In the Spread fishing video, Chris Rushford teaches techniques for casting lures to reef edges from a big boat. He emphasizes boat positioning, dissecting reef systems, and accurate casting. He shares his tackle, line, connections, and lures for successful fishing with GT's or giant trevally.
Giant Trevally - Reef Fishing from the Mothership
(00:44:21)Summary
Casting Techniques: It's not just about throwing a lure; it's about precision and the right retrieve.
Expertise: Learn from exceptional fishermen like Chris “Critter” Rushford from Reel Teaser Fishing Adventures.
Location: The Rowley Shoals in the Indian Ocean, 150 miles west of Broome, Australia.
Key Fishing Areas: Focus on craggy, angular edges and channels in the atolls.
GT's: Giant trevally are the dominant predators in these waters.
Fishing Tips: Create commotion, mimic wounded baitfish, and understand the marine ecosystem.
Gear: Use the right rods, reels, and lures designed for heavy-duty fishing.
Casting Lures: An Art and Science
Casting lures is more than just throwing it out and reeling it back. It's an art of casting and retrieving.
- How do you ensure the lure lands in the right spot?
- What casting technique is best for that?
- How can you achieve the perfect retrieve cadence and action to trigger bites?
Unless you practice extensively or learn from seasoned fishermen, it's challenging to know what works best. For instance, casting big poppers and stick baits to a reef edge while maintaining a safe distance demands both skill and experience. Moreover, the right rod and reel setup is crucial.
Imagine being on a larger sport yacht or a head boat where casting big lures to aggressive reef donkeys is the norm. If you're curious about casting lures from a big boat to a reef edge, the In The Spread fishing video featuring Chris “Critter” Rushford from Reel Teaser Fishing Adventures in Western Australia offers invaluable insights. The tips and techniques Chris shares are universally applicable to shallow water reef fishing where big apex predators roam.
The secret to fishing the atoll's outer edge lies in:
- Identifying craggy areas
- Locating angular and broken edges
- Finding channels that allow water flow in and out of the atoll
The more irregular the structure, the better. As the tide recedes, marine life and bait fish are swept off the top or from the reef's interior. This movement attracts larger reef predators, leading to a feeding frenzy. Amidst the chaos of waves and white water, the GT's, the undisputed lords of the reef, dominate. These fast and powerful creatures are relentless predators.
To attract a bite, your lure should create significant commotion in the water and mimic a wounded baitfish's behavior. Chris Rushford, despite his youth, has profound knowledge of the marine ecosystem of offshore reefs and the tactics for fishing GT's. His insights can significantly enhance your success in reef fishing for apex predators.
Discover Chris's advice on:
- Positioning your vessel to maximize lure landing in the strike zone
- Casting techniques to get your lure close to the reef
- Retrieval methods and varying tactics
- Choosing the right gear for long casts and heavy drag
- Selecting battle-ready lures with robust split rings and hooks
If you're venturing into this type of fishing, be prepared. Arm yourself with the right knowledge, use the best equipment, and learn from experts like Chris to catch the biggest fish.
The key is to be able to put the lure in the right spot with the right retrieve cadence and action.