Ben Monforte’s Revolutionary Approach to Moreton Bay Bream Fishing

Ben Monforte loves fishing for bream with topwater lures – and he discusses some lures and techniques he uses for that during this interview. But, his success in Moreton Bay is largely attributed to having perfected the Japanese free rigging technique, which is largely unheard of in Australia. This detailed guide will delve into the specific elements of his approach, focusing on the use of tungsten sinkers, hook choices, and how to effectively apply these in Moreton Bay’s diverse fishing environment.

What Is The Free Rigging Technique For Bream Fishing?

Free rigging is a form of soft plastic lure fishing that employs tungsten weights and stoppers to enable anglers to give a unique lure presentation. It’s effective on the rocky shorelines of Moreton Bay, where other sub-surface techniques are impossible due to snagging.

Tungsten sinkers are pivotal in the free rigging setup due to their density and sensitivity. This not only enables a lifelike lure presentation, but with the right combination of tackle enables the angler to sense the nuances of bottom structure and current. This in turn enables the angler to know when the lure is most likely to be “in the zone” and adjust their retrieve accordingly.

Monforte specifically utilizes:

• Shape: Teardrop-shaped sinkers for rocky bottoms, enhancing contact and feedback from the sea floor. Pencil-shaped sinkers are preferred for soft bottoms, promoting upright positioning and creating a puff of sand to mimic natural prey movements.
• Weight: The choice of weight depends on the fishing conditions, with heavier sinkers used to combat strong currents and to achieve greater casting distance. Monforte suggests starting with weights that match your rod’s casting capabilities, often between 5 to 7 grams for a balanced approach.

Equipment Essentials

Free rigging should be thought of as a fishing system. The sinkers, tackle, lures and techniques are all matched. Whilst it’s possible to execute the free rigging technique using any bream rod Monforte’s technique is facilitated by specific gear tailored to optimize the free rigging method:

• Rod: Daiwa Silverwolf Air, 7’6″, capable of supporting 4-12 pounds, providing the perfect balance between sensitivity and strength.
• Reel: Daiwa Silverwolf 1000, an extra high left baitcast reel, selected for its precision casting capabilities and smooth control.
• Main Line: PE 0.8 braided lines are used for their superior strength-to-diameter ratio and lack of stretch, which enhances sensitivity and lure control. Quality lines that are thin for their breaking strain are key.
• Leader Material: Initially experimenting with lighter leaders, Monforte has since shifted to a baseline of 10-pound test leaders, sometimes adjusting up to 12 pounds depending on conditions. Again, choosing material that is thin for it’s strength is important.

Selecting the Right Hooks For Free Rigging

The effectiveness of the free rigging technique also hinges on the correct hook selection. Monforte’s preferences include:

• Type: Straight hooks are generally favoured over worm hooks due to their superior performance in securing bream, which often exhibit timid biting behaviour.
• Size and Material: The hooks chosen should complement the lure size, ensuring a natural presentation. Monforte has found success with light but durable hooks that maintain sharpness and strength after repeated use.
• Brand Recommendation: While specific brands are not mentioned, anglers are encouraged to seek out high-quality Japanese hooks, known for their finesse and precision.

Execution of Free Rigging Technique

With the right equipment in hand, the execution of the free rigging technique involves a few critical steps:

1. Lure Presentation: The goal is to mimic a distressed or struggling prey. This involves subtle movements of the lure, such as slight jerks or pauses, to make the lure appear alive and enticing to bream.
2. Environmental Adaptation: Pay close attention to the bay’s conditions, including tide, current, and bottom composition. Adjust the weight of the sinker accordingly, and select hooks and lures that best suit the day’s fishing scenario. Adjust the retrieve as the lure moves through zones of faster or slower flow, or crosses different bottom structures.
3. Retrieval Techniques: A slow, steady retrieve with occasional pauses and twitches can be highly effective. The aim is to keep the lure moving in a manner that mimics natural prey behaviour, appealing to the predatory instincts of bream.