Mastering Slide Bait Techniques to Unlock Your Favourite Surf and Rock Fishing Spots

Let's get into a game changing method that started in South Africa and New Zealand – the sliding bait rig. This technique's all about going the distance, literally. Whether it's for chasing big game from the beach or rock, or reeling in those bread and butter species, slide baiting is your answer.

Picture this: you're perched on a rocky headland, the salty spray of the ocean on your face, rod in hand. You cast your line out, the sinker pulls it taut and then the magic happens. You slide on a baited rig and let it travel along the mainline into the vast ocean.

The live bait – our 'livie' – can only swim one way, prevented from swimming back towards your line's rod end by the ingenious design of the rig. Your bait is set for a one-way journey into the underwater wilderness seducing our finned friends from the deep.

But why slide baiting, you ask? Well, here's the rub. Casting your line only gets you so far but slide baiting gives you that extra reach. Plus, the rig lets your bait stay out there longer strutting its stuff for our aquatic mates. The more ground you cover and the more time your bait spends out there the better your chances of hooking a beauty.

For surf and rock fishing slide baiting becomes your secret weapon against Kingfish, Snapper, Mackerel and similar species. But the beauty of this technique isn't limited to the ocean's edge. It's equally effective in estuaries, off rock walls, and off the wharf and jetty.

Now, let's break down the slide baiting essentials.

First up, your rod needs to be a sturdy bloke, something like a 12-15 foot surf rod, and a reel that can hold at least 300 metres of line. Next, the slide. It’s a two-part gig: the slide and the bottom ring stopper. The slide is a clip that goes onto the mainline and is sent out to sea with the bait attached to a short leader. The stopper (a small round welded ring with a swivel) sits at the sinker to stop the slide from slipping off the line.

As for the bait? Well, let's say the bigger, the better. Whole squid, mullet, pilchards, and mackerel make excellent bait. If you're after something with teeth, like sharks, consider using a wire trace. Remember, the goal is to attract the big fellas.

One method is the old one two. The first slide you send out can be cutbait. Send it out and let it get to the sinker. Then send out another rig with that livie on it. If you still dont have any takers send out a third sliding bait rig with another bait on it like a whole squid. Shake it up a little. 

When it comes to setting up, cast your line out with only the sinker attached. Once it's settled, attach your baited slide to the mainline. Just make sure the line between the rod and the sinker is tight, or the slide won't slide as well.

If you haven't given slide baiting a fair shake, now's the time. Whether you're an old hand or just wetting a line for the first time, slide baiting is a great way to make your mark in the fishing world. And remember, it's not the fish you catch but the mateship and yarns that truly make a day on the water. Tight lines, cobbers!