Fishing Tips

If you like to pull a dredge or spreader bar, try attaching it to your down rigger cable. This makes for quick recovery and doesn't tie up a rod holder.

If you rig with stingers try this to allow for various sizes of bait fish. Tie or crimp your stinger hook to the line. Next put a crimp at the beginning of the expected size range. Slip your hook on and then put a crimp at the end of the range. Your front hook can move between the two crimps to fit the bait.

When site fishing, trolling, or just moving around in a boat try to keep the sun to your back. The glare from the sun will make it extremely difficult to see fish if you don't.

If you are planning to release a fish handle it as little as possible. Fish have a slime coating that protects them from disease, human contact can remove the slime and leave the fish vulnerable. Wetting your hands or wearing gloves also helps.

Always net a fish head first. It is easier on the fish and they can't swim backwards.

If practicing release fishing use heavier tackle. The shorter fight will leave the fish in better shape to recover.

Ever pull an anchor up a couple hundred feet? Try an anchor ball.

Anchoring on a spot in strong wind or current is tricky. A sea anchor can help create drag and make the task easier. If you don't have a sea anchor a large bucket and rope will work.

To rig a balloon as a live bait float, try using a three way swivel. One point goes to your line, one to the bait leader, and the last to a snap. Hook the snap to the ring on the bottom of the balloon. The bait will swim freely and the balloon will stay attached to the snap even after it pops.

Treble hook alternative

Follow the birds

RFA to protect your fishing rights

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