Single speed version of the TLD Two Speed. This reel is also castable and been used for jigs etc. Gear ratio is a bit low, makes it hard work. But you will still catch fish doing it. This is a good small lightweight option, but lacks a bit of pwoer for the larger fish.

I do not bottom fish with mono line anymore, not since using braid. You may have to, in the case where your are using an outfit for trolling as well.

Line around 15kg is the go. The line should be supple, tie good knots and not have too much stretch in it. Berkley Big Game is an example of line like this.

The zero stretch in Berkley Fireline gives you an advantage in the first stages of the fight, the aim being to stop the fish from reaching the reef. It is important in the first few seconds of the fight to keep the fish's head pointed up, and fight it hard to get it a couple of meters above the coral.

Also the feel is fantastic. You can detect the smallest bite, so be carefull not to keep on striking at the smaller fish. Wait for the rod tip to go down and then get into it! You can also feel when your line is hitting the coral. Bring it up a bit and you will not end up caught on the bottom.

There are heaps of braids on the market, and possibly any braid will do. I have been using the Fireline for some years now and see no reason to change. It gets the job done.

Unfortunately I am not being paid to promote this line.

This is an excellent monofilament trace line for bottom fishing. It is supple and easy to knot, plus abrasion resistant for some protection from teeth and reef. When used with 30lb Fireline, this leader will break off before the braid does. Especially when using braid you should use a long length of leader from 3mtrs up, as grabbing the braid to land a fish hurts! I prefer the pink as that colour is hard to see in deep water, not that I have swum down to check myself.

30mtrs will give you ten leaders of three meters each. Thats probably enough, so take 50m

This leader outperformed all other leaders for bottom fishing that I have tried. Not getting paid to promote any of this stuff.

These hooks are used to make gangs. A gang of three 6/0 is a good size for whole pilchards. Maybe four 6/0's or three 8/0's for garfish, depending on their size.

You will need the Stainless Steel MP pliers to gang the hooks. Using a gang allows you to present a whole pilchard or garfish in a natural manner. Use no weight, just the ganged pilchard. Set the bait a little way off the boat while bottom fishing. You can also add a balloon as a float if you want to keep the bait near the surface.

Take at least one box. Two if you plan to spend a lot of time doing this, such as at the Swains Reefs.

These are an excellent bottom fishing hook. 8/0 is a good size. Matches a half pilchard or cut bait. The hook is extra strong and chemically sharp, for better hook sets.

Take at least one box of 25.

So far have not had one of these Wilson swivels break on the bottom bouncing. Seem to be able to stand up to it.

As the leader takes most of the punishment you should not lose two many. Take at least six.