Man, tackle can be expensive!
There are so many lures out there that it's hard, I admit, to resist adding one more to your tackle box every time you go into the tackle store. So, in the spirit of saving a little money, here are a few tips.
Hooks and Lures
Fish are attracted to most lures or spinners. But most hooks today in the hook-swivel-split ring package are made from hard metal, which easily snags on logs and branches. This generally results in you loosing your lure. So what I do is change my hooks, as soon as I buy them, to a softer, snag-proof one.
Many people think that if the hook will straighten out on a snag then it will also straighten out on a fish, but this isnt true. When a lure gets snagged, the point of the hook is typically penetrated into the structure. This puts the stress right on the point of the hook. Then, when you pull, the hook either straightens (if it's soft) or breaks the line (if it's hard). When the hook is caught in a fish's mouth though, the stress on the hook is on the bend of the hook, not on the point, and you will not get it out.
I therefore change the hook on my lures, usually to a Gamakatsu Si-wash hook. A Si-wash hook has an extra long shank and an open eye, which allows you to attach the hook onto a split ring or swivel quickly with hardly any effort. All you need is a pair of pliers to close the eye once its on the swivel or the split ring. When you buy your next lure, pick up a pack of Si-wash hooks (and make sure you match the size of the hook on the lure to your Si-wash hooks).
Your Leader and Your Lines
You have so many things to consider when putting line to reels, and for me, Shimano can't be beat. They have every type of reel you can think of, for every fishing situation, including some very neat digital reels. And their prices suit everyone's pocketbook. I only use Shimano.
When you buy larger, one shot spools for re-spooling your reels, you typically pay between seventeen and twenty-two dollars for 220 yards. Now, most reels only hold 120 to 175 yards so, because you don't want to use the same diameter for leader as mainline, that extra 45 to 100 yards is waste! If instead you take your reels into the tackle store for re-spooling, you'll only pay for the exact amount of line that actually goes on to the reel. Re-spooling in this way will usually save you over 50%.
Try to save all your spools, and then take the bigger ones to your favorite tackle store to let them spool the diameter of line you use most for mainline (I use between 15 and 20 pound test myself). This way when you need new line you can get it from your bulk line.
There are so many lures out there that it's hard, I admit, to resist adding one more to your tackle box every time you go into the tackle store. So, in the spirit of saving a little money, here are a few tips.
Hooks and Lures
Fish are attracted to most lures or spinners. But most hooks today in the hook-swivel-split ring package are made from hard metal, which easily snags on logs and branches. This generally results in you loosing your lure. So what I do is change my hooks, as soon as I buy them, to a softer, snag-proof one.
Many people think that if the hook will straighten out on a snag then it will also straighten out on a fish, but this isnt true. When a lure gets snagged, the point of the hook is typically penetrated into the structure. This puts the stress right on the point of the hook. Then, when you pull, the hook either straightens (if it's soft) or breaks the line (if it's hard). When the hook is caught in a fish's mouth though, the stress on the hook is on the bend of the hook, not on the point, and you will not get it out.
I therefore change the hook on my lures, usually to a Gamakatsu Si-wash hook. A Si-wash hook has an extra long shank and an open eye, which allows you to attach the hook onto a split ring or swivel quickly with hardly any effort. All you need is a pair of pliers to close the eye once its on the swivel or the split ring. When you buy your next lure, pick up a pack of Si-wash hooks (and make sure you match the size of the hook on the lure to your Si-wash hooks).
Your Leader and Your Lines
You have so many things to consider when putting line to reels, and for me, Shimano can't be beat. They have every type of reel you can think of, for every fishing situation, including some very neat digital reels. And their prices suit everyone's pocketbook. I only use Shimano.
When you buy larger, one shot spools for re-spooling your reels, you typically pay between seventeen and twenty-two dollars for 220 yards. Now, most reels only hold 120 to 175 yards so, because you don't want to use the same diameter for leader as mainline, that extra 45 to 100 yards is waste! If instead you take your reels into the tackle store for re-spooling, you'll only pay for the exact amount of line that actually goes on to the reel. Re-spooling in this way will usually save you over 50%.
Try to save all your spools, and then take the bigger ones to your favorite tackle store to let them spool the diameter of line you use most for mainline (I use between 15 and 20 pound test myself). This way when you need new line you can get it from your bulk line.
About the Author:
Derek is serious about Shimano fishing. For more information on the best prices you'll find online, visit Shimano reels.
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