Slide fishing setup - the basics

The aim of sliding is to get big baits out 80 - 120m from the shore. I follow 2 principles, your gear needs to balance and if you're hunting lions - be prepared to find them. I'll address the basics for those interested in taking it on:

The rod:

You'll be casting weights from 4-9oz so the rod must be able to handle that. It must also have enough back bone to apply the drag pressure of your reel. It should also be long enough to clear the shore break. The rod must have 16mm Fuji or silimilar quality guides since your leader with the knot must go through it.

The reel:

You'll need about 500-700m of line (0.50mm mono, or 500m of braid topped with 0.5mm mono). Reason for 0.5mm mono is that it needs to withstand the friction when sliding the bait out. 

You need a very good drag to apply constant pressure of 9-11kg during the fight.

Leader:

We use a 1.2mm x 9m wind on leader. This attached to the main line with a bimini and modified cat's paw. The leader is to assist in handling the fish on the shore and also to prevent sharks and rays cutting the leader during rolling. The leader is attached to the SWIVEL on the stopper ring by using a 3 turn figure 8 knot. The reason why we attached the leader to the swivel is the slide will "sit" on the swivel instead of directly on the knot when the fight is on. Depending on the leader material a thimble can be used.

Sinker:

We attach 25lb mono from the stopper ring to the sinker (about 0.5m). The breaking strain of the sinker line should be about half of your main line to enable you to break it if you get stuck. This will prevent you from losing the whole rig. the sinker needs to be heavy enough to anker the bait in the conditions your fishing. Size of the bait and sea conditions will determine the size you're using. The sinker needs to have 1.6mm (up to 6oz) and 2mm (8oz +) spring steel wires as anchors. These needs to able to give way when pulled hard. The wire "legs" must be at least 100mm long. 

Slide:

The slide needs to be of at least 1.6mm 316 stainless spring steel. It needs at least 4 turns in the coil. Slides fitted with 3/4 to 1oz weights slides better. A bead or spacer near the clip will prevent the slide from being damaged if a fish is hooked. Attached to the slide is a 600mm to 1m bite trace consisting of 150 - 400lb multi strand ss trace wire. We attach the steel trace with either a fig 8 or flemish eye. It is fitted with 1 or 2 hooks. The top hook is snelled and the bottom a flemish eye or fig 8. It is always good to add a pink skirt for a bit of movement and colour. Hooks needs to match the bait. Large circle hooks of 3x wire is good. Circle hooks is better cause it hooks on the edges of the mouth thus enabling releasing a healthy fish. The hooks always needs to sit "proud".

Baits:

Baits needs to be fresh (or alive) and needs to match what is in abundance. Bull herring accounted for a large bronzy. 30cm plus tailor will attrack both sharks and big mulloway. The bigger, more alive and the fresher the better.

Technique:

If there is weed (even small bits) forget it. Cast the weight out. Pick up slack straight away. Let the sinker settle in for about half and hour while you prepare the bait. Lower the main line and attach the slide with the bait. Bring the rod upright and let it slide untill hitting the shore break. Work your rod backwards and forwards in short strokes. Pause if a wave hits the slide. Continue untill the slide disappears under water then change to longer strokes. Do this for about 15min. If you think it is at the stopper go another 5min. If the slide is not at the stopper you might get burned of. If your sinker dislodge - start over. Keep your main line tight and place the rod in the stand. Loosen the drag and set the ratched/clicker.

Have your rod bucket/gimbel belt, torch, pliers etc at hand (and the esky with bubbly stuff). You might go for a 500m walk up and down the shoreline. If you are using circles, don't strike. If your line goes slack, pick it up and wind like hell untill you reach the stopper.

The setup I found most common is a 13ft 6-8oz rod, 500m of 0.5mm mono, 11kg drag pressure, 130lb wind on leader, slide with 0.8m 200lb bite trace and 20/0 circle or 12/0 j-hooks.With a 8oz weight we can get a 30-40cm tailor or salmon 100m from the shore fairly easy.

ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE.

 

 

 

 

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"I FISH, 'CAUSE THE VOICES TELLS ME TO...."


