as close to the rod as possible.



Step 2: Use your index finger to put some tension on the line.



Step 3: Flip the bail up until it clicks.



Step 4: Look behind you!



Step 5: Pull the rods straight back (to about the 11 o'clock position when viewed from the side) then snap it forward. Release your finger from the line at the crucial moment (say about the 1 o'clock position) to let the line fly out at just the right angle.



Step 6: Flip the bail back down again, so you can start winding in if you get a bite...



An excellent cast, but the fish just aren't biting today...



It doesn't take long before you're totally absorbed in the moment.



If you fish, what rigs do you like to use? Any tips for teaching kids?

Comments

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

Ah, I miss fishing! Not particularly good at it--in other words, no tips for teaching kids or anyone else, for that matter--but I like it anyhow.

Can't wait for updates on your catches. :D

[khiemtran.livejournal.com]

Liem is pretty keen on the idea of catching something; personally, I'm not that fussed. I do like the thrill of a perfect cast and the brainwork behind working out how to set up a lure; plus, of course, the things you start to see when you stop and really start to contemplate the water. Coming back to it after all these years, I've also been surprised how much I enjoy the bits I used to regard as tedious - tying knots and working with the line and all the things that require patience and calm in order to complete.

[mnfaure.livejournal.com]

I know exactly what you mean. Catching something is a bonus, but I enjoy the ritual of it for what it is.