The Jetty

Curbing beach erosion, stopping storm surges from doing more damage and creating causeways into rivers and salt ponds, the jetty was created by human hands. Of course we all understand this rational, and it’s helpful that the fisherman understands that at one point or another, these areas are going to be rich ground for some great fishing.

Bluefish, false albacore, weakfish and striped bass love these areas for the turbulent, fast-moving waters. The reason is that most baitfish get disoriented in these waters and therefore become easy prey for these predators. You can often find large numbers of these predators not up against the walls of a jetty enjoying an afternoon snack of baitfish. This is where the water is the most turbulent.

The jetty has become home to whelks, mussels and periwinkles and they are often joined by scup and tautogs. These fish love the jetty for the protection they believe it offers – initially they feed of the algae and moss but eventually they feed on each other. The jetty does offer a significant advantage to them – the rocks allow them to nestle in and stay away from their larger predators.

High tide is the best time for fishing the jetty. The closer to high tide, the better the fishing will be since you’ll have more water and your prey will be far more focused on finding something to eat. Baitfish are plentiful in the causeways that lead to ponds and rivers – they can be found in abundance when the tide comes and again when the tide goes out.

Blackfish and porgy are normally easy to catch, as they rarely roam very far from the rock walls. They have everything they need to survive there in the rocks. You can take advantage of this by making shorter casts and not using unnecessary amounts of weight to present your baits.

One overlooked necessity in jetty fishing is safety equipment. While safety at all times should be a first consideration on every fishing trip, fishing a jetty means additional safety precautions you might not think about for shore fishing. As with any fishing, a personal flotation device is a must. Don’t try fishing without one at any time, but especially if you are fishing a jetty. Remember, these waters are extremely turbulent and you could turn an afternoon of fishing enjoyment into an afternoon of disaster without taking the proper precautions. If you are planning on jetty fishing you will want to invest in a pair of cleats. Algae and moss are rich on these rocky surfaces which remain wet almost the entire season. A misstep can easily cause a broken arm, a broken leg or a broken ankle or other more critical injuries. Common sense precautions can keep you safe during your fishing trip and the minor expenses involved in securing this gear can save your life.

Beach and jetty fishing in the northeast offer great opportunities for fishing. You can get the best of both in one day by visiting the great shorelines that are found here. If you start off fishing for blackfish and decide it’s time for a bluefish or striper, they are not too far away. The shores of the northeast offer a lot of opportunities for a memorable fishing trip for you, your friends and you family. Don’t miss out on these great opportunities.

There are many supplies that are helpful when fishing on the rocky shoreline. Some of these supplies include: Daiwa Fishing Rod, Shimano Calcutta Reels, and Daiwa Saltiga 30T.

It’s worth the challenge. Most landowners who have ponds on their properties are farmers. It’s best not to come on too strong when you talk to the owner of a private pond. You should be congenial and show a good amount of admiration of the person’s efforts and rights to privacy. Express to them that you view mother nature with high regard. Don’t be picky about the time and dates that they offer the private fishing pond to you. Even if they have worked out a time with you, it’s always safer to announce your arrival once you get there.

Be sure to work out minor details about parking preferences. You don’t want to be a nuisance, be sure to respect their privacy, and, always be understanding, there may be times they will have to ask you not to come - even though it was pre-arranged. Be prepared for negative replies from some people. Maybe they’ve been burnt in the past, nothing personal towards you, they just don’t want people on their land.

You never know when you might see them again and because you handled it well this time they may say yes the next time. If they say yes ask them if you can bring other people and can keep the fish you catch. Show a genuine interest, ask if there are more places on the land that they might allow you to fish on. Many good sized farms have lots of secret fishing spots. Once they gain your trust, perhaps they will offer to hook you up with some colleagues that have private stocked ponds. Be mindful and keep things tidy, also be sure your guests don’t act like wild pigs - you might have to clean up after them just to save face.

Don’t leave any debris lying about the land or water. Offer to share a cleaned catch with the property owner. Think for a moment, if it were your own property, how you would expect visitors to treat your land. Once you’ve established a friendship with the owner, it would be polite to send them thank-you notes and add them to your holiday list. Be thoughtful and suggest you are willing to help them out with a few tasks if they ever need a hand.

