The Lure of the Sea - Ben's Video Guide to LRF

LRF originated in Japan, where anglers questioned why they were always trying to catch small numbers of all too rare big fish rather than having fun targeting the huge numbers of small fish, which were present in huge numbers.

VIDEO: Join Ben on the Cornish coast as he explains how to make the most of the technique.



The technique arrived in the UK a decade ago but has really taken off recently, with anglers increasingly fishing short sessions with a minimum amount of gear for smaller species such as: blenny, rockling, mackerel and wrasse. A slightly stepped up version – HRF, of course – employs slightly heavier gear when fishing marks where you might encounter larger species such as: bass, pollock and coalfish.

LRF gear is totally alien to sea anglers used to using beachcasters and big leads as a typical LRF rod is just 7ft to 8ft long and designed to cast up to 7g, with the Savage Gear LRF Light Range Rod a perfect example. Choose a 5 or 7g version for ultra light work, and the 10 or 12g versions for heavier applications. Also highly recommended are the 4-piece Snowbee Kuroshio LRF Lure Rods with 0.5 – 7g and 2 – 10g versions available.



Couple your choice of rod with a 1 or 2K fixed spool reel to get the best from the method. The Penn Battle II is an excellent choice with the Snowbee Raptor 3000 or Snowbee Kuroshio Spinning Reels all perfect matches.



LRF is a sensitive technique so load your reel with light braid such as 20lb Power Pro. You will also need a good quality fluorocarbon for your leaders, so look at Seaguar Ace Hard in 6.6 and 8.8lb for lightweight work, with 11.6 to 19lb perfect for more challenging swims with a chance of better fish.



The choice of artificial baits to use with the technique is huge and there is an excellent range of Ecogear soft baits in-store including the excellent Grass Minnows and the Pocket In range, a ‘box of tricks’ containing a small selection of lures and jig heads. Ben also recommends the Marukyu Isome range, give him a call on 020 7484 1000 to put together the perfect package for your fishing.

Make sure you have a selection of small storage boxes for all of your soft lures such as the Jarvis Walker Lure Boxes and you will also need good set of forceps and a quality set of line snips.  A pair of sunglasses should complete your set up, choose from our exceptional range of Costa models for the best combination of performance and style.



Finally, for fishing on the move the Patagonia Stealth Atom Sling is versatile and functional. It will comfortably carry all you need for a day’s LRF fishing and it slides neatly from your back to your front to give easy access to baits and bits.