|
|
Where to get fishing gearThe most expensive place to buy fishing stuff is from a sportfishing store. They don't usually have the heavy gear you're looking for, anyway... The cheapest place to buy heavy fishing gear is commercial fishing suppliers. For example, I purchased 500 meters of 485 pound test monofilament - enough for a lifetime of cruising - at a place in Suva for only US$25. Hooks, heavy swivels, plastic squid, are unbelievably cheap at these places. Most of the time these folks are happy to sell you what you need. I've also been given an amazing amount of gear. Talk to sportfishing people; let them know what you want to do, and ask their advice. Most fishermen are happy to talk about fishing, and I've learned a lot from both commercial and sports fishermen, and also been given odd bits here and there. Captain Harry's Fishing Supply has a great catalog with lots of information. You can steal a lot of ideas from catalogs. If you're in Tonga, stop in at the Ikapuna Fishing Store and talk to Paul Meade. Paul has been in fisheries for decades and knows just about everything there is to know about fishing in the tropical Pacific. He's also got anything you need, at good prices. In Suva, see Waikawa Fishing Supply. They don't have a huge variety of stuff but the prices are embarrassingly cheap. Nice folks. Keep in mind, you don't need tons of stuff. I've gotten rid of lots of useless stuff. The key is to figure out what works, and then stick to that. |