Once you find that secret honey hole, tie on one of your favourite bass lures and do some fishing!

Today’s tackle industry offers a wide variety of fishing line types. For most mainstream fishing needs (such as freshwater, offshore, and saltwater), there are three basic categories of fishing lines: monofilament, fluorocarbon and braided. Each serves a unique purpose and has its own exclusive characteristics.

For the last 40 or so years, many people have fished using monofilament line. In reality, it is likely still the best selling fishing line available today. Monofilament line is made from one filament of extruded nylon. It is very inexpensive, but also very strong and somewhat pliable. Monofilament line is somewhat stretchy under tension, which acts like a shock absorber for catching aggressive fighters.

The biggest problem with monofilament line is that it tends to spiral off of the spool while you cast, and the springy coils caused by this “memory” turn into knots and similar negative effects. The stretch can also be a problem, especially when you are trying to pull a largemouth bass from thick weeds, or trying to keep a big striper from ducking between rocks and getting away.

Braided line which is made up of tiny braided synthetic fibers resolves some of the issues that are inherent to monofilament lines. Unlike monofilament, braided line doesn’t tend to remember how it was sitting on your reel, so it is less likely to develop knots. While very strong, it’s much thinner than monofilament too – in fact a 30-lb braided line is about the same diameter as an 8-lb monofilament line. The best thing about this braided line is that even its small size is great for filling your reel if you’re going to be fishing for small trout or bass. One of the biggest drawbacks of braided line is that it is likely to be damaged easily as it has low abrasion resistance and unfortunately it is also highly visible. If you decide to use a braided line it’s highly recommended you use a low or non-visible leader with it.

Fluorocarbon solves many of braided line’s problems. It is much like monofilament line, and is nearly invisible underwater. It is excellent in shallow water where fish spook easy, and is effective in clear and deep water where light penetration is great. Fluorocarbon is very resistant to abrasion, and is used to make leaders. When it was first introduced, Fluoro was viewed negatively because it was somewhat rigid, making spooling and casting more complex. However, technology has offered fluorocarbon line much advancement since that time, and it is now a very popular and dependable product.

Regardless of what type of fishing you are doing, you will find the right line to make your experience fun and exciting. Remember, that the right line can make a difference between the numbers of fish you bring home at the end of the day. While fishing might have been a lot easier when we were young, familiarizing ourselves with the tools that allow us to keep bringing home bigger and better fish makes it even more exciting. Combine your knowledge of lines with your knowledge of lures and while it may not seem like it’s as easy as it used to be, fishing is still an exciting adventure regardless of your age. Sure, it may not be easier, but your increased knowledge and wisdom make it more fun and even more productive.

There are many different fishing supplies out on the market today. Some of the most popular supplies include: Daiwa BG90, Shimano Calcutta Spinning, and Daiwa Fishing Rod.

Just recognizing that spending a lot of money on a rod won’t automatically buy you just what you need is a good starting point. Technology lets producers create first-rate graphite rods at very reasonable prices. Many quality rods produced by name brand companies can be bought for less than $80, and many have some sort of warranty.

If you’re seeking that super special fishing rod to add to your growing collection, you’re not likely to be looking for a rod that is simply a backup to the one you normally use. Let’s face it, if it’s more than a backup, you’re looking for something different not something that’s commonplace. Drop-shooting finesse baits require a totally different rod than a rod that would be used for a pleasant, relaxing day of fishing with your children. Regardless of whether your idea of a relaxing day of fishing is fighting with a school of bluefish, trolling at sunset or working a heavy current for bass, you want to have the right rod.

The manufacturer’s labeling is on the side of the rod blank, close to the handle. Together with the name of the company and the rod series are some specifications about the rod that can be very useful in your decision-making process. Most rods will state the proper line weight range for the rod. It will also indicate the suggested lure weight for the rod, if the rod is intended for casting. As a result, if you plan to use 10-pound test line and cast medium sized bass lures, choose a rod that is up to this specific task. If you hope to fish 20-pound test and cast to bluefish schools, the label on the rod should say with some accuracy which rod would be best for you.

