From the Tackle Shop: 10 Fishing Tips

Fishing, you know, it's one of those things where we all learn from each other, trading stories, mistakes, and victories, with a rod in one hand and a beer in the other.

We all start somewhere, right? No one's born knowing how to tie a perfect palomar knot or cast a line just right. We all had that first day when we didn't catch a darn thing and thought, "Well, this is a lot harder than it looks."

But then, oh boy, when you feel that first tug on your line, there's just no turning back.

Now, whether you've been at it for days or decades, there's something pretty special about swapping fishing tips and tricks. The fishing community thrives on shared experiences and lessons learned.

It's worth remembering that every seasoned angler started as a novice, every master was once a student. It's a journey of a thousand casts (or hopefully more), the thrill of the chase—and the sweet satisfaction that comes when the line tugs back.

It's time to venture into the unique world of fishing tips and tricks that have emerged from conversations around the fishing tackle store—those pearls of wisdom too good to keep to ourselves.

Tip 1: "Keep an eye on the birds."

Keeping an eye on the birds while fishing can transform an angler's experience and success. Birds, particularly species like seagulls, terns, or pelicans, have developed an excellent sense for spotting schools of baitfish. These birds trying to catch baitfish often indicate the presence of larger gamefish nearby.

• When birds start to circle, this often signifies that they have located a school of baitfish. The birds circle overhead, contemplating their next dive to snatch up a quick meal. If you're fishing and notice birds circling, it might be an excellent opportunity to cast your line in that direction, as there could be a school of baitfish attracting larger fish as well.
• Birds diving into the water is another telltale sign of the presence of baitfish. This direct action is their method of hunting, plunging into the water from high above to catch their prey. For the keen angler, this should be a clear signal that the area is ripe for fishing. This behavior, particularly when performed by groups of birds, often suggests that there's plenty of baitfish around, and hence, potentially a larger gamefish feeding ground.
• Hovering birds also provide useful cues. A bird that is hovering usually indicates that it's found a potential target but is gauging the right moment to dive. The hover can signal the exact location of a baitfish school. An angler watching this behavior should be prepared for action, casting in the vicinity of the hovering bird to increase their chances of a catch.

Overall, the observation of bird behavior at sea is a natural form of fishing intelligence. Birds are very efficient hunters and often signal the presence of fish. As such, keeping a keen eye on the birds can provide deep-sea anglers with valuable clues about where to cast their lines, potentially increasing their catch rate significantly.

Tip 2: "Surf fishing? Cast parallel to the shore"

The instinct when surf fishing might be to cast as far as possible, but more often than not, fish are feeding in the troughs closer to shore. Try casting parallel to the beach to keep your bait in the strike zone for a longer period.

Another advantage of casting parallel is that it allows you to effectively cover more water. As the tide and current move your bait, you're effectively fishing a larger area, increasing the odds that your bait will pass by a hungry fish.

Of course, it's important to remember that every beach and every day is different, and conditions can greatly influence where fish are feeding. But while it might be tempting to try and cast your line as far out as possible when surf fishing, casting parallel to the shore can often be a more effective strategy.

Tip 3: "If popping corks catch fish, use them."

Popping corks are a vital tool in any inshore angler's arsenal, acting as a visual and auditory attractant for gamefish. Their distinctive 'pop' mimics the sound of feeding fish, enticing species like redfish, trout, and flounder to investigate. They are especially effective in murky or stained waters where fish rely heavily on sound and vibration to locate prey.

Use popping corks when fishing in grass flats, marshes, or shallow bays. They're also handy when the fish are being finicky or the bite is slow, as the noise can provoke strikes from otherwise disinterested fish.

 

 

The cork's buoyancy helps keep your bait or lure at the desired depth, allowing you to present it in the strike zone longer. They're highly versatile, too. Pair them with live bait, artificial lures, or even fly-fishing flies. Remember, the key is in the retrieval - a steady, rhythmic 'pop' and pause can make all the difference. Enjoy the thrill of the 'pop' and the ensuing strike!

Tip 4: "You will lose your favorite lure."

Every fisherman has one: a favorite lure. It might be the lure that landed your biggest catch, or maybe it's the one you've had the longest luck with. Perhaps it's one of those NLBN lures that dances just right under the water, shimmering and darting like no other. It becomes an extension of your fishing spirit, your lucky charm.

But here's a secret whispered among the shelves of every tackle shop: Be prepared to lose your favorite lure.

