A Q&A with Mike Bonnici on Fishing for Kings
In Support of the million dollar fishing initiative, a fishing contest in Sydney harbour
A Q&A with Mike Bonnici on Fishing for Kings
Kingfish Sydney Harbour
What baits are best suited for targeting kingfish in Sydney Harbour?
Best baits would be squid, yellowtail, slimy Mackerel.
Do you have a preference for high/low tide or changing tides and why?
Tide changes are good, but I also like the run in/out that creates movement which makes bait hold in certain areas. Due to upwelling from the current bait gets pushed to the surface.
What environment are you looking for?
Structure in the areas is always a good place to start. Pylons, wrecks, reefs, ledges, points and wharves.
Does high boat traffic affect the bite and the way they behave?
Fish in the harbour are used to everyday traffic - it won’t affect them biting too much as they still have to eat.
Rod/Reel/Rig
Light setup
4000-6000 size reel 6-7ft rod 20-40lb braid 30-60lb leader
Lure or bait
Light setup
4000-6000 size reel 6-7ft rod 20-40lb braid 30-60lb leader
Lure or bait
Heavy setup
8000-20000 size reel 5-6ft rod 50-80lb braid 60-100lb leader
Lure or bait
When bait fishing, the rig is simple: add a few meters of leader to your braid, then add a sinker and a swivel to your leader, followed by a single or double hook rig.