Another thought is the usage of braided lines. The labeling used on rods to designate suggested line weight is based upon monofilament line. Braided line has a drastically shrunk line diameter over monofilament of equivalent breaking strength. Standard 50-pound test braided line typically has a diameter of a 12–15 pound test monofilament line. Therefore, if you plan to use 50-pound braid with your new bass rod, then you it’s not necessary to find a rod rated for 50 lb. line. Simply find something that will hold the 12–15 pound diameter line.

You also need to think about the weight of the lures you intend to cast with your new purchase, of course. The rod labeling will help enormously when you come to this part of the decision-making process. You will see, if the rod is rated for lure weights of 1/8 oz.–1/4 oz., then the rod will be lightweight and have a somewhat skinny diameter. If the rod is rated for lures of 3/4 oz.–1 3/4 oz., then the rod is probably heavier and much thicker in diameter. If you try to cast lures that weigh less than what is suggested, then your cast will probably not succeed. Lures heavier than what is suggested risk a broken line on your cast or, worse, a broken rod.

The last thing to dwell on is the rod’s length. This should be comparatively simple for you to understand. A quick solution is that if you’re fishing out of a boat, select a rod no more than 8 feet long. They quickly become uncontrollable. If you’re fishing from the shoreline along a trout stream, you will probably need a shorter rod to help you cast from between the trees on the bank. If you’re fishing from the shoreline on a large river (or from the surf) and have to cast long distances, find something in the 9–12 ft area.

There are definitely other factors that could come up, and some fishing applications have need of more involved levels of decision-making. However, these central considerations will let you speedily perfect your hunt for the ideal rod. You can make use of this method to shop for rods in your local fishing retail store or even on the Internet and feel certain that you are making the right selection for your fishing needs.

After purchasing your fishing rod you will want to make sure you have the proper fishing reel to use with it. Some of the most popular reels on the market are Penn Reel, Shimano Spinning Reels, and Daiwa BG90.

For freshwater and light salt water use, determine whether you are going to use a reel designed for bait casting or spinning. Bait-casting reels are a very common choice among bass anglers, in view of the fact that they hold heavy lines and have a lot of cranking power. This is very helpful when you are pulling fish out of hiding. However, bait-casting reels are not normally a good choice when you plan to fish with light lines or lures. You should take some time practicing your cast in the backyard to become skilled at how to cast this kind of reel correctly and to find out how to avoid spool overruns or “birds nests”.

If you plan to fish with lighter lines, smaller lures, and smaller baits, then a spinning reel is the best choice for you. These reels easily handle smaller diameter lines like 2–10 lb. test. They are very well liked among trout fisherman and walleye anglers for this reason. Bass anglers are beginning to make use of spinning equipment more frequently; particularly with the increased attractiveness of finesse methods such as drop shotting.

Saltwater fishermen demand lines that will enable them to catch larger fish. Line diameter is almost always larger for this type of fish. Bait casting reels are the most commonly used for saltwater and are often called by the name “conventional reel”. Advancements over the years have resulted in reels that are suitable for bottom fishing or trolling. This negates any need to cast the bait or lures to distances. The bait casting reel offers superior cranking power and enables you to secure that larger fish.

Many reel manufacturers will produce a specific reel model in numerous sizes to hold diverse rods and lines. Spinning reels are typically sized numerically, beginning with 1000 and going up to 6000. The size of the reel increases accordingly, with 1000 being the smallest and 6000 being the biggest. A smaller reel will have a smaller spool, so it makes sense that you would have to use smaller line diameter. Many reels will have line rating suggestions on the label, and will tell you how much line the spool will hold.

Bait-casting reels for freshwater and light saltwater are typically numbered with a three-number sequence such as 100, 200, and so on. Higher numbers are frequently used, but the common naming rule is usually a three-digit number. Conventional reels appear to use a two-digit number like 30, 40 and 50 customarily. The same idea that increasing the number increases the size is still relevant. The reel or reel box should be clearly marked with line rating and line diameter suggestions.

You might find the task of obtaining the right reel a bit overwhelming at first, but remember it is like anything else you do – the right tool for the right job. After all, you wouldn’t use a 5-wood to do a pitching wedge’s job if you were golfing right?

