Howzit guys,
I'll be happy to assist where possible and with what has worked well for me.Dropshot is probably one of the most productive ways of fishing in Moz.I have been chucking plastics for the past 6 years in Mozambique and it's been one helluva ride.There are 2 different ways of dropshot-heavy and light.The best set-up for light dropshot would be a 7'M - Medium Heavy outfit with 10-15lb braid (look for .16 - .19mm diameter.I like using the Power pro Super 8 Slick because of the castability,but there are other great braids on the market.Couple that with a 20lb - 25lb fluoro leader and you're set.I've been connecting the 2 with a 35turn Bimini on the braid and a 5turn surgeons to the leader.Very strong connection that i've been trusting for years.Best sizes are 1/4oz nitro jigheads with 3inch minnows for wave garrick and small kingies in the surf.Rule of thumb,the more bright and clear the conditions,the more translucent and erratic you go.Next and the most favoured is 1/2 oz nitro jigheads coupled with 5inch minnows.Always try and use jerk shads with the split tail.Paddle tails tend to foul as the primary retrieve is with speed.There are two types of retrieves that have worked well for me.The fast,erratic retrieve immitating a fleeing baitfish and secondly the wounded baitfish.The first one is done by holding the rod horizontal with the tip pointing to a backhand tennis position.Then you give the rod fast jerks while winding with speed.It takes a while to get into the rythm,but it is technique specific.As soon as you can impart the darting side-to-side movement onto the lure,you'll be getting hits.The second is holding the rod upright,winding down and flicking it back up, imitating a fluttering,wounded baitfish.The Pearl Watermellon is by far the best to use in general.Chartruese works well too.Look for turbulent,white water with current and structure over a pushing tide.Don't be scared of fishing in the wash,that's where kingies love to hunt.
Next is the heavy shore-based set-up.Look for a 9'-10' XH rod,a good spinning reel in the 5000 - 6000 class,with 20-30lb braid,depending on diameter.Look for .28 - .30mm diameter.With a 9' rod use a 2oz Nitro jighead with a 7inch minnow.There you use a slow bouncing on the bottom retieve.Hold the rod high and without stopping your reelwind,drop your tip and jerk it back up.The idea is for the lure to bounce close to the bottom.Bigger kingies go nuts for that.We've caught Gt's of up to 26kg with that set-up.Depending on the prevailing structure,you'll be able to land bigger.Go with a tight drag or you're going to get smashed.Good reel is vital.Look for turbulent white water over spring tides if possible.You need current,structure and baitfish to catch Gt's and they go nuts for dropshot.Colours that have worked well for me in the past is Blue Pepper Neon,Chartreuse Pepper Neon.Retrieve is more important.
Should you be going on a boat,you'll catch even more fish.Fishing over shallow reefs,you'll be caining fish.Biggest key is retrieve with SPEED!.You're welcome to give me call on 0824960564 if I can assist in any way.
Let us know how it went.
Cheers
Popper
