Types and when to use them

Booms come in several styles: tube booms and spreader booms for general anti‑tangle use, sliding/zip slider booms for paternoster and drift work, long flying booms for deep or flowing traces, and heavy duty boat booms for wreck and drift fishing. Combined bead‑and‑swivel pulley units and sliding boom systems are popular for long‑cast pulley rigs and wreck work because they let the sinker run freely and reduce rig stress on the cast.

What we stock at Gerrys Fishing

Our Booms category brings together tube booms, spreader booms, flying/long booms, sliding pulley units and combined bead‑swivel pulleys, plus multi‑packs for regular rig makers. We select items for saltwater durability, smooth action and consistent sizing so rigs cast cleanly and perform reliably on beaches, estuaries and boat marks.

How to choose the right boom

• Match boom length to rig and depth: longer booms for flowing traces and deep water; shorter booms for tight, neat paternoster rigs.
• Choose material by method: plastic/composite booms are light and low‑profile for shore work; heavier metal or reinforced booms suit wreck and heavy drift rigs.
• Use combined swivel‑bead units to reduce tangles on long casts and simplify rig assembly.
  Rule of thumb: use the smallest boom that keeps the hooklength clear without adding unnecessary bulk.

Rigging and practical tips

• Fit a soft shock bead between the clip and boom on long‑cast pulley rigs to protect knots.
• Test pulley action at home so you know how the sinker will rise and how the rig will behave on a strike.
• Carry spares of your most used boom sizes — they’re small, cheap insurance against lost rigs.
• Keep booms and swivels rinsed and dry after saltwater use to prevent seized action and corrosion.

Buying checklist

• Length and profile: long for flowing traces; low profile for distance.
• Strength and finish: corrosion‑resistant plastics or plated metals for sea use.
• Pack size: single units for occasional use; multi‑packs for regular rig makers.
  These checks help you pick the right boom quickly and avoid common bankside frustrations.

FAO

• Which boom for long casting? Use a wide‑bodied pulley or flying boom to spread load and reduce rig parting.
• Which boom for wreck/drift work? Heavy‑duty boat booms or reinforced tube booms with strong swivels.
• How to store booms? Rinse, dry and keep in a small parts box to avoid mix‑ups and protect soft components.