Fishing Frenzy

When fishing, tackle can get 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 ideas.

Hooks and Lures

While we know that most fish will be attracted to a lure or spinner, and that most lures today have a swivel, a split ring and a hook, the problem is most hooks are made from hardened metal, which often snag on branches and logs and then you loose your lure. So I prefer to change the hooks on my lures to a softer one that can straighten out if it gets snagged.

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.

Usually I change the hooks of my lyres to a Gamakatsu Si-wash hook because it has a longer shank and open eyes, which makes adding the hook on to a split ring or a swivel really easy. Use pliers and close that eye after the hook is attached. Go ahead and grab a pack of Si-wash hooks when you're out buying lures next time. Just remember to match the size of your lure's hook to the Si-wash hooks.

Your Leader and Your Lines

There are many things to be considered when putting line onto a reel and for my money, Shimano has covered them all. They have baitcasting reels, spinning reels, offshore reels, you name it, and a reels for everyone's budget. I've used Shimano for many years now.

You can save money when re-spooling your reel by having the tackle store do it. This way, you pay only for the amount of line they actually put on your reel, rather than buying a one shot spool that has, typically, 220 yards of line, and your reel only holds 120 to 175 yards. The rest is waste! I generally save 50 percent this way.

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.