| For those of us, lucky enough to live on the coast | | | | sides of it. The principle behind this is that the |
| and fish in the ocean, the dynamics are very | | | | arms grip onto the seabed and allow sand to |
| different to fresh water fishing. The first challenge | | | | cover the sinker, creating a firm anchor between |
| is the waves and the second consideration, is the | | | | fishing rod, line and seabed. The sinker can be as |
| size of the fish which is being targeted. | | | | big as the rod is manufactured to cast. |
| The rule of thumb in simple, the bigger the bait - | | | | Once the angler is happy that he has reached the |
| the bigger the fish. In order to present a big bait, | | | | right spot, the sinker is left to "settle" and |
| you need a big hook, trace and at most times a | | | | become what we call "Vas" (firm). |
| big sinker;to prevent your bait from being washed | | | | After about 10 minutes the bait which has been |
| around. | | | | prepared and already fastened onto the hooks, is |
| Anglers have always been restricted on the | | | | then attached to the line, using an accessory |
| distance that they can cast, by the size of the | | | | called a Clip. A Clip looks similar to a safety pin, |
| bait that they are presenting. The bigger fish are | | | | which has been opened and the line threaded |
| generally in water 100m or so from the beach. It | | | | through the circular part at the bottom. The |
| is almost impossible to cast a really big bait 100 to | | | | technique is similar to winding a key onto a |
| 200 meters out to sea. | | | | keyring. |
| South African Anglers, have pioneered a new | | | | The clip is then closed to prevent it from being |
| technique - called Slide Fishing - where these | | | | un-threaded. The fisherman then holds the bait |
| problems are overcome with a bit of ingenuity | | | | and tightens his line; until he is able to slide the bait |
| and purpose made equipment. | | | | along the line towards the sinker. Like a marine |
| The principle behind sliding, is that an angler | | | | sliding along a rope into combat. |
| attaches only a sinker onto a leader line and then | | | | When the bait hits the water, the rod must be |
| casts the sinker out as far as he can. Distances | | | | jiggled backwards and forwards to send vibrations |
| are greatly increased, due to the aerodynamics of | | | | down the line and push the bait out further. Once |
| the sinker and that there is also not a half kilo of | | | | this motion is perfected the bait achieves quite a |
| bait attached. | | | | speed and the distance that it can be deposited is |
| The leader is attached to a metal ring and then a | | | | very substantial. |
| piece of line, of a weaker breaking strain, is used | | | | With many of the top anglers, being able to cast |
| to attach the sinker to the ring. This weaker line | | | | 250 meters plus out to see; sliding is a technique |
| allows the sinker to break off, when a big fish is | | | | which will allow you to place your bait a quarter of |
| hooked and the sinker is stuck. | | | | a kilometer out to sea. |
| The sinker used, is a grapnel sinker which has | | | | Problem solved. |
| arms like a grappling hook, coming out of the | | | | |