There's a certain heartache when that prized lure, the one that's been through countless battles with you, finally meets its match. It might be a monster fish that breaks your line, an unfortunate snag on an unseen underwater structure, or the lure could simply wear out over time and use.

However, parting with your favorite lure is just part of the angling journey. It's the sacrifice made to the water gods, the tithe paid for the chance to dance with leviathans. Or something like that.

On the bright side, losing a lure creates space for change, allowing you to experiment with different types of bait and perhaps discover a new favorite. Keep a log of what you've lost and what you've learned from those experiences.

Was it the lure's color, size, or action that made it so effective? Use this knowledge to select future lures and you might find a new favorite that's even more successful.

Expect the inevitable and remember, each lost lure is a story, a badge of honor, a testament to your ongoing journey as an angler.

 

 

Tip 5: "Always have pliers with you."

When it comes to essential fishing gear, a lot of items spring to mind—rods, reels, hooks, bait... But often, one item is overlooked until its absence is keenly felt: a good pair of fishing pliers.

You could be forgiven for thinking pliers are an accessory tool, something useful but not entirely necessary. However, seasoned anglers know the truth: "Always have pliers with you."

Pliers are the unsung heroes of a successful fishing trip. They're instrumental in executing several key tasks that can make or break your day on the water. Here's why pliers are a must-have in every angler's kit:

1. De-hooking: Especially with deep-set or stubborn hooks, pliers provide the grip and leverage you need to remove hooks quickly and safely, minimizing harm to the fish (and to your fingers).
2. Crimping: Pliers are excellent for securing split-shot sinkers onto your line or crimping sleeves when making leaders.
3. Cutting: Many fishing pliers come with built-in line cutters, useful for trimming tag ends or cutting line when re-rigging.
4. Handling Fish: Some fish species, like catfish or certain saltwater species, have sharp spines or teeth. Pliers allow you to handle such fish safely.
5. Bending and Adjusting: Sometimes, a hook or lure needs a slight adjustment to make it more effective. Pliers provide the precision for such tweaks.

So next time you head out for your fishing adventure, remember the might of the pliers. This multi-tasking tool could be the difference between a smooth day on the water and one filled with… regret. Every tackle box should house a pair of durable, rust-resistant pliers, especially if you're fishing in saltwater.

For more on selecting the best pair of fishing pliers, check out:

• Van Staal Titanium Pliers
• The Best Pliers for Saltwater Fishing

Tip 6: "Be careful you're not sharing more than pictures of your secret fishing spot."

In the age of social media, it's only natural to want to share your triumphs with the world. Snapped a picture of a stunning sunrise over the water? Captured the moment you reeled in that trophy catch? Great! But be warned: Phones can embed your exact coordinates within your pics if your GPS is on.

This often-overlooked feature, known as geotagging, can be a boon and a bane for the modern angler. While it's handy for remembering exactly where you caught that monster fish, it can also inadvertently reveal your secret fishing spots to anyone who views your photos.

When you take a photo with your GPS enabled, your phone embeds precise geographical data into the image file. When this photo is shared online, especially on certain social media platforms, this data can be accessed by others. It's like giving away a treasure map to your secret fishing haven.

If you want to keep your favorite fishing spots under wraps, here's what you can do:

1. Turn off Geotagging: On most smartphones, you can disable the GPS function for your camera in the settings.
2. Remove Location Data: If you've already taken the photo with GPS enabled, you can use various apps or software to strip the geotag information from the image file before sharing.
3. Check Social Media Settings: Some platforms automatically strip out location data when you upload a photo, but others don't. Make sure you understand the privacy settings of your chosen platforms.

Sharing your passion for fishing online can be a great way to connect with other anglers.

Just remember, your treasured solitary sunrise spot could become the next hotspot if you're not careful with your photo-sharing.

Tip 7: "There are no guarantees in fishing."

Every angler, no matter how seasoned, has experienced it: You wake up before dawn, check the weather and tide charts, rig your line with meticulous care, and cast out your bait with practiced precision. Hours pass. Yet, despite doing everything right, you come home with nothing to show for it. You've been skunked.

"Even when you do everything right, you can get skunked." This might seem disheartening, but it's an integral part of fishing. After all, fishing is not just about the hunt, but also about understanding and accepting the whims of nature.

Fish, much like the weather, can be unpredictable. They might not be feeding… they might be spooked… or they might just not be in the area. Various environmental factors like water temperature, salinity, clarity, pressure changes, and a million other things can affect fish behavior in ways that we don't fully understand yet.