When choosing your reel make sure you do your research, some of the most popular reels include: Penn Reels Fishing, and Shimano Reel including Shimano Spinning Reel.

Do I really need a leader?

You may doubt whether or not a leader is actually needed. Although it’s not required in every situation, a leader can assist with keeping your main line in one piece. Not making use of a leader can result in a sheared line during a fight with an aggressive fish.

Utilizing Leaders

If you are hoping to land a kind of fish that is fairly line shy, a leader can be very practical. For line-shy fish, a fluorocarbon leader is important, since leaders can be formed from any style of line. There are two key motivations for using fluorocarbon leaders. Number one is that fish like false albacore, bonito, and mackerel have remarkably good vision. Second, they are predisposed to having wonderful visual acuity. Consequently, if your bait looks strange in the slightest, these fish are going to disregard it and hasten toward greener pastures as it were.

The premise behind fluorocarbon is simple – it provides infinitesimal light refraction meaning that the fish can’t see it. Since the fish that you’d use this type of leader for tend to run less than ten pounds, a twenty pound fluorocarbon leader is ideal. For a measurement of how effective they are, consider fishing alongside someone who isn’t using one and see what happens. The proof will astound you. Since these fish tend to go after bait-fish as their main source of food, a fluorocarbon leader can be the ideal tool to increase your catch. Make sure you are using a lead that is not smaller than three feet and not larger than four feet for optimal results.

The primary motivation for using fluorocarbon is clear: Fluorocarbon offers a minuscule amount of light refraction, a clever way of hiding the line from the fish. A twenty-pound fluorocarbon leader is perfect, since the fish that you’d fish for using this kind of leader for have a tendency to average less than ten pounds. Seeing as these fish have a propensity for going after baitfish as their most important food source, a fluorocarbon leader can be the top tool to get the most out of your day’s haul. For most favorable results, make certain that you use a lead between three and four feet in length.

Sports fishermen, in particular those who enjoy pike, barracuda, bluefish and muskellunge, are completely aware of the extra-large teeth these breeds sport. If you combine these teeth with their enjoyment of wrecking a fishing line, chances are very good that your fondness would be for a steel leader. Steel leaders are usually designed from twenty or thirty pound weight and are very noticeable. For more hostile fish, such as bluefish, you’d be better suited with a forty to sixty pound weight. On the other hand, if barracuda is your partiality, you’re better off with something heavier, as a barracuda is apt to snap through a solitary strand of eighty-pound leader as if it were nothing at all. The lighter weight is best suited toward pike and muskies with their needle like teeth, and the heavier is ideal for fighters like bluefish and barracuda.

Don’t make the mistake of using the wrong leader for the fishing that you’re attempting. The right leader will always make the difference between a successful fishing trip and an unsuccessful trip. It never hurts to carry a variety of leaders in case the opportunity arises to use them. Remember, the wrong leader can result in a missed catch.

Fishing can be a very exciting and relaxing sport. Making sure you have proper equipment such as Penn Fishing Reels, Daiwa Reels, and Shimano Reel can be extremely helpful.

There comes a giant list of lure sizes, colours and types when looking at all the possible fishing scenarios. As per this online bass fishing lure resource, we have hard bodied and soft bodies lures, topwater or surface baits, suspended lures and bottom baits. There are several subcategories as well for these lures. Topwater fishing and using surface baits being a favourite among anglers, I’ll discuss that now.

As probably expected, topwater lures float and are fished along the surface of the water. The majority of the surface or topwater baits have lips or cupped heads so that they could generate a splashing or popping sound. The surface sounds will entice bass from great distances.

Bass love to hide under cover such as lily pads and other structure, so that is a great spot to cast these topwaters. You then pull the lure with quick jerks, followed by a short pause to create the desired sound. When the bass hits it is an amazing rush, as you not only feel the hit, but you can see and hear it as well! More often that note, the bass will jump clear out of the water.

Topwaters are most often fished in the morning and evening in shallow waters.

Popular topwater baits include:

• the Crazy Crawler
• the Heddon Zara Spook
• the Heddon Lucky 13
• the Hula Popper

So, tie on a topwater, head to a close by fishing spot and hook some bass. Good fishing!

