Tackle Tactics » Pro Anglers » Ryan Fogg
Articles by Ryan Fogg...
Ryan Fogg
HOW DID YOU GET INTO FISHING?
My Mum and Dad introduced me as fishing has it been a part of my family for generations. Our family holidays always involved plenty of time on the water, with Dad at the helm of the boat.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU ABOUT FISHING?
Fishing can be a solo exercise or enjoyed sharing the water with mates. Whether you are an angler who enjoys every technical detail or someone who appreciates its simplicity, the challenge is to constantly learn from your mistakes to make yourself a better angler. There are so many variables when it comes to fishing, but time on the water is the best way to work out fish patterns and ultimately catch more fish.
WHERE IN AUSTRALIA DO YOU FISH AND WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN TARGET SPECIES?
I am based in SEQ on the beautiful Sunshine Coast. The main species I target in the salt is flathead and in the fresh I target barramundi, saratoga and Australian bass.
WHAT ARE 3 OF YOUR FAVOURITE SPECIES AND WHY?
-
Flathead – Chasing flathead in skinny water, whether it be topwater or sub-surface, is very visual and super rewarding.
-
Barramundi – The apex predator in most impoundments. The ultimate challenge is to find them and get a reaction and an eat.
-
Saratoga – One of Australia`s most prehistoric fish, they are a hard fish to find and even harder fish to land. When you hook one though and they launch out of the water your heart races until they are safely in the net, then released unharmed to catch another day.
WHAT ARE A FEW OF YOUR MOST MEMORABLE CAPTURES?
-
In 1989 I captured my first sailfish at the age of 11. It turned out to be an Australian record of 40.8kg on 12lb Platypus Pre-Test monofilament.
-
Last year on a trip up north with some mates to chase barramundi, I managed to catch and release my biggest barra from a kayak at 83cm.
-
During a bass comp fishing with Dad, I hooked and landed a 730mm saratoga on 6lb braid. I bought Dad a custom net for his birthday, and this was the first fish landed in it.
GO-TO TACKLE TACTICS PRODUCTS AND SOME TIPS FOR USING THEM?
1. The TT Tackle Sling Bag is an awesome addition to my land-based kit. Having your gear at your fingertips is awesome and the rod sleeve gives you a spare hand to take a picture of your catch or for stress-free rigging.
2. The ZMan GOAT is one of my go-to presentations in the salt and fresh. From the finesse of the 3” Baby GOAT, rigged weedless for bass, to the 4.25” Billy GOAT, topwater rigged weightless for hunting barramundi amongst the weed beds.
GO-TO OKUMA PRODUCTS AND WHY?
Okuma reels are super light in the hand and have plenty of drag to turn the heads of most species. I use both the ITX Carbon and Ceymar HD reels and their smooth drags and compact design make long days casting much easier.
WHAT SPECIES ON YOUR BUCKET LIST? WHY?
Murray cod out of the kayak, $1.20 barramundi, 1m flathead and a 50cm Australian bass.
WHAT IS A PIECE OF FISHING ADVICE THAT YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN THAT STILL STICKS WITH YOU?
Everything for a reason, and a purpose behind it.
WHAT ARE 3 TIPS FOR SOMEONE NEW TO FISHING?
1. Keep your gear simple and focus on your surroundings and techniques.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and try something different.
3. Do you research on the species and area that you plan to fish. The 5 p`s, prior planning prevents poor performance.
ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?
I am very excited to be a part of the Tackle Tactics Pro team. Being part of an energetic team of anglers, backed by awesome brands, is phenomenal. If there is something you would like to know more about from my articles or videos, feel free to reach out to me on my social accounts @ Ryan Fogg on Facebook and exploring_foggs on Instagram.
Tight lines and bent rods.
Foggy