Posts: 501

Date Joined: 09/07/10

Very informative read mate,

Thu, 2011-12-29 15:24

Very informative read mate, cheers for letting is in on the know, have read bits of slide baiting but never fully understood this technique...

problem is i have to upgrade to the bigger gear now if i want to try it out, dam you ha.

 

cheers

Posts: 315

Date Joined: 30/05/08

great post

Thu, 2011-12-29 16:11

Well done , that will help out a lot of "newbie's" to get into the sport of lbg fishing with use of the slide .

Posts: 290

Date Joined: 12/10/08

thinking about getting a true

Thu, 2011-12-29 16:41

thinking about getting a true slidebait setup. hmmmmmmmmmm.

 

will do a bit of looking around this week. :)

aalfred's picture

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Great Post

Thu, 2011-12-29 20:20

That should get anyone intrested started. Well done!

mrwinta's picture

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Excelent read..

Thu, 2011-12-29 22:22

I hooked my first shore based shark 2 weeks ago I ended up getting taken 2 or 3 km up the beach and got bust off after a 45 min battle with him.. I have been looking at getting a more capable outfit so I can go back and try again.... I have a few questions but I will create a new thread so I don't risk hijacking yours.... thanks for the above info...

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 NEVER PUSH YOUR GRANNY WHEN SHE'S SHAVING

Sharktale's picture

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Cast away on the

Fri, 2011-12-30 02:13

Cast away on the question..I'll see if I can help. What broke..main line, knot, trace? or did you get run onto reef?

 

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"I FISH, 'CAUSE THE VOICES TELLS ME TO...."

mateusz's picture

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Date Joined: 18/03/11

thnx for the great post!

Fri, 2011-12-30 14:08

gonna have to go look for a rod, any suggestions what to look into?

also i have a penn 9500, would this be a big enough reel?

from what i understand it would need braid connected to mono with a bimini, how much mono would be needed for the topshot?

 

thnx guys

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beached as bro! 

Sharktale's picture

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I'd look at the Poseidon 5

Sat, 2011-12-31 16:52

I'd look at the Poseidon 5 Bantam Spin (3 tips). Capable of casting 7oz weights and suitable for spin reels.  The Penn 950 will give 300m of 50lb braid and fill the remainder with mono. The mono is only to "slide" on so if you cast avge 100m you'll need about 150m of 0.5mm mono. Bear mind that you'll need a bit of room for the wind-on leader. The Penn 950 is a solid reel. Carefull of the bail arm closing during a heavy cast. The Poseidon is available from Compleat Angler in Rockingham.

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"I FISH, 'CAUSE THE VOICES TELLS ME TO...."

Posts: 40

Date Joined: 16/07/11

Awesome explanation thanks.

Fri, 2011-12-30 20:00

Awesome explanation thanks. Could you post some pictures of the business end as I dont know what the stopper ring is.

Sharktale's picture

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Hi, I'll post a rig setup in

Sat, 2011-12-31 16:54

Hi, I'll post a rig setup in a separate thread.

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"I FISH, 'CAUSE THE VOICES TELLS ME TO...."

wardy90's picture

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is this just so you can cast

Fri, 2011-12-30 21:24

is this just so you can cast further with out a big chunky bait or is there other reasons why this is usefull? cheers

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size doesnt matter its how they use it (* IIII<

 

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yip

Fri, 2011-12-30 21:52

That's pretty much it , to be able to send out big dead aswell as live baits out to the depths(were hopefully the bigger fish are swimming )

cuthbad's picture

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Very well written Sharktale!

Fri, 2011-12-30 21:32

Very well written Sharktale!

snipesleher's picture

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Thanks for the write up.I

Fri, 2011-12-30 21:55

Thanks for the write up.I take it you would use a 12ft + rod capable of casting 100-150g.Would a Penn 750ssm do the job

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Wesley

Sharktale's picture

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Date Joined: 13/07/11

To hold a decent size bait we

Sat, 2011-12-31 08:51

To hold a decent size bait we cast out 150 - 226g. The Penn 750ssm has a good reliable drag and can hold 300m of 50lb braid. You wont have room for the top shot mono. You can slide directly on braid but it has not been done anough to give an account on which type will be best. 300m of 50lb braid will give you a decent chance of landing a good fish. Just be carefull - the Penn ssm has a tendancy of the bail arm closing on heavy casts. Use a windon otherwise you'll cut your finger badly. Tighten the drag when casting. Yes, the rods are 12ft +.

