Kingi/Live-bait advice

Hey, I have only ever caught 1 kingfish (surfcasting) and shot 1 (spearfishing) in my life and keen to target them on the Manukau as its close to home.

I know I have missed this years big rush but have had some chase a lure up to my little boat recently and I'm keen to give them a crack.

I have set up an ugly stick with 120 pound leader, 50kg swivels and 9/0 circle hooks with the intention of running a lil kahawai about. Is it worth threading a rubber band through the eye of the livie or is popping the hook through the nose/back fine?

Appreciate any advice or tips,
Cheers.

no just hook your kahawai thru the back just in front of dorsal fin

I LOVE this gadget.

https://www.rusler.co.nz/shop/produc...42/bait-mates/

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Originally Posted by Haggie

Hey, I have only ever caught 1 kingfish (surfcasting) and shot 1 (spearfishing) in my life and keen to target them on the Manukau as its close to home.

I know I have missed this years big rush but have had some chase a lure up to my little boat recently and I'm keen to give them a crack.

I have set up an ugly stick with 120 pound leader, 50kg swivels and 9/0 circle hooks with the intention of running a lil kahawai about. Is it worth threading a rubber band through the eye of the livie or is popping the hook through the nose/back fine?

Appreciate any advice or tips,
Cheers.

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Back is fine, dont expect too much if you have a huge kahawai, smaller is better if you just want A kingfish

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Originally Posted by Gibo

Back is fine, dont expect too much if you have a huge kahawai, smaller is better if you just want A kingfish

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I put a big boy out last weekend and it got chased around by something but never taken, will put a lil lollypop of a fish out next time.

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Originally Posted by MB

I LOVE this gadget.

https://www.rusler.co.nz/shop/produc...42/bait-mates/

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Ill keep an eye out for a Temu version :P

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Originally Posted by Haggie

Ill keep an eye out for a Temu version :P

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Yeah, they won't be far behind.

Depends on the bait too. Piper are fantastic livies but you need to hook them through the eyes as they are very fragile and will die easily. Kahawai and mackerel are pretty tough and will handle a bit of abuse.

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Originally Posted by Shearer

Depends on the bait too. Piper are fantastic livies but you need to hook them through the eyes as they are very fragile and will die easily. Kahawai and mackerel are pretty tough and will handle a bit of abuse.

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Hooked piper through the back plenty

I like Jack Macs. Never been much good at catching Piper.
My favorite is Slimy Mackerel. Everything loves them. Including big snaps.

Koheru is the ultimate!

If it was on the Manakau it was most likely a Bronze whaler :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Haggie

I put a big boy out last weekend and it got chased around by something but never taken, will put a lil lollypop of a fish out next time.

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