Fishing from RIBS

snamreh · 01 December 2004, 12:35

RIBS are very scarce here in Western Australia and fishing from them is almost unheard of.

However after going out on a freinds 6.2m Gemini waverider I was very impressed with the way it handles the rough seas we get of our coast especially in summer with 20 knot plus winds and no protection in bays or around islands, however the fish we get here would make most europeans green with envy.
Now here is my dilema

I have been told by a RIB owner in Queensland that Ribs do not make good fishing boats and the main reason is the large fish we catch here when on the hook jump around and their sharp spines make small almost undetectable penetrations in the tubes.

Does anyone have problems with fish spiking small holes in their tubes?

What could be done to stop minimise this problem?
would putting extra layers of Hypolon solve the problem.

Also does anyone have pictures of RIBS specifically set up for fishing?

Thank you for your help

Regards Mick

Hightower · 01 December 2004, 12:43

Firstly, welcome Mick. It's nice to have another Aussi on board.

I would be more concerned about hooks comming out whilst playing the fish on the surface. My solution would be to place some rubber (floor) matting over the tubes that actualy dangled in the water. This should give you plenty of protection even from hooks.

Andy

ashbypower · 01 December 2004, 12:54

Welcome to the forum.
Check out this thread http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=8035

I see no problems with hooks, provided care is taken, but the reinforcing with rubber mat or hypalon should do the trick.

Brian

MeMe · 01 December 2004, 14:02

......big fish in my time, it's not the hooks or spiny fins which would worry me (advice in last couple of posts would cover that), it's the size of the fish you're going after.

1. When landing these blighters you need every ounce of strength which is often aided with your knee into the freeboard sides of the deck. This is of course lacking in a RIB.

2. There's not a lot to grab hold of for additional support when landing. Some RIBS do have A Frames and Stainless Grab Handles over consoles, however these are in my opinion of little use.

3. When one is lucky enough to land one of these beggers, where the hell do you keep it. One fish one can cope with flopping around on the deck but several !!!!

Andy Gee · 01 December 2004, 14:53

The last time I was at Redbays place they had a Rib that they had built solely for charter fishing. It had the inside of the tubes lined with Fibreglass(like you see inside an inboards engine box) and the outside had either 2 or 3 rows of heavy duty fendering. It certinally looked the business but I'll be damned if I can find the link to the boats web site

Andy

swginn · 01 December 2004, 15:41

www.redbayboats.com

Can't find the fishing RIB you're on about but surely one of these would do. Cooker and kitchen sink for frying up the mackerel!!

Andy Gee · 01 December 2004, 15:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by swginn

www.redbayboats.com

I've got that one

, it's the boats own site that I cant find
Andy

swginn · 01 December 2004, 15:57

Wait actually, is this it??

www.predatorireland.com
http://www.redbayboats.com/Predatorlaunch.htm

Hightower · 01 December 2004, 17:43

Oh yes, don't miss if using a Gaff. Much worse that fishing hook for putting a hole in your tubes!!

Louise · 01 December 2004, 19:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by swginn

Cooker and kitchen sink for frying up the mackerel!!

Ooh! I like that idea.

Any idea how much?

Ribfisher · 01 December 2004, 19:56

Attention with Bass ,we had already several punctures from the sharp needles on their back!

Andy Gee · 02 December 2004, 11:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by swginn

Wait actually, is this it??

www.predatorireland.com
http://www.redbayboats.com/Predatorlaunch.htm

Thats the one....here have a greenie for effort

I have a llok at this boat and its a cracker, It would make an excellent Fast Creel boat as well...hmmmm
Andy

smokie · 15 January 2005, 16:51

I've been fishing from my 4m Zodiac both in fresh water and salt water for 20 yrs and have never had a problem with fish spines or hooks.

You simply have to take simple precations such as never let loose hooks to lie around the boat. When you bring a lure in, bring it in away from the boat.

When you net a big fish, place it in the center or the boat, club it, place inside a cooler then have a beer!

My boat, though small, gives me great stability to stand and play the fish.

If you're going after marlin then that''s another story.