whats the best lures, live or dead, for hong kong fishing off rocks, and how do i rig it

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

**Hong Kong rock fishing quick guide** 🪸🎣

- **What to use**
  - *Live bait*: live prawns/shrimp and small mullet make great targets around HK rocks. They draw in the big bites where current runs hard. Best rig: a sliding sinker rig with a circle hook, so the live bait stays lively and off the structure. 
  - *Dead bait*: sliced sardine or small mackerel works well when live bait isn’t available. Use a robust hook and a quick, snag-free rig so you don’t lose gear on rocks.
  - *Lures*: put to work a mix of metal jigs, soft plastics, and small diving plugs. In murky winter water, brighter colors or returning baitfish patterns often beat natural hues.

- **Recommended lures (rock-friendly)**
  - Metal jigs or small vertical jigs (10–25 g) for pacings along the base of rocks. Try a slow, erratic lift-and-drop to tick the crevices. 🪙
  - Soft plastics with paddle tails or curled tails (2"–4") on a light jighead. Finesse casts into gaps between rocks.
  - 1/2 oz to 1 oz spoons or diving plugs to bounce along structure and trigger predatory fish.

- **Rig options**
  - Live bait rig (sliding setup):
    1) Tie a sturdy swivel to the main line. 
    2) Slide a bullet weight or small egg weight up the main line, with a bead to protect the knot. 
    3) Attach a short 15–25 cm leader with a circle hook (size 1/0 to 2/0, depending on bait size). 
    4) Clip the live bait onto the hook so it can swim freely but not escape through rocks.
    5) Cast beyond the rocks and mend your line as the current drags the bait.

- Dead bait rig (paternoster/sliding):
    1) Use a short main line to a swivel, then a dropper loop (or two) for hooks. 
    2) Add a weight above the swivel (sliding weight works too).
    3) On the dropper, thread a 1/0–2/0 circle hook with a small chunk of sardine or mackerel. 
    4) Cast and keep slack so the bait lands near the rock shelf without snagging.

- **Techniques and timing**
  - * tides and water clarity matter*: in early winter, fish may hug deeper pockets. Cast slightly beyond the exposed rock shelf, then slowly work the lure back through the drainages and ledges.
  - *Time of day*: dawn and dusk are 🔆 peak bite windows; overcast days can also boost activity.
  - *Wind and current*: heavier currents require a bit more weight and a slower retrieve to avoid losing the bait to snagging rocks.

- **Tips for HK-specific spots**
  - Wear good grip shoes; rocks are slick. 
  - Use a lanyard/knife and pliers handy for quick releases. 
  - Always check tidal forecasts; rock shelves can be hazardous when waves surge.

- **Quick rig checklist**
  - [Live bait] Circle hook, 15–25 cm leader, sliding weight above bead, swivel. 
  - [Dead bait] Circle hook(s) on a short paternoster, light jighead option for plastics. 
  - Cast beyond structure, retrieve with short hops or slow wind.

- YouTube quick references (fishing-focused):
  - [SURF FISHING TIP: Leader Line Vs Main Line Weight](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOU4QlHydtE)
  - [How I rig LIVE SHRIMP when pier fishing. #shorts](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aU53WWqYMx4)
  - [BEST method for LIVE BAIT fishing](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Omead6mWImw)
  - [Easy bottom fishing knot | T-knot tutorial](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYoCdeaXFPE)
  - [How I rig a jig! #fishing](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiLOdORwyqY)

- Amazon picks (fishing-related):
  - [FONMANG 126Pcs Fishing Lures](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DTH8MXB4?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) 
  - [TRUSCEND Easy Catch Swimmax Lures](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GP1DL4K?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) 
  - [Biomimetic 3.5" Soft Lure](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FWZKN5TP?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) 
  - [Rapala Bass Boom Box Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSJQV65C?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) 
  - [PLUSINNO Fishing Lures 137Pcs](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CT25MCP5?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) 
  - [GOANDO Fishing Lures Kit](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08DY9NGQV?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

- If you want, I can tailor a HK spot-specific rig and lure plan for your exact rock banks. Send a photo or two of your common location, and I’ll optimize the setup.

Tight lines, and may the tides be kind to your casts! 💥🐟

🎣 Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China

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