Over the next couple of weeks I will be doing a news flash from Langebaan where the next World Tournament is to take place. I will update you all on the progress being made and also give some hot tips on how to fish for the different species of fish that are caught in these waters. This month I will discuss the best way of trying to catch a smooth hound.
Smooth Hound
The smooth hound is a very strong fish and takes a lot of skill to catch. Your tackle has to be fairly heavy, not less than 0.45 main line and a leader of not less than 0.70mm. The hook size will depend on the bait you are using, but in all cases must be a strong and sharp hook. The hooks I use vary from a 6/0 to an 8/0. The bait for a smooth hound is squid and or mullet.
The squid should be beaten with a mallet and then tied onto the hook, add to this a strip of mullet and you probably have the best smooth hound bait possible. A long cast is usually needed as they run deep. Of the areas that will be fished smooth hounds will mainly feature in the Saldanha Bay area. They do sometimes occur in the other areas but usually as a by catch when fishing for guitar fish.
Their size varies a lot but an average size would be 10kg. However they do grow to as much as 30kgs and that is a really strong fish! Next month I will concentrate on the flat fish that we find in our waters [guitar fish, skates and rays] So until next month it is goodbye from a sunny Langebaan.
