Fishing Tackle Tips & Tricks

[tcbass]

 

We have stickied threads for specific lures such as Senkos and NED rigs. Perhaps we can sticky this thread on Fishing Tackle TIps & Tricks which would cover rod, reel, and tackle tips. I know that some guys like to change their reel handles, add hook holders, use rod sleeves, use clips for lures and other tricks and tips. Just tips and tricks like that that have helped make your fishing experience more satisfying and efficient.

 

I'll start out with two tips. I learned both from fisherman on here and they have really helped me save a lot of money and time. The second one, how to save on Senkos has been covered before but that's ok.

 

1.)  How to quick change lures: KVD Mustad Fastach Clip (I like size 3 for my baitcaster). This clip also helps add movement to stickbait lures and such. I've tried snaps,  swivel snaps, and many other types of clips and snaps and nothing has worked as well as this. What's nice is they are cheap and can be found easily at Walmarts and other sporting good stores and are $2.86 for a pack of 12.

They are also much stronger than swivel snaps and snaps. I'm still on my original 5, even though I've caught many northerns on them. I've had northerns tear up snaps quick.  Number 3 size has a 75lbs. breaking strength.

 

2.)  How to quick change Spinnerbaits and Buzzbaits: Rubber Tubing  (I use the Fastach clips on all of my baitcasters but have to use the segment of tubing for Spinnerbaits and Buzzbaits so they don't slip - I use standard airline tubing for aquariums.). It goes over the loop tight but then is fits once it gets into the groove. The tubing does not effect the action of the lure.

 

 

3.)  How to save on Senkos: Rubber Tubing (I use a 1" piece of vinyl tubing that is 3/8" inside diamater and 1/2" outside diameter.). With this tip I've had 1 Senko last like 12 trips which was probably over 50 fish. That's a lot of savings when I have lost Senkos just casting. The tubing does not effect the action of the lure.

 

Sorry, couldn't get the photos to go horizontally. 

 

Alright guys, hopefully we can sticky this thread and guys can add their tips and tricks. 

 

["hamma"]

I will insert the eye of a trailer hook into a short piece of tubing before I put the trailer hook on a spinnerbait or buzzbait, this will keep the trailer hook from sliding up on the spinnerbaits hook and fouling your cast.

 Also, I tie a couple feathers, some strands of flashabou, and crystal flash on select treble hooks. Just like some you see on the back of a popper. and will use them when I need to replace a rear treble hook on any treble hooked lure. beit a crankbait, jerkbait, topwater. That little "extra" seems to help.

[bagofdonuts]

I love fishing with buzz baits but alter everyone I buy. You can make them much easier to cast by pulling half of the skirt strands off , tune it to run at slower speeds by opening the curve part of the blade, I also crimp the rivet at the end of the wire arm so it doesn't move and rough up the face of the rivet where the blade hits it to get the right squeak. Finally I almost always add a trailer  to slow the sink rate as most hits seem to come on the first couple cranks. 

[tcbass]

4 hours ago, bagofdonuts said:

I love fishing with buzz baits but alter everyone I buy. You can make them much easier to cast by pulling half of the skirt strands off , tune it to run at slower speeds by opening the curve part of the blade, I also crimp the rivet at the end of the wire arm so it doesn't move and rough up the face of the rivet where the blade hits it to get the right squeak. Finally I almost always add a trailer  to slow the sink rate as most hits seem to come on the first couple cranks. 

Any pics of you're customized buzzbaits? How do you open the curve of the blade?

[JustJames]

Good tip on spinnerbait, i might try that soon.

For Senko, I use regular heat shrink tube where you can buy varities pack with different size tube.

[KDW96]

This has been brought up in threads before. But to save money on line, fill your reel up atleast half way with cheap monouse double unlknot, an finish filling reel with the good stuff.

[scaleface]

The straighter the worm on a Texas rig the less twist it will create . I bend the part next to the eye slightly  creating  a straight line from that small section to the point . The top photo shows one before and after the bend and the bottom shows how a worm would lay naturally . Its easy  see how this bend will allow for a straighter rig .