Prawning At Rivers Part 2
By: Phil Foo
Prawn fishing is fun. No heavy tug-of-war but still plenty of fun. When it comes to prawn fishing it is not brute force that counts, but good control and gentleness. In Part 1 we looked at the type of rod and reel to use for fishing prawns at rivers. Here and now, we will look at lines, hooks, sinkers, etc. Let us first start with mainlines.
[ This means that the prawn will feel less resistance when taking the bait… ]
Main Lines
Any line 10lb to 15lb, will do. I prefer to use super-lines that are fluorocarbon coated such as Spiderwire Ultracast Fluoro-Braid, as compared to monofilament lines. This is because super-lines are pound for pound thinner in diameter compared to monofilament lines.
The disadvantage is that they float and they have a high amount of drag in water. Hence why I prefer those that are Fluorocarbon coated. Fluorocarbon coated super-lines sink faster and they have less drag in the water.
Fluorocarbon coated lines are awesome for fishing prawns in rivers.
Note that one will be fishing for prawns in river and rivers have currents. A low drag, small diameter line will certainly be advantageous. This means that the prawn will feel less resistance when taking the bait. Also, super-lines do not stretch and that is great. Sensitivity is certainly higher. Pressure is a lot more consistent.
Of course one can use monofilament lines too as super-lines do cost more. Monofilament lines do work but they will be larger in diameter unless one opts for lower poundage. The other thing is stretch. Monofilament lines do stretch (some more than others). A softer tip rod plus a stretchy line also is definitely a disadvantage. Maintaining pressure is harder, and setting hooks become harder too.
Leaders
As for leaders I prefer fluorocarbon lines as they are stiffer, the stretch is very low, they have less drag, and they sink faster. Fluorocarbon lines are also harder to see underwater thanks to their density. They cost more as compared to normal monofilament lines though.
Normal monofilament lines can of course be used as leader lines too, just that they do not have the advantage of being almost stretch free, they do not sink as fast, and if the water is clear; can be seen by prawns. The other option are Fluorocarbon coated monofilaments. They still have stretch but they sink faster and have less drag. 6lb to10lb leaders will be good enough.
Fluorocarbon leaders are harder for prawns to see, underwater.
Hooks
Needless to say, hooks are a must. Not just any hook but hooks that are sharp (this goes without saying). Do check (if allowed) for sharpness by running them on your fingernail. If they easily latch on to your fingernail, they are sharp enough.
I have bought hooks that were not sharp enough and ended up losing a good number of prawns. Setting the hook takes some control too. To hard and it tears off. To soft and it does not catch. A sharp hook allows for easier penetration. As for sizes; hook sizes 2 to 6 are what you’ll need.
Catching baits to fish river prawns.
Sinkers
When fishing for prawns at rivers, you will need to use a sinker that allows line to move through it, in short; running sinkers. A sinker is needed to get your bait to the bottom. Remember that rivers have currents.
Although the best time for fishing prawns is when the currents are slow, but slow current is still current. A sinker will bring your bait to the bottom as well as hold your position. Size of sinker will depend on your line as well as the current. Size 3 to 6 will suffice.
River prawns are fun to fish. It is a different game all on its own.
There you go; river prawn (blue pincer prawn) fishing and what are the tackle needed. There are more to learn should be interested in fishing for prawns in rivers (instead of at manmade pools or ponds). We will discuss further in future issues. Stay tuned and happy fishing.
