Garfish are popular targets among light tackle anglers for their abundance, fast action, and suitability as both sport fish and bait. To increase your success rate when targeting these slippery and speedy fish, having the right rig is crucial. The Jarvis Walker Garfish Rig is a well-known and trusted setup specifically designed for garfish fishing. Whether you’re fishing off a jetty, a pier, or from a boat, understanding how to properly use this rig can significantly improve your results. This topic provides an in-depth look into the Jarvis Walker Garfish Rig, how to set it up, and practical tips for maximizing its potential.
What Is a Garfish Rig?
A garfish rig is a fishing setup tailored for catching garfish, which are typically found in estuaries, harbors, and nearshore coastal waters. These fish are relatively small, have narrow mouths, and feed mostly on small bait near the surface. The rig used must be light, discreet, and sensitive enough to detect the gar’s subtle bites. Jarvis Walker’s pre-made garfish rigs offer simplicity and efficiency, especially for beginners or those who want to skip the hassle of assembling their own rig from scratch.
Why Choose the Jarvis Walker Garfish Rig?
The Jarvis Walker Garfish Rig is designed with ease-of-use and effectiveness in mind. It includes all the essential components arranged optimally for garfish behavior and feeding habits. The key benefits of using this rig include:
- Ready-to-use setup straight from the packaging
- Lightweight components ideal for surface-level fishing
- Transparent mono line that reduces visibility in clear water
- Properly spaced float, sinker, and hook for optimal presentation
Components of the Jarvis Walker Garfish Rig
Understanding each part of the rig helps you know how it works and allows for minor adjustments depending on fishing conditions. The standard Jarvis Walker Garfish Rig typically includes the following:
- Float: A small pencil-style float that allows delicate bite detection and minimal resistance when the fish strikes.
- Leader Line: A fine monofilament leader that minimizes line visibility and helps present the bait naturally.
- Small Hook: Usually size 10 to 12, suited for the garfish’s small mouth and feeding style.
- Split Shot Sinkers: These ensure the bait remains suspended just below the surface, where garfish typically feed.
- Swivel: Helps reduce line twist and ensures smoother bait presentation.
How to Set Up the Jarvis Walker Garfish Rig
The pre-tied Jarvis Walker rig requires minimal setup. However, here’s a quick breakdown of how to assemble and attach it to your main fishing line:
Step-by-Step Setup
- Start by attaching the swivel of the rig to your main fishing line using a simple knot such as the improved clinch knot.
- Check the float’s position along the leader line. Adjust it if needed to control the depth at which the bait is suspended.
- Ensure the split shot sinkers are correctly spaced to keep the bait from rising to the surface or sinking too deep.
- Bait the hook with a small piece of prawn, dough, or maggot, which are commonly used for attracting garfish.
- Cast gently into the water and observe the float closely for subtle movements or dips.
Best Bait for Garfish Using This Rig
Garfish are partial to small, soft, and highly scented baits. The Jarvis Walker rig is compatible with several bait types. Some of the most effective include:
- Raw prawn pieces: Cut into tiny sections to fit the small hook.
- Bread dough: Molded tightly to avoid falling off the hook.
- Maggots or worms: Ideal for attracting garfish with movement.
- Fish flesh: Thin slivers of pilchard or whitebait.
Keep in mind that presentation is key. The bait should sit naturally in the water and match the behavior of what garfish would eat in their environment.
When and Where to Use the Jarvis Walker Garfish Rig
This rig works best in calm waters with moderate visibility. Ideal fishing spots include:
- Coastal rock walls
- Harbor piers and jetties
- Estuarine river mouths
- Near seagrass beds or floating weed lines
Early morning and late afternoon are typically the most productive times for garfish, as they tend to feed actively near the surface during these periods. Cloudy days with slight wind are also favorable conditions.
Tips for Fishing Garfish with This Rig
Using the Jarvis Walker Garfish Rig effectively involves more than just casting your line. Here are several tips to improve your catch rate:
- Use berley: Berley (chum) such as bread mixed with tuna oil or crushed pilchards helps attract garfish to your spot.
- Keep the bait fresh: Change bait frequently to ensure scent and appeal remain strong.
- Set the hook gently: Garfish have soft mouths; a gentle flick of the rod is enough to secure the hook.
- Use light tackle: A sensitive, light-action rod with a small reel enhances bite detection and increases fun.
Advantages of the Jarvis Walker Garfish Rig for Beginners
This rig is an excellent choice for beginner anglers for several reasons:
- No need to tie complicated knots or measure leader length
- Comes with float and sinker pre-positioned
- Minimizes guesswork and increases time spent fishing
- Affordable and available in most tackle stores
For those just getting into fishing or introducing children to the hobby, the Jarvis Walker Garfish Rig makes the experience accessible and enjoyable.
Customizing Your Rig
While the rig works well out of the box, some experienced anglers like to modify it slightly to match their local fishing conditions. Possible customizations include:
- Changing the float size to suit stronger currents
- Replacing the hook for targeting slightly larger species
- Adding extra split shots for better control in windy weather
These small tweaks can make the difference between a slow day and a productive outing.
The Jarvis Walker Garfish Rig is a reliable, ready-to-use setup ideal for targeting garfish in a variety of coastal environments. Its simple yet effective design makes it suitable for anglers of all skill levels. By understanding its components, setting it up correctly, and following a few strategic tips, you can maximize your chances of a successful catch. Whether you’re fishing for fun, food, or bait for larger fish, this rig delivers consistent performance in a lightweight, easy-to-manage package.