Lightweight equipment de rigueur
Rockfishing is light, even ultra-light fishing. The fish are often small and the lures tiny. The use of very light tackle provides maximum sensations on small, combative fish and maximum sensitivity for more pleasure and precision in the perception of bites.
The cane
Solid tip fine rods have been widely popularized by rockfishing. They offer a progressive action and a nice curve. The full tip offers maximum precision for minimalist action, great sensitivity and less chance of unhooking fish such as horse mackerel, which have a very fragile mouth. For an even more visual perception of the touch, like a quiver tip, the tip or ligatures are often white. The basic rockfishing rod is between 2 m and 2.20 m long. It has a full tip and a power of between 0.5 and 7g.
Reel and line
To balance this light rod, we use a reel size 1000 to 2000. For maximum sensitivity and finesse, I use a fine 4-strand PE0.3 to PE0.6 braid. The fineness of the braid makes it possible to cast far and accurately into structures. I finish with a fluorocarbon leader with a diameter of 16 to 24/100 depending on the configuration of the fishing spots and the size of the fish I'm going to stalk.
Lure selection
From a lure point of view, micro lead heads and mini soft lures (finesse, shad, creatures...) make up the basic package and allow you to catch all types and sizes of fish! Texan light or drop shot rigs can complement the use of mini lead heads in certain conditions: crowded spots, need to lift the lure off the bottom...
Attractants are a real plus for certain types of slow fishing, particularly for sparids (bream, sars, sparaillons), which are very receptive to them.
Metal micro-casting jigs are also typical rockfishing lures. They can also be used to catch all types of fish at all depths. They can be cast very far and can be used to reach distant hunts, while also offering the possibility of fishing at great depths or in strong currents.
A few essential accessories
In addition to your combo and lures, several accessories will make your life easier and sometimes even prove indispensable! A pair of pliers will help you unhook some hard-mouthed fish without any hazardous handling. A small fish-clip (miniature version of a fish-grip) allows you to safely handle fish with stinging fins and gills or even venomous fish like scorpion fish! At night, a headlamp and a UV light help you spot fish and spots, while the latter charges your glow lures for added attraction. Last but not least, a lighter in your tackle bag can save a lot of trouble. Scorpion fish and snapper are venomous fish that can cause painful stings. The flame of a lighter applied next to the sting destroys the venom. A real trick to know!
Fun and Catch and Release
To conclude, I can only advise you to release your catch. Rockfishing is fun, no-holds-barred fishing, where the aim is to multiply species, catch small, colorful and photogenic fish and have fun with very light tackle. Some species, such as grouper and corb, are protected and must be released!
Now it's your turn!