Tight lines!

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"I FISH, 'CAUSE THE VOICES TELLS ME TO...."

wardy90's picture

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cool can i use this method

Fri, 2011-12-30 23:04

cool can i use this method when i go whiting fishing..i find it really hard to cast a sand worm out;)

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size doesnt matter its how they use it (* IIII<

 

Posts: 315

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had a few ?

Fri, 2011-12-30 23:32

This guy has taken some time and effort to go into detail about the basics of sliding , don't go spoiling it for the ones that are actually interested in getting into slide fishing ...... start your own thread about catching whiting.

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Date Joined: 13/11/11

That is an awesome spin on

Sat, 2011-12-31 07:49

That is an awesome spin on sliding. I'm keen to get into this technique but can I ask what particular rod and reel combo do you use/recommend? LBG is kind of new to me so I could do with being pointed in the right direction. Cheers

Sharktale's picture

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Date Joined: 13/07/11

Hi, I use an overhead rod and

Sat, 2011-12-31 17:25

Hi, I use an overhead rod and reel from overseas. Depends on your ability, budget and preference. Got an Ozzy friend of mine started on a Poseidon Bantam 5 (7oz) and a sealine bull spin reel. He's loving it. He landed a big bronzie on the setup. The Poseidon is available from Compleat Angler in Rockingham. Keep an eye out for specials on The Quantum Cabo 70 and 80's, Penn 950 etc. You need reliable drag pressure and line capacity.

Hope this helps.

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"I FISH, 'CAUSE THE VOICES TELLS ME TO...."

fisho-ron's picture

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hi guysi am gunna give this a

Sat, 2011-12-31 07:52

hi guys

i am gunna give this a crack, does anyone know where to get som of the clips from?

either midland or cannington area?

cheers ron

Sharktale's picture

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Date Joined: 13/07/11

Hi Fisho-ron

Sat, 2011-12-31 08:14

Bluewater has richter slides (www.bluewater.net.au) I don't know about stores in your locations but you can get them online for bluewater. Comment on the bluewater slide posted on the web: it has no spacer below the coil which means you'll likely damage it badly during a tussle with a good fish. It is also unweighted. I have seen slides from richter which has both the weights and spacer so it might be worth while paying bluewater a visit.

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"I FISH, 'CAUSE THE VOICES TELLS ME TO...."

UncutTriggerInWA's picture

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Fantastic Article Sharktale

Sat, 2011-12-31 08:42

I can think of some ideal spots to use this technique. It does however require a whole review of equipment and the art of setting it up. I think it's fair to say that Australian anglers look at things a lot differently than the South African shore based anglers. I certainly welcome input from those I consider the "purists" in the art of large species land based anglers. Well done mate!

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Vince.
Work smart and fish often.
Member and die-hard supporter of the mighty West Coast Eagles.

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Already got a Saltist 6500...

Sat, 2011-12-31 11:31

Already got a Saltist 6500... i think its spooled with 700m's of 37kg braid. 

Just need a rod to match.. anything you can recommend??

I know you guys generally use overheads but i dont think i can justify another $250-300 for a Torium or Saltist. As i already have an sl50, but prefer to leave it loaded with 10kg for straylining for snapper off the rocks.

 

Cheers,

 

George.

 

Sharktale's picture

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Date Joined: 13/07/11

Hi George

Sat, 2011-12-31 17:32

I will consider the Poseidon Spin 5 Bantam (3 tips) - Compleat Anger Rockingham. The light tip will allow you heavy plugging and lure casting.