Even though bass fishing is enjoyed all over the world, it is more popular in the United States since the more popular types of bass are found mostly in North America. Bass fishing, being such a popular sport, the bass masters have even become household names. The bass masters have a huge following just like you may see in other major sports.

Perhaps it could be the idea of getting back in touch with nature and the thrill of the hunt so to speak that has made bass fishing so popular to millions of people. No one knows for sure however but for beginners the whole idea of fishing in general can be quite daunting.

Any general knowledge you already have about fishing can be used for bass fishing. You can get away with the basics of a hook, line and sinker. Although when hunting bass people are more often than not using specific bass lures. A very popular method for catching bass is using one of a wide array of topwater fishing lures.

Bass fisherman and are always looking to improve their techniques. However, in reality bass fishing can be very simple. There are lots of bass in the North American waters so after a bit of trial and error you are bound to get “lucky” at some point if you don’t possess the skillset just yet. However to catch a bass of a certain weight and size requires a certain technique not to mention common sense. Always make sure you have the proper fishing equipment to catch the size and type of bass you want to catch.

Always keep in mind that especially the large and small mouth bass are fighting fish. They have earned the name of game fish. Large mouth are elusive beasts and will do what they can not to reach the surface when hooked, which makes this such an exciting sport. However once you get them hooked you will be in for the fight of your life and will definitely have a tough time reeling them in. These lunker bass love to hide in structures deep in the water like seaweed, logs, marshes with heavy growth and lily pads.

New regulations on winter flounder season have been set in place largely because of over harvesting and destroyed or inhospitable spawning grounds. These restrictions limit winter flounder season to a scant 6 or 8 weeks, but this still offers a great opportunity for a break to the winter off-season.

Not like summer flounder, even if you are an inexperienced fisherman you can fish for winter flounder with comparatively light line (needing just 8-12 lbs) and a rod as short as 6-7 feet. However, you have to take into account that these fish weigh 2-3 pounds per fish.

Designing a winter flounder rig can be as easy or as complex as you decide to make it. In any case, success is nearly guaranteed provided that you make use of the smaller hooks, which are a vital part of fishing for winter flounder. Small hooks and weights are used to keep bait at the bottom and are adaptable for both the habitat where winter flounder are found and their tiny, practically toothless mouths. Your next step is to combine bait for winter flounder with yellow grubs or beads fastened to the shaft. Winter flounder rigs are well known for their bright yellow bait. Regardless of whether you choose to fish with mussel, sandworms or bloodworms as bait, the bright yellow helps catch the attention of winter flounder.

Chumming is another good idea when you are fishing for winter flounder. This is true whether you fish while anchored in a boat or from the shoreline, and this method helps draw in jam-packed schools of winter flounder. You will have all the gear you need to maximize your winter flounder fishing experience once you simply pick up your chum pots at a local bait and tackle shop. Just attach the pot to an inflexible area near the shore or fasten it to your boat.

If you prefer to fish with dual rods, one can be cast in the same direction as the current, while another can be set alongside the chum pot. This is a very resourceful way for you to maximize your fishing expedition and the equipment itself, a plus for any fisherman on any trip.

Since winter flounder tend to congregate in areas where they can find plenty of food, chances are good that you’ll find them in fairly shallow water. The more shallow the water, the warmer it is and the more food that will be found. If you’re near an area of sand and gravel that turns to mud regularly, you are sure to find a school of winter flounder nearby.

If you’re a saltwater angler, winter flounder is a great way to break back into fishing after a long and cold winter. These delicately flavored fish also help restock your freezer after the winter and before the summer fishing season gets underway.

There are many helpful types of gear that you should consider investing in some of them are Daiwa Rods and Shimano Calcutta Reels, such as the Shimano Calcutta 400B Reel.

Getting Started

How the project is begun is one of the most critical steps to any job that requires care, so you should prepare accordingly. Set aside a workspace that is suitable for the job, and make sure you leave plenty of elbowroom. Make sure that there is space for all of the delicate reel parts. It’s smart to add a detailed photo of the reel piece-by-piece so that it can be put back together after the maintenance/repair is complete, or utilize a hand-drawn diagram.

