Posted by jas on March 23, 2002 at 13:48:21:
In Reply to: What weight LINE/RODS for Threshers? posted by GuppyFish on March 23, 2002 at 13:26:03:
Hi Chase. Please leave a valid email next time you post.
From my experience:
Fishing for Threshers from yaks broadens the range for rod, reel, and line#. You'd think you'd have to go BIG line, BIG pole, large reel capacities, etc; You don't neccessarily have to. MOst of the fight is a big ride. I use to point my yak in the direction the shark was towing me. I've since learned to lead a perpendicular ride, letting it pull me sideways. When the sharks go over 150lb, there's not much to do except reel yourself to the shark as much as he'll let you; maintaining a strong grip on your super bendo rod during your tow/ride. It's better to tire them out a bit anyway prior to handling.
I prefer 20-50lb range rods. 30#-60# line. If you use line on the lighter side(30#), make sure you're not using leaders so that if you do snap, it snaps towards the knot/hook; and all he's left w/ is a hook. Don't use steel leaders either. It can really injure the shark.
If you're trolling w/ Rapalas, jigs, etc; make sure you use heavier line(50# up). This way you have a much better chance at keeping your lure; more importantly making sure the shark doesn't get stuck w/ a double treble hook in the tail or mouth if the line snaps.
This kind of fishing is just about as extreme as it gets. These tails can rip the skin right off your face if you're not careful. Or your line can wrap you up when you're gettting ready to land/release it. Rhino and other experienced yakers makes it look extremely easy. I'm sure their/our first few catches reflected a "less perfected" technique than the one they/we have now.
When trolling, soaking maks, etc; stay at least 75-100 yards away, if possible, from other yakers.