With these rigs a choice of hook patterns and styles is needed to produce good bait presentation and bring all the elements together to make them attractive to the fish. Fish strips, chicken gut and similar baits work best on Suicide pattern hooks, live and dead prawns are usually best on Viking styles, while yabbies, shrimps and worms are mostly fished on Longshank hooks. By taking care to present the bait naturally and in an easy to eat manner, the fish will take the bait more readily. Boat set-ups for estuary work depend a little on the angler, the area being fished and the available species of fish. However there are a number of constants that always help to catch more fish.
Echo sounders help find fish and show bait, structure, and underwater features.
No matter what size the boat, the fishing can be improved with a sounder. The sounder should be mounted so the boat driver has a clear view and can adjust the set while driving around. Rod holders are essential on any boat. The fixed gunwale types are good but holders which are adjustable for both angle and direction are even better. Rod holders are spare hands and both protect the gear and allow anglers to work a variety of gear.