Fishing tackle can definitely be expensive!
Sure it's tempting to buy every new lure you see out there, but it can get expensive too. Here then are a bunch of ideas that will save you some money.
Lures and Hooks
Most species of fish will go for a lure or a spinner. Most of the lures on the market today come complete with swivel, split ring and a hook, which is usually made from a hardened metal"which is great until you get snagged on a branch or log. That usually means the loss of the lure. So for years now I have been changing the hooks on my lures, right out of the package, to a softer hook that will straighten out when snagged.
Some people worry that a softer hook, which will straighten out on a snag, will also straighten when they catch a fish, but this isn't the case. When snagged on a log or branch, it is the point of the hook that is caught. This means when you pull on it the stress is square on the point and the hook therefore will straighten if it's a soft hook, or break the line if it's a typical hard hook. However, when a hook is caught in the mouth of a fish, the stress point is not the hook's tip, it is the bend of the hook that is stressed, and pulling will definitely not free the hook from the fish.
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).
Leader and Lines
You need to consider many things when putting your line on to a reel, and I think Shimano reels are the best on the market. From their offshore reels to the cool new digital control reels, they have something for every fisherman. I don't use any thing else but Shimano.
If you're buying one shot, larger spool when you re-spool, here's a cost saving tip. Instead, go to your tackle store and have them re-spool. Why? Because your average one shot spool has about 220 yards of line, but you only need between 120 and 175 yards as a rule. The rest goes to waste! Let the store do it and you'll pay only for the amount of line they put on your reel. You can save about 50% doing this.
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.
Sure it's tempting to buy every new lure you see out there, but it can get expensive too. Here then are a bunch of ideas that will save you some money.
Lures and Hooks
Most species of fish will go for a lure or a spinner. Most of the lures on the market today come complete with swivel, split ring and a hook, which is usually made from a hardened metal"which is great until you get snagged on a branch or log. That usually means the loss of the lure. So for years now I have been changing the hooks on my lures, right out of the package, to a softer hook that will straighten out when snagged.
Some people worry that a softer hook, which will straighten out on a snag, will also straighten when they catch a fish, but this isn't the case. When snagged on a log or branch, it is the point of the hook that is caught. This means when you pull on it the stress is square on the point and the hook therefore will straighten if it's a soft hook, or break the line if it's a typical hard hook. However, when a hook is caught in the mouth of a fish, the stress point is not the hook's tip, it is the bend of the hook that is stressed, and pulling will definitely not free the hook from the fish.
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).
Leader and Lines
You need to consider many things when putting your line on to a reel, and I think Shimano reels are the best on the market. From their offshore reels to the cool new digital control reels, they have something for every fisherman. I don't use any thing else but Shimano.
If you're buying one shot, larger spool when you re-spool, here's a cost saving tip. Instead, go to your tackle store and have them re-spool. Why? Because your average one shot spool has about 220 yards of line, but you only need between 120 and 175 yards as a rule. The rest goes to waste! Let the store do it and you'll pay only for the amount of line they put on your reel. You can save about 50% doing this.
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 available on the Internet, go to Shimano reels.
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