Tactics & Tackle
10 Points Worth Remembering
by Mark Sosin
Successful fishing centers on basics. If you believe that those who consistently catch fish stubbornly guard important secrets, you're overlooking the obvious. The sobering side of the sport lies in the fact that on any given day a significant number of anglers continue to catch a particular species of fish in several spots using a variety of baits and lures. Reviewing and remembering essential elements tip the odds in your favor.
1. CONFIDENCE
Confidence in the spot you are fishing, the technique you are using, and the bait or lure secured to the end of the line rank as the primary factors in catching fish. Leading guides and skippers sailing from every coastal port follow similar patterns. They seldom hop from area to area, giving each place a fair chance before moving. These regulars take the same approach with baits and lures. They only make a switch when they are convinced the present offering isn't going to produce.
2. WATER TEMPERATURE
Few fishermen include a thermometer when they talk about tackle, but it's often more important than the best lure in the box. Water temperature must be considered the single most important factor in determining where fish will be. Each species has its temperature preferences and tolerances and that includes forage fish (bait species). Fish are extremely sensitive to temperature differences and can easily respond to changes of less than one degree. Carry a thermometer with you on every trip and use it regularly. You'll begin to see important patterns developing.
3. NEATNESS COUNTS
All of us treasure those days when fish swarm around anything tossed in the water, but they are usually the exceptions. Most fish respond better to bait that is fresh and neatly trimmed. Ragged chunks of bait tend to be a turnoff. Soaking a bait in water too long saps the odor that it gives off. Sense of smell is vital to most species and they use it to find food. Avoid handling bait or lures with foreign substances such as gas, oil, sunscreen, etc., on your hands. Wash your hands or coat them with a neutralizing agent before touching your bait or lure. It could make a major difference.
4. MONOFILAMENT
Line color and diameter determine how visible monofilament line will be underwater. No line is totally invisible regardless of claims made. Fluorescent mono can be seen much more easily underwater than non-fluorescent mono. Obviously, the finer the diameter, the less pronounced the line appears underwater. Visibility based on line color relates to the background against which it is viewed. As the background changes, a specific color line becomes more or less visible.
5. DON'T SET TOO SOON
More strikes are missed because the angler instinctively rears back on the rod the instant any activity is detected. The key lies in making certain the line is absolutely tight before the hook is set. Crank the reel handle as fast as you can until the line tightens and you can feel the fish straining on the other end. Then set the hook. With some species, you have the option of waiting until the fish moves away and takes the slack out or combining both methods.
6. MAKE THE CAST COUNT
When casting to a fish you can see, resist the temptation to make a long, desperation cast. Wait until the fish is within reasonable casting range and then try to make the first presentation count. If the fish turns away or changes course, retrieve the bait or lure and cast again if there is time. You can't turn a bad cast into a good one. When working a shoreline or structure, always pick a specific target and aim for it.
7. A STIFFER FLYROD IN THE WIND
Wind plagues saltwater flycasters and there is a tendency to increase one's power when trying to drive a flyline into the breeze. The added force causes the tip of a softer flyrod to collapse, sapping even more energy from the presentation. Under those conditions, a stiffer flyrod works better. When you try to force the cast, the stiffer rod won't bend as much. The same thinking applies to spinning and bait casting rods with soft tips.
8. MATCH THE HOOK TO THE TACKLE
All of us have a tendency to use larger and heavier hooks than necessary, particularly when fishing with lighter lines. The finer the wire from which the hook is made, the easier it penetrates the jaw of the fish. Choose the smallest hook consistent with the tackle you are using and the fish you plan to catch. They won't come out and it's tougher to straighten a hook than you think. And, if you plan to release fish, use bronze hooks that rust out easily.
9. RIG TERMINAL TACKLE CAREFULLY
The theory on hooks spills over to terminal tackle. Use the smallest swivels, snaps, and connectors strong enough to handle the task. If you add a sinker, make it the lightest one capable of doing the job. Leader material should be the finest diameter appropriate for the assignment. On those days when fish become fussy feeders, rigging carefully makes a difference. The fewer items attached to the line, the better your chances of success.
10. KEEP AN OPEN MIND
Habit sings a siren's song that hides a deadly trap. We tend to fish the same areas, use the same lures, and follow identical courses trip after trip. That approach has built-in limitations. It may be smart to follow a proven pattern, but it's equally important to look for new spots and experiment with different tactics. Learn to work the entire water column whenever possible. The majority of fish usually remain relatively close to the bottom most of the time, but one can often find activity at mid-depth or on the surface.
Every fisherman who spends considerable time on ocean or estuary knows from experience that fish are not always where you expect to find them. They may be shallower or deeper than usual or in warmer or cooler water. Add to your knowledge by spending part of every fishing day experimenting. Not only is it fun, but you could discover some vital data in the process.
Copyright 1998 - 2008 Mark Sosin's Saltwater Journal
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