Bare Couta Fishing Traces

Our Bare Couta Traces, also known as Couta Traces Without a Duster, are a specialised fishing setup designed to lure Couta without additional attractors like skirts or dusters, You rely instead on the natural appeal of dead or live bait. This method is particularly effective in clear waters or when targeting cautious fish.

Our Bare Couta Trace Rigging

• Wire Selection: We use a #7 thin wire to minimise visibility and avoid bite-offs from Couta's sharp teeth.
• Hook Arrangement: We use a single J-hook as a nose hook, along with two trailing treble hooks. These are spaced along the baitfish for optimal hold.
• Leader Length: We include a trace length of about 700mm, safeguarding your main line from bites.

Fishing Techniques

• Bait Presentation: Ensure the bait swims naturally without spinning to attract Couta effectively.
• Rigging the Bait: Insert the lead hook through the bait’s chin and out its mouth, with trailing treble hooks along the side or back.
• Adding Weight: Consider a small chin weight or sinker to achieve the desired swimming depth and action.
• Trolling Speed: Maintain a slow trolling speed of 2 to 4 km/h (2.4 to 4.0 km/h). Verify that the bait exhibits a lazy side-roll rather than spinning wildly.
• Depth Control: Fish near reefs, drop-offs, and structures at 20-50m depth. Use a downrigger or attach a sinker with an household rubber band to reach the strike zone.
• Stealth: A bare trace is ideal for stealthy approaches in clear water, minimising visible terminal tackle to increase bite chances.

By perfecting these techniques and focusing on natural bait presentation, bare Couta traces can significantly enhance your fishing success.

Included:

• 1 x J-Hook and 2 x Treble Hook Bare Couta Trace