Summer Shark Trace by Kiran Ramjiawan
“Since I am basically a complete novice at rock and surf fishing, but have recently found the passion, I have been trying to learn the new techniques. So, I have been pestering Kiran Ramjiawan of Durban fame, and this is what I got out of him, for the summer shark season…” – Xona
It’s basically two 12/0 hooks. I only use and trust Mustad. 200lb carbon coated steel cable. Whole trace is about a meter from slide to bottom hook. The bottom hook is tied using figure of 8 knot, then the tag is wrapped around the steel just for added security. Top hook is snelled. Powerful knot for thick nylon too. Only knot I use for circles. BTW, the tag end must come from the back to the front of the eye in circles for the correct hook action. A plastic squid skirt is added for extra bling and movement in the water. The slide is the heavy duty kingfisher. Much larger and strong than normal slides. Tied just at the bottom hook.
The sinker is a grapnel with thick wires. This one is 8oz so it loads my rod nicely. I use a low breaking strain nylon and I’ve tied it to about 30 -35cm 90ln steel. This knot is untidy I admit. Reason for this is black fin sharks like to roll itself, thereby wrapping your trace around itself. Many times the trace will cut and you’ll be left in the dust. So the steel is to try preventing it from happening. Fishing is a blood sport I know, but it’s better if you get him out of the water and get your trace back, safely releasing him, than your trace getting cut off and staying wrapped around him.
So anyway, I haven’t decided what bait I will use to rig this trace up. I’m thinking a freshly monster mullet from umzimkulu river. I would cut its head in an angle, shape it a little, and probably wrap mullet cutlets around it. Another option would be to wrap Yellowtail cutlets. Sardines would work too. The idea is to make a big and bloody bait. Raggies, black fin, greys, Zambezi, diamond ray. You name it, it will chow this bait…
“And on rods and reels for summertime fun…”
I have the Shimano Technium medium surf rod. It will work but will take much longer to get the fish out of the water. Benefit is that it isn’t as taxing on your back as a heavy rod. I love the rod though I can fish anything from shad to shark. It’s got a lot of power.
My reel is a bit small. Shimano torium 30 with 0.50 dia kingfisher line. On that tied up 1mm maxima leader with Bimini twist and figure of 8.
But Toriums are nice hey. I have seen plenty big fish landed on them. The 50 size is a serious big fish reel. With 55lb braid backing you can get like 1km of line on it. If a fish runs more than that, you won’t stop him on any tackle.
“Thank you Kiran, looking forward to your next instalment!”