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"I FISH, 'CAUSE THE VOICES TELLS ME TO...."

pauldoohan1's picture

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Date Joined: 23/07/11

Worth looking at this for a

Sat, 2011-12-31 13:48

Worth looking at this for a bit of a Sliding how to.  At the end he is releasing 7ft sharks waist deep in water.crazy.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SAGyXBXANo&feature=related

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Always at the beach.

Posts: 40

Date Joined: 16/07/11

I want to make some of these

Sat, 2011-12-31 21:48

I want to make some of these slides myself. Where would I get the wire? I tried Bunnings and the closest thing they have is Stainless steel tie wire for fencing. 1.6mm. Grade 304. Comes coiled up. Would this do the job or is it abit too flexible?

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Date Joined: 30/05/08

ss spring steel

Sun, 2012-01-01 22:07

Needs to be spring steel , I gave up looking - went to a few places north of the river and got a few different responses from never heard of it , don't no where to get it from , go try ......

Now I just important them when needed.

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Boynes in osborne park 

Sun, 2012-01-01 22:14

Boynes in osborne park

 

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thanks

Mon, 2012-01-02 09:01

Will look em up.

snipesleher's picture

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Thanks

Sun, 2012-01-01 18:38

Thanks sharktale. Just need to convince the minister of finance why I need new rods and more gear

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Wesley

Sharktale's picture

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Date Joined: 13/07/11

That's a burden we all share.

Sun, 2012-01-01 20:47

That's a burden we all share. Good luck mate!

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"I FISH, 'CAUSE THE VOICES TELLS ME TO...."

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Date Joined: 12/10/08

 true that. haha

Sun, 2012-01-01 21:54

 true that.

 

haha

Sharktale's picture

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Date Joined: 13/07/11

If you guys are after slides

Mon, 2012-01-02 07:05

If you guys are after slides & rigs send me a PM.

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"I FISH, 'CAUSE THE VOICES TELLS ME TO...."

mateusz's picture

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thnx

Mon, 2012-01-02 11:01

thanks for the feed back.

the  Poseidon 5 Bantam Spin (3 tips) sounds awesome! but is out of my price range right now:(

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beached as bro! 

Posts: 290

Date Joined: 12/10/08

 got a whole heap of slides

Mon, 2012-01-02 12:10

 got a whole heap of slides off ragbags a few years back... haha, still to use them. Damn i hate working away.

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Date Joined: 06/01/12

Nice

Wed, 2012-07-18 08:03

Nice article mate, I've been wondering how it's been done, nice and informative, thank you

snipesleher's picture

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Slide baiting for other species

Mon, 2013-01-07 21:10

Back from a holiday with new gear a Shimano Torium 30 mated to a Poseidon Gold Class spooled with 300yrds of 50lb Berkley Wiplash braid.Need to spool on some mono and leader.Now to learn how to cast and slide bait.Bought two types of slides.The live bait and the non return

Living in Bunbury and still learning the basic's of surf fishing,i was told to fish the surf/gutter close to shore ie Mulloway Tailor.Was wondering if slide baiting as you are talking 100/150m cast,could be used to target fish other than shark,used off jettys like busso,off the rocks down south places like contos.Spoke with a workmate and he mentioned that they were slide baiting for kingies

 

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Wesley

Sharktale's picture

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Date Joined: 13/07/11

You can target any decent size predator.

Wed, 2013-01-16 19:42

 sliding of piers and  rocks is no problem. Hook a livie on a non return clip. Often fish are in close and sliding can put a 30cm live tailor 60m out in the strike zone

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"I FISH, 'CAUSE THE VOICES TELLS ME TO...."

Posts: 34

Date Joined: 13/11/12

great read

Mon, 2013-02-25 10:44

 thanks sharktale  that was awesome  . Just out of curiousity how much would it cost in general to get all the rigs and setups for sliding ? I have rod and reel ill use etc but sinkers hooks etc  would it sll be under 50$ ? 100$ ? You got me really keen to go explore this technique  . Great article

Chris fish's picture

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 think this needs a revisit

Mon, 2014-04-28 21:24

 think this needs a revisit as lots more guys are getting into shark fishing these days and always asking questions about the setup for sliding.

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always looking for a new challenge!!