Simple Steps For Landing More Fish

First off this article isn't going to help you increase your strikes. But, what it will do is help you land the strikes you are getting. Let's face it! We all lose fish. Its just part of the game. But do you ever notice some boats seem to land every strike, while others seem to miss most of them? On those days the rods are flying it doesn't bother you much, but when the fishing's slow every strike counts. Well here are a few tricks and common sense to help put more fish in the box. Let's start with the business end.

1. Hooks: Keep them sharp! I can't emphasize this enough. A good hook file will go along way to insure this happens. You don't need anything special, a basic Luhr Jensen file will do the job fine. Because a hook comes out of the package doesn't make it sharp. Check all hooks before you put them in the water. To see if your hooks are sharp enough, run it down your fingernail at a 60 degree angle; the point should dig in, not slide along.

2. Line: What's on your reel? The same line as last year. Or have you changed it and put on new line. Buy quality line; you won't regret it. We've always run Maxima Ultragreen for browns. But when the fleas show up we've found that 30lb YoZuri Hybrid is hard to beat. Its tough, I've had Kings wrap it around cables on many occasions without a problem. Let me guess, after that last fish you were in such a rush to get the line back in the water you forgot to check for nicks and abrasions. Always check your knots and line. A small nick can cost you the fish of a lifetime. To complete the connection always use quality snaps and swivels. Cheap ones WILL cost you fish. So spend the extra money and buy quality. Terminal tackle wears out, so don't skimp out; change them frequently. Plus these problems always seem to surface at the worst times.

3. Releases: Whether it is off a downrigger or planer board; release tension is very important. If the release is too tight fish will break off at the strike, too loose and you'll miss many light strikes. I personally run only Black's off the riggers. With an adjustable tension screw, you can adjust the tension to meet the need. You should run them as tight as you can without breaking off. You might have to pop the rod on smaller fish but this will greatly improve your hook ups. Many times when fishing cut bait; Kings will "chew" on the bait. With tight releases you'll see this and be able to get to the rod quickly. If the release is too light with those soft mouthed Kings, the rod would pop and the fish is gone by the time you come tight.

4. Keep the riggers tight and get there fast: Keep your 'rigger rods tight; no matter how deep your fishing there's a bow in the line from drag and the bigger the bow the longer it takes to come tight. Secondly, get to that rod fast, the quicker you get tight will increase the chance of landing that fish. The longer it takes to get tight the longer they are down there shaking the hook out. Last of all, don't set the hook unless your tight. How many times have you seen someone get to the rod quickly; get it out of the holder clean to only lay into nothing but slack. Reel, reel, reel when those riggers fly, and you'll land more fish.

5. Drag and Rods: These two go together because you need to set the drag to match your rod and line test. Don't crank those drags down enjoy that fish. Don't just crank them in. Besides if you do you'll break off, straighten the hooks, or pull the hooks. A loose drag can be harmful too. The longer the fight goes the greater the chance of something going wrong. Match the rod to the species you're chasing and tackle you're using. You don't want to run a Hot Spot flasher on 8lbs test and a noodle rod or a smithwick on 30lbs test and a stiff rod.

6. Clear lines: Don't be afraid to clear lines. We've all seen those guys weaving rods around a diver rod after the fish decided to make a bee line right for it. I always clear the wires as soon as I think we have on a big fish. Big fish always have a mind all their own and you can never be too careful when you have a big fish at the back of the boat. At the same time don't be afraid to slow down or turn. Avoid bringing the fish in too soon. A green fish at the back of the boat is disastrous. We've all lost that big one in the prop wash. So, next time you have a fish at the back of the boat, relax. Most guys get excited when they see their trophy, but be patient and in a few moments it'll be yours. Don't try and horse that fish those last few feet. You're only looking for trouble.

How do you spell landing success? FILE!

Losing fish is never fun and we're always trying to come up with ways to land more, so I hope you will follow these simple tips and improve your catch. On those days when the fishing is tough you need all the tricks you have. Follow these and slow days will go by a little quicker. Nobody enjoys losing fish because there's nothing we can do. But, there is! Following this article will pay off, so don't be afraid to change. It's worth it.

Good Luck, Andy

Andrew Bliss is the owner of Chasin' Tail Adventures Guide Service fishing out of Sodus Point and Oswego, NY. For information call (315) 591-4578.