Disassembling The Reel

Most reels come apart the same way, since they are built in a similar fashion (for the most part, some reels may vary slightly). This step is the most important time to photograph or draw each piece as it comes off, so that you can guarantee that you will be able to put the reel back together. Carefully remove each piece and place them in some kind of order (i.e. order removed). Be sure to take special care with very small pieces, such as screws, springs, and similar objects. Every piece has an important function, and each has a particular place in your reel.

Tools of The Trade

Repair and maintenance tools are some of the fundamental elements to the success of the project. Before starting the project, make sure that you have what you need, so that you do not have to go hunting for something in the middle of the project. Necessary tools usually include (but are not limited to) screwdrivers in various sizes (Philips and flathead), pliers, ratchets (including heads), clean and absorbent rags, reel grease and reel oil. You will also need a small brush, such as a clean toothbrush. Make sure that the reel grease and reel oil are in closed containers to prevent messy spills.

The Disassembly

Your first step is to take the reel apart bit by bit, taking great caution with every section, to reduce the possibility of misplacing or damaging vital parts. Find the nut that attaches the reel handle and remove it. Rotate the drag star counterclockwise and put it aside. Remove the side plate, making sure to notate the position of the four screws holding it on. Disconnect the main gear assembly. Detach the spool from your reel case. Use your clean cloth to get rid of sand, dirt, and/or old grease. Grease the mechanism in its entirety. If your reel has a worm gear, revolve the level wind (in the left plate) to ensure that this gear is greased correctly. Use a very tiny amount of reel grease to lubricate all teeth. Cleanse the spool. Lubricate the endpins. Finally, you should replace the spool within the end case.

Main Drive Gear Assembly

Cleaning the main drive gear assembly is one of the most critical aspects of the cleaning and maintenance routine, and failure to exercise proper caution could result in your reel not working properly later. Follow each step carefully and pay close attention to details. Carefully remove the screws attaching the main drive gear assembly. Some will be screwed into a mounting plate, but others will be able to be lifted out. Locate the main gear assembly. Use your rag to remove sand, dirt, and old grease, making sure there is no trace of the residue remaining to ensure smooth function later. Grease the gear assembly thoroughly.

Beware!

Due to the number of very small parts involved with these steps, you must take special care to notate the location of each screw, washer, nut, and bearing. In order for the reel to function, each must be put back in the place they came from. Diagrams or photographs are absolutely fundamental to the success of your delicate reel cleaning/maintenance project.

Cleansing Washers/Bearings

The main gear will have washers in the top. After removing them, you should first notate the placement of each. Clean each washer with your clean rag. Grease, making sure to massage the clean grease gently into every washer. Remove excess grease with a clean cloth. After the washers are dry, you can then replace them in the proper order.

Seized bearings can be a major problem for some reels, so you need to be sure to thoroughly grease each bearing along all sides or replace the bearing. Do not attempt to take the bearing apart, or you will wind up cleaning up BBs from your workspace!

Reassembling The Reel

Place the spool back inside the reel casing to begin to reassemble your reel. Position the right side plate and gear assembly over the endpin. Line up the screw holes, making sure each side is aligned properly. Screw in each screw into the side plate. Next, you should screw the drag star back on. Finally, you can mount the reel’s handle. You are almost done!

Using your photos or map, confirm that each piece is back where it initially came from. Check your work by making sure the reel is well secured.

Review

Though the process is monotonous and slow, you have the ability to execute these simple maintenance steps and save money. Nevertheless, a calm hand is required, and you may discover that either a magnifying lens or excellent eyesight is very advantageous.

No matter what kind of reel you are operating (conventional or bait-casting), these straightforward steps can help you steer clear of waiting for and paying a professional to keep your reel operating efficiently. Since you are probably one of the many fishermen who are finicky about who handles their reels, simply utilizing methods such as these can help put a stop to mistakes and/or repair costs. Keep your reel safe and clean, and you will nearly promise long life and many fishing memories.

There are many types of reels out on the market today one of the most popular brands is Daiwa Fishing Reel, some of their most popular models are Daiwa BG90 and Saltiga 30T.