Paternoster vs sliding sinker rigs

[passport1980]

So...I know the theory- sliding sinker- fish feels less resistance and wont spit the bait as easily. I have always (for the most part) when fishing saltwater used a paternoster rig/ 2 twisted dropper loops and as light a sinker as conditions will allow.

I have caught big-ish fish on this setup- rays/leopard sharks/smaller striped bass and local Melbourne species. Though I have never caught a big snapper.

I've never had a reason to seriously question all this until last night. For the first time I had a monster strike at Sandy. My pole buckled and it sort of hit like a ray, but seemed to have more head shake action going on (I know rays have heads too!!!)

Long story short- I missed it because I was daydreaming. It spit the bait. My head immediately went to thinking I should have had a sliding sinker rig.

Your thoughts??? Please don't tell me I missed a huge snapper.

[DougieK]

I wouldn't stress too much about it. If you fish often enough from time to time you're giong to get a bit hit and lose whatever it was. I fish successfully with both rigs, but usually prefer the paternoster.

Better to spend the week planning your next trip than regretting the last one!

[passport1980]

True mate. thanks. Ill just tell myself it was a ray and I will feel better. Going to head down now for another crack.

[Lost Pom]

Could've been a snapper, could've been a shark or even an eagle Ray. All have shakes. You drop then on running sinker s too so don't beat yourself up. I used to use paternosters all the time but once I tried the running sinker s, I've never gone back. Easier to set up and present a bait I think. And, of course, you can run a light drag to give the fish a chance to hook itself.

Caught my first gummy on a paternoster though! Catch big fish on both.

[sloth]

That's fishing bud.

Stick to the rigs and techniques you have confidence in. Self doubt and you'll spend more time mucking around with gear than fishing

[AVG_Fisho]

when i bait fish i fish rod in hand and use a paternoster and I don't use circle hooks, so when i get bites i strike and strike hard, works for me and i seem to catch more fish than others on the pier when they just let the fish hook himself.
:thumbsup:

[passport1980]

AVG....I am 100 percent with you on that one mate. Rod in hand no doubt you would land a lot of fish that would get loose otherwise. I just don't have that sort of discipline!!!

[bayman]

The one that got away I wouldn't worry about it mate it happens.
When fishing land based I usually use a paternoster rig just because I get a lot better cast. When fishing from to boat I usually just use the sliding sinker rig.

[GTSHoon]

I usually fish a paternoster as well, two rods resting, one in hand
Cam

[Snapper Snatcher]

The only time I fish a paternoster is when fishing vertically as the bait will lay on the bottom anyway if casted out so it will act like a running rig. If you want the bait suspended but are casting out, stick some foam on the top of the rig to hold the rig up.