Float Fishing for Luderick Rig

When it comes to float fishing for luderick it’s not just a matter of sliding on a float and putting on some bait in the hope of catching a few fish. There is a certain amount of finesse that goes into the setting up of your float and terminal tackle.

As an example, when you crimp the split shot sinkers on the leader that is below the swivel, they will need to be evenly spaced, as this will help when casting. Also, not all float stoppers are the same and not all holes in the top eye of the float are the same diameter. This is where having a selection of small plastic beads comes in extremely handy as the bead will stop the stopper going through the top eye.

You will also need to have a varied selection of hooks, swivels, ball sinkers and floats, as the bite of the luderick can change not only from day to day, but right through the tide.

As you will see from the diagram there is no difference between the two rigs, except that the long stemmed float on the right sits higher in the water. This would be used when there is a fair amount of white water about. When the conditions are a lot smoother and the bite may be more tentative you can set the top of the float lower in the water, allowing the fish to pull the float under with less resistance.

When targeting luderick off the rocks or near the end of the river entrance you will often also get drummer take off with the bait.

Technique 1

When fishing for luderick you will need to learn the secrets of luderick etiquette. You will find that this is easily learnt by watching a group of luderick anglers at work. These guys will usually fish in large groups off rock platforms or breakwalls and will work together like a well-oiled machine.

Once the drift pattern has been established, everyone will take their turn at the front of the drift. By this I mean that once you have cast in your float you will allow it to drift to the furthest point of the drift and then reel it back in if you haven’t got a down. Once it is back at your feet you will cast the float up current or drift and start over again. If an angler does get a down and hooks into a fish the other anglers will watch their own floats to make sure that it doesn’t get in the way.

Technique 2

I prefer to have my float running on the line as this allows you to quickly adjust your depth by sliding the float stopper up and down. The running float also allows you change the depth as the tide changes.

The size of the float depends on the turbulence of water, however in calm conditions a fine pencil type float is best. Use a small, number 10, swivel below the float to eliminate line twist, then a leader of 3kg fluorocarbon, attached to a small hook, size 8 to 10. Use just enough split shot to make the leader hang straight down. The bottom split shot is usually kept at least 20cm above the hook. When at rest the float tip should be about 25mm of its tip above the water. A finely balanced float will go down at the slightest bite.

Technique 3

Working out where the luderick are feeding can be very frustrating. Most of the time they are grazing on the bottom, however they can be brought off the bottom using burley. Initially, I will set up my float rig as close to the bottom as I can without getting it snagged. To determine the depth, you could take a guess or just tie a sinker on the bottom of your line and slowly lower it into the water. Once it has reached the bottom, make a mental note of where it is in the water and wind it back in. This will give you a basic idea of the water depth. If you are in a boat with a sounder, then this will tell you how deep it is.

Once you have rigged up you will cast out the float. If you find that it lays sideways, then you will just need to slide the float stopper down, which in turn will bring the bait up off the bottom. As the tide goes out or comes in, you will again need to adjust the position of the float and in turn bait.

Suggested Combos

Rods:

Okuma Barbarian Spin Rods - BN-S-802NT - 8'0" - 2-4kg - Nibble Tip: Ideal for either out of the boat or from the shore in the estuary.

Okuma Barbarian Spin Rods - BN-S-902NT - 9'0" - 2-6kg - Nibble Tip: Ideal for either out of the boat or from the shore in the estuary, where you may need some extra length in the rod.

Okuma Barbarian Spin Rods BN-S-1062NT - 10'6" - 2-6kg - Nibble Tip: Ideal off the rocks when there is not a lot of ocean swell.

Okuma Barbarian Spin Rods BN-S-1162NT - 11'6" - 2-6kg - Nibble Tip: ideal for fishing off a breakwall or the rocks when you need that extra length to lift or wash the fish out.

Reels:

Okuma Alaris Spin Reels – ALS-45 and ALS-55 spinning reels.

Okuma JAW Spin Reels – JAW-45 spinning reel.

Line:

Platypus Platinum and Pulse Mono – 10lb and 12lb for off the rocks and break walls.

Platypus Platinum and Pulse Mono – 8lb and 10lb for the estuaries.

Leader:

Platypus Hard Armour FC Fluorocarbon – 4, 6, 8 and 10lb as your leader material.