Bait Carriers, or known as "Dingle Dangles" are devices used to improve Rock and Surf angling, in short, the Bait Carrier is used to carry the bait allowing for more effective bait presentation, improved casting distance and hook up rates. There are currently three different sizes that are available to match bait and hooks sizes; size XXL3 & XXL4 come with a circle hook & rubber stops, size XXL9 has been designed to be used with a hook size upto 12/0 for species like Giant Skate and Halibut (hook & rubber stops are not included). Bait Carrier sizes are shown in the attached pictures.
Most anglers building baits on a hook will build the bait on the shank of the hook, ending up with the hook bend sitting on the bottom part of the bait. If the hook is not proud enough it may and can happen that when a striking fish takes the bait, the bait can move down the hook and often masks the hook point resulting in a missed hook-up.
Most competitive anglers today use a second hook on the top part of the bait, this increases the hook up rate significantly. When fishing for sharks with casting baits 90% of the hook ups were on the top hook.
Using the different sized bait carriers, you can prepare your baits in advance and keep chilled and ready for the next session; just select the pre-made offering according to the targeted species and fish away.
Best practice is to build the bait as shown in the attached video using Ghost Cocoon or another suitable bait elastic to secure each cutlet of bait that you attach to your Bait Carrier. For those species that chew on a bait (Rays, Huss and similar) rather than engulf the offering as a Cod would do, whip a "Stinger" single hook somewhere on the bait ball, again with the use of Ghost Cocoon Elastic so all eventualities are covered. For "Catch & Release" we prefer to use a Circle hook as the main hook where the Bait Carrier is attached.
The attached video shows how to build your bait & attach it to your line. This method of fishing greatly increases your hook-up rate and reduces your bait going in one direction and hook in another. It is recommended that you use only circle hooks as this type of hook will allow you to return fish safely to the water with virtually no injury to the fish.
Bait Carrier XXL3 & XXL4 Kits come with 4 Bait Carriers; a 6/0 Circle Hook & a small pack of rubber stops.
Another simple idea to enhance your catch rate.
Ghost Cocoon, Spider Pouch & rubber stops are available separately
Video by kind permission of KingFisher Tackle - South Africa
