Vaki-DNG has developed a mackerel drum for smaller vessels. This new development will enable small vessel fishermen to operate more effectively and safely when jigging for mackerel.
The drum is used to jig, wind in and store the hooks minimizing the amount of leader line normally hanging above the deck. The drum construction is of aluminium, stainless steel and plastic.
A small microcomputer controls the movements of the arms that are used to push the line into the spiral where the hooks are stored. The drum is powered from the DNG jigging machine which is fitted onto the drum. The jigging machine can be used as a standard jigging reel when the mackerel season is over.
Vaki say the mackerel drum improves on-board safety. As well as the storage of the hooks, there is a reduction in tangling lines particularly when more than one line is in use. It is common that 35 feet boats have up to four or five lines with 30-40 hooks on each line.