But don't let a skunk day discourage you. These days can offer invaluable lessons. They push you to reevaluate your approach, to question your methods and assumptions. Perhaps there's a different lure to try, a new location to explore, or a novel technique to learn. Maybe it's a sign to step back, breathe, and appreciate the beauty of being out on the water.

Remember, fishing is not just about filling coolers or reeling in monster catches. (OK, it is about that, but…)

It's also about the adventure, the challenge, the chance to connect with nature, and the enduring hope that the next cast might be the one. So, embrace the skunk fom time to time. After all, every tale needs a challenge… and every angler needs a tale.

Tip 8: "Beware the bargain bin."

In a world where budget-friendly options are increasingly available, it's tempting to opt for the cheapest gear on the shelf. However, when it comes to fishing equipment, the old adage often rings true: "You get what you pay for."

Consider this common scenario: A cheap Walmart combo, while initially appealing due to its price, often doesn't stand up to the strain of a true battle with a trophy fish. This isn't to say that all budget-friendly combos are bad. However, they typically are not designed to withstand the rigors of catching larger or more powerful species. They don't exactly stack up against a real baitcasting combo… or say, the Penn Battle 3 combo.

Cheap combos often use lower-quality materials and construction, leading to common issues such as:

1. Rod breakage: The rod may not have the strength or flexibility to handle a powerful fish, leading to a snapped rod – and a lost catch.
2. Reel failure: Cheaper reels may not have a robust enough drag system, leading to a "blow up" when a big fish makes a strong run. Or the reel might simply seize up due to poor construction.
3. Line breakage: The fishing line provided with cheap combos often isn't of the best quality and may break when you least want it to.

When you're battling the catch of a lifetime, the last thing you want is your gear letting you down. Investing a bit more in a higher-quality rod and reel combo can significantly improve your chances of landing that trophy fish.

Consider your gear as an investment in your fishing future. The better the quality of your equipment, the better your chances of not just hooking, but landing the big ones.

Tip 9: "It's called fishing… not catching."

Anyone who's spent time with a line in the water knows this golden nugget of wisdom: "It's called fishing, not catching." It might sound like a resigned mantra after a slow day on the water, but it carries a deeper truth about the essence of the sport.

Fishing is an adventure in uncertainty. Some days, the fish practically jump onto your hook, and other days, they might as well be on a completely different planet. The charm of fishing lies in this unpredictability, in the balance between skill and chance, knowing and not knowing. It's in the countless hours spent learning, experimenting, and adapting to outwit a creature in its natural element.

Fishing is also about the relationship between the angler and the environment. It's about early mornings, beautiful sunsets, the sound of the water, the thrill of the first bite, the camaraderie with fellow anglers, and yes, even those quiet, seemingly uneventful moments.

Catching a fish is undoubtedly exciting, but if the joy of fishing were solely in the catching, would we still be drawn to the water with the same passion? Probably not. Fishing is more about the journey than the destination, more about the experience than the outcome.

So, next time you're out there, remember: It's called fishing, not catching. Enjoy the process, learn from each outing, and remember that every time you cast your line, you're not just fishing for what's beneath the water, but for the rich experience that accompanies this timeless pursuit.

Tip 10: "Upgrade your gear with your skills."

When you think about it, fishing gear can range from a simple bamboo pole to high-tech, computer-assisted rods and reels that seem more at home in a sci-fi movie than a fishing boat.

As you spend more time on the water, your skills and knowledge grow. You start to understand the subtleties of different species, the intricate interplay of weather and water, the finesse of casting, and the thrill of the fight. As these skills develop, your gear should evolve with you.

Starting with simpler, more basic gear and tackle has its benefits. It allows you to focus on mastering the fundamentals without getting overwhelmed by the complexities of advanced equipment. Then, as your proficiency increases, so too can the sophistication of your gear.

For instance, you might start with a straightforward spinning reel and rod combo. As you get more comfortable with casting and reeling, you might decide to upgrade to a baitcasting reel for its increased accuracy and control.

Similarly, you might begin with a general-purpose rod but later opt for species- or technique-specific rods as you specialize. Or, as your love for the sport deepens, you might invest in high-quality, durable gear that can withstand harsh weather and rough handling.

This progressive upgrading can make fishing more rewarding. It allows you to appreciate the value and utility of each piece of equipment. Remember, the most expensive rod and reel won't help if you don't have the skills to use them effectively. It's not the gear that makes the angler, but how the angler uses the gear.

So, respect the journey. Upgrade your gear as you hone your skills, and remember: Every expert was once a beginner who never gave up.