How To Catch Karanteen (Strepie) For Bait
The Karanteen, also known as the Strepie in reference to the yellow/golden horizontal stripes running along its body, is a superb bait fish that one can easily obtain. A fresh Karanteen fillet will rival any fish bait when fishing from the shore. And Kob, Sandsharks, Musselcracker and Ragged Tooth Sharks love this fish when it is used as a live bait.
Remember that you are only allowed 10 Strepie per person per day, and they have to be at least 15 centimeters in length from the tip of the nose to the fork of the tail.
The
Karanteen can be found in all sorts of areas and are common along the
KwaZulu Natal and Eastern Cape coast lines. They prefer gullies, large
tidal pools, and estuary systems with structure or on drop offs. The
best place to target them is close up against the rocks where there is a
bit of white water and weed in the water, Strepie's main food items are
red and green seaweed.
When fishing for Karanteen I would use a very sensitive 6-7 foot rod with a 2000-4000 size Grinder. If you do not get any bites within 10 minutes, move spots. Karanteen are shoaling fish and if they are in the area they will be the first fish at your bait.
What you will need to target Karanteen:
- Size 10 Mustad hooks
- 1/4 - 1/2 ounce bottle sinkers
- 10-15lb Line
- Bait Knife
- Sardine
- Chokka
- Cotton
- Small barrel or 3-way swivels
- Ruler
- Bucket
Tying
a trace for Karanteen is very simple. All you need are two pieces of
line, one for the hook (15lb Double X) and one for the sinker (10lb).
Attach the hook and sinker lines to your swivel, make the sinker line 5
centimeters longer than your trace line. Normally will be 10-20
centimeters. Then attach your sinker and hook respectively.
Once you are rigged up, take a small piece of chokka, cut it in a thin strip. Do not mallet or tenderize it. Just stick it straight through the hooks so the point is proud. then take a small piece of sardine fillet (Take a piece close to the tail section), place it above the chokka and cotton 10-15 times around it to secure the bait.
Now you are set!
