Luderick fishing is simple provided you observe a few details closely. One of these details is the use of an appropriate float. A float is required to suspend a bait at the depth where the fish are feeding, it then provides a bite indicator and finally it allows time for the bait to be swallowed and for a hook to be set.
Floats come in all sizes and shapes, some people even like to use small bobby corks and eggbeaters to target luderick. I prefer to use a centrepin reel for reasons spelt out in this article. When you use a centrepin it's only natural that you use a long stemmed float. Apart from anything else, a stemmed float gives you some weight to cast when using the centrepin. Stemmed floats can also give you stability in rough water conditions and windy conditions, they drift nicely in a current and can be very visible in all conditions.
Centrepin reels are an excellent choice for Luderick fishing as I have described in another article. One of my favourite manufacturers of centrepin reels, and indeed a favourite of Luderick anglers down the years, were Grice & Young.
These reels, although not designed for Australian conditions, are very handy luderick reels. They're hard wearing with a tough construction, few moving parts, yet a very small amount of force is needed to turn the spool. Sadly these reels are no longer manufactured in their original form, however, Shakespeare until recently sold a reel made with similar tooling to the original factory in the UK and there are many originals available via EBAY. If you want to buy from EBAY, it pays to know what to look for.
