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Fishing
Tackle Tips
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| Set the strike drag with the rod
securely in a holder. The scale should read between 25 and 33 percent of the
unknotted line strength when the drag starts to slip. 30-lb
test line (shown above) should have a strike drag setting of between 7.5 and 10 pounds. |
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| If you set the drag on a light-tackle outfit (12-pound test
is illustrated above) with the rod tip pointed at the scale (top image), the reading
should be about 15 percent of the unknotted line strength. When the rod is in the
fighting position (bottom) friction will increase the drag. |
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---- Memorize this sentence and tying your
bowline is easy.....
"The
Fox thru the hole, around the tree, and back thru the hole."
The
best knot for the boatman to know.
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| Considering the expectations of
monofilament fishing line, and the abuse it's subject to, it is amazing what this
"thin" material will do. But, to get the most out of any monofilament, we
must protect it from certain negative elements. Listed below are a few "mono
checks" that, when followed properly, will put more fish on the table. We will start
with the reel and work towards the hook. |
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Most tackle stores are happy to
spool up your reel, particularly those who have a line winding machine. If you have the
time, and they have the quality line you want, let them do it.
When you're spooling up a bait casting reel, or any conventional reel, put a rod, or even
a pencil, through the center of the line spool. Tie the line to the reel with a (Uni-knot
or Arbor knot) clipping off the tag end. Snug the knot to the reel spool. One person
should reel while another holds both ends of the rod, applying pressure as the line is
reeled onto the spool. Fill to about an 1/8 inch from the spool's outer rim. Keep
the line away from anything that could cause abrasion.
Use the same procedure with a spinning reel, but reel line so that it comes off the end of
the spool. After 15 or 20 turns, if a twist occurs, turn the spool over and continue
to fill the reel.
Monofilament will twist. If it happens while fishing from a boat, play the line out with
nothing on the end, trolling behind the boat for about five minutes. It is also important
to always use a ball-bearing swivel, which will reduce or eliminate line twist. Certain
lures or bait tied directly to the line will invite twist. To compensate for this, try
lighter line. Just for your own education and enjoyment, go down in line test. You
will be surprised that you can catch big fish on line much lighter than you are presently
using. It may take more patience and even a little more skill, but you will enjoy it. If
fish stop biting, go to a lighter test. The thinner line may get them eating again. The
thinner the line, the less likely a fish sees it. |
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| The guides on your rods must be
checked and kept free of any abrasive areas. Pull a strip of pantyhose through the rod
guides to check for snags, or a cotton tipped swab. Saltwater will wreak havoc with
roller guides. Inspect them before and after each trip. When trolling, make
sure the line is not wrapped around a guide. |
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Always check the line for nicks or
frazzles or areas of abrasion that will cause a weakness. After every fishing trip, or
after playing out a nice fish, cut off approximately ten feet of line and retie, if you
have reason to believe it may have been frayed. This is very important.
When fighting a decent fish, in fresh or saltwater, three things can happen: (1) the
fish goes deep, pulling the line across rocks, logs or other hard objects, (2) the fish is
big and the line will rub across its body or tail, and (3) other things, such as the boat,
a jetty, surface objects or dock, or even other fish inthe area, may bump into your line.
All three factors will cause abrasion, eventually prompting the line to break. The
easiest solution is to cut off the weak line and retie.
Quality monofilament that has not come in contact with the above items does not need to be
totally replaced. (We have had saltwater charter boat captains catch over 20 Blue Marlin
without respooling new Ande monofilament.) So, if you check your reel's drag system,
your rod guides and cut away line that may be damaged, we guarantee you will catch more
fish. Take the time...it is worth it. |
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Tip:
Monofilament can be damaged by excess exposure to direct
sunlight. Keep your equipment in a dry, shaded area. Fishing on a hot summer day is
fine. Keeping your rods in a hot car trunk, or exposed to direct sunlight in the back
seat, is not recommended.
Tip: Always use a well balanced outfit. This
means the rod, reel, line and lure should be made for each other. Do not load a light
outfit with a heavy line. Conversely, do not throw a huge lure with a light outfit.
Tip: More rods are broken in car doors, house doors or
through poor storage. Do not let rod tips bang all over your boat.
Tip: Always rinse rods with freshwater. Periodically
remove reels and lubricate reel seats with CRC-6-56.
Tip: Remember, proper maintenance, balance, storage and
handling are imperative in taking care of the equipment that takes care of you.
Tip: Store all bulk line in a cool, dark place.
Direct sunlight will damage monofilament over a period of time. |
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