Fishing Frenzy

Fishing tackle can definitely 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 ideas.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.