Cheap SinkersSpark plugs make excellent disposable sinkers. Need some cheap (free) fishing weights? Go to any gas station and ask for them. Then, loop a rubber band through
electrode and then tapping
wire down
plug can be attached to a loop of monofilament. The rubber band stretches when
plug is hung up, and even if
extra stretching force isn’t enough to break free,
band will break before
monofilament.
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Jig Weights
Jigs are one of
most versatile game-fish catchers in either fresh or saltwater. It is so important to have
right weight jig for your line weight. If
jig is too heavy for
line, you will loose your jig far too easily. If
jig is too light for
line, its swimming pattern will be disrupted and it won’t be ass effective. This simple chart will help you select
correct jig:
Line Strength Jig Size 4-lb. Test 1/16 to 1/8 oz. 6-lb. Test 1/8 to ¼ oz. 8-lb. Test ¼ to 3/8 oz. 10-lb. Test ¼ to ½ oz. 12-lb. Test 3/8 to 5/8 oz. 14 to 20-lb. Test 5/8 to ¾ oz Treble Hook Replacement
When replacing
treble hooks on your lures, there are a few things to consider. Chang
split ring too because it is subject to stress and rust. Use a stainless-steel split ring for strength. They do not spread or rust as to most of those that come wit h
plugs. Don’t, however, use stainless steel hooks – they are more easily bent out of shape by a fighting fish. Also, if a fish gets away with your plug, stainless steel will not rust out, as a plain steel hook will. Lastly, get some split-ring pliers – they make changing your hooks easy.
Extra Springs
If you use a spinning reel, you have probably had a spring break when
fishing gets really hot. Always carry extras (use a 35mm-film canister) – and make sure to have a little screwdriver along as well. Practice changing it before you go out
No-slip Soles
If your winter boot soles are worn, just cut
liner to match
sole of an old sneaker. Fasten
felt to
sneaker sole with a non-soluble glue. Please a heavy object on top of
sneaker overnight, and by morning you have an all purpose non-slip shoe.
Snag-proof Spinners
Treble hooks are oftentimes “trouble” when using spinners, causing snags. Make them snag-free by removing
treble hook and replace with a single hook. Next thread on a three to four inch twister-tail grub and Texas-rig it.
Downriggers
Need to drop your bait down deep? Fish are very uncooperative creatures, and don’t always hang out near
surface. If your depth sounder is alerting you to fish down deeper, a downrigger can really help out.
If you aren’t exactly sure what it is, it is simple. It is a spool holding between 200-600 feet of steel cable. There is a weight attached that is between 6-12 pounds. Additionally there is a quick-release line gripper, just like a clothespin.
The fishing lines from your rods are attached to
quick-release mechanisms. Then
entire thing is dropped down to
depth you want. The bait is far enough from
weight and line gripper not to spook
fish. If you get a bite,
line is released from
gripper, so it is just you and
fish!
Some downriggers have fish-attractant properties (either electrical, or a special kind of paint), but not most of them.
Downriggers work great for deep trolling, and some even have an electronic crank that will bring everything up. If you need to get at deeper schools of fish, these are highly recommended.
Nail Polish Helps
Does your spoon, spinner, or plug get
paint chipped after only a few casts? Use clear fingernail polish to protect
paint and increase durability. Carry a bottle with you when you are fishing, and give it a shot.