Tackle Wise for 2010 Pt. 4 "Out with the Old and In with the New!"

~Gear and Accessories~

By now, you've noticed a theme here for the month of January. We've talked about the lines, the tackle box and being organized, we discussed the importance of maintaining your lures and keeping hooks sharp and your rods and reels ready and working.

Now lets look at a few accessories you may or may not have and discuss the versatility and applications for each item. Starting with the trusty weight scale. Ah yes, the age old argument... "it was 6lbs", "no! more like 4" if these folks had a scale they could easily settle their dispute.

Fish weigh scales come in all shapes and sizes, but finding the one that's right for you is more about preference and cost. There's the spring scale light weight and easy to transport, however it may not offer the weight capacity you need and not be as accurate as needed either. For the novice weekend angler a spring scale fits the bill.

Digital scales have come along "weigh". Nowadays you can find affordable, durable compact models like the Berkley 35lb scale part of their TEC product line. It offers a Nonslip SofTorx™ handle for easier control of big fish. Also, unique front and back LED screens, (one for you and the rival) a free-swinging hook for easier handling of big active fish and has an impressive Instant weight, 1/10th of 1% accuracy, and automatic culling capability it comes all wrapped up in a weather-proof fitted case. You're the angler you know what species of fish you're after so commonsense is key, using the right tool for the job is all part of being tackle wise. Let's move on.

A Fishing Journal, don't worry folks I'm not going to go all Dr. Phil on you and tell you to write down your feelings during your fishing trips. But a handy tool to have is an anglers journal believe it or not. it allows you the ability to record certain information like, weather, time, date, water temp, water color, lure, technique(fly/spinning) how many fish caught, size/length, weight( good thing you brought your scale) and who/how many friends were with you, etc.

Keeping a detailed journal of your fishing trips no matter how successful they are or aren't is part of being tackle wise, and will become a reference tool later on and help you become a better angler. Being able to see what and where you went wrong or right also teaching you about fish and how they reacted to weather patterns, and water temperatures and clarity. Eventually you'll be able to use your journal as a cross-reference tool while you're fishing and land that trophy that eluded you on previous trips.

Lastly, I would like to take a look at landing nets. Either from a boat or from shore a landing net is a handy tool to have when fishing. For the novice and the seasoned angler alike the use of a landing net is important in decreasing the mortality rate of the fish if you are practicing catch and release. Also using a landing net enables you to "land" the fish. I can't imagine a more frustrating scenario then having the fish get off the hook right at the side of the boat and it was one for the photo album, in that instant you may as well chalk that fish up to "the one that got away". Again there's a right tool for the job here so if you don't already have a landing net get one, make sure it's not too big and not too small, and you'll be "landing" fish like a pro in no time using a landing net helps you weigh the fish and record it's information in your handy journal; which is all part of being Tackle-Wise in 2010 and having the right gear and accessories will help give you THE OFFENSIVE EDGE! Until next time folks I'm Ben McWhinney wishing you all tight lines and trophy fishing!

Tackle-Wise Pt.3 Out with the Old, In with the New ~Rods and Reels

RODS:
The fishing rod, considered by some anglers to be their double edged sword, but how sharp is it? When it comes to being Tackle-Wise taking a good look at your fishing rod is where it starts. Look at the rod and the glue/epoxy wrap does it appear stressed? See any fracture lines, or off color or clouding. Chances are you may break your rod at one of these weak points/fractures or near the guide or break off one of the guides themselves on that next big hook set.

Being Tackle-Wise in 2010 is also about paying attention to the guides themselves. Guides are made from various materials; Steel, Aluminum Oxide, or Nickel Titanium. Your rod guides are designed to allow your line to travel through them with little or no friction.

However lines such as braid can over time wear down your guides, literally scoring them. This score mark can cause you a lot of problems if you don't notice it in time. Eventually your guide can crack and become very abrasive to other lines like nylon, and fluorocarbon. Also your rod tip guide can become damaged easily by quickly reeling your lure right up to the rod tip. Some of you reading this may be saying " oh that's why my line keeps breaking off on hook sets" well yes and no. If your guides are good and have no nicks or cracks in them, then it's your line or your knot. If you have a fresh spool of line on and your guides are damaged then you've solved your mystery.

Having a tackle store that does rod repair can save you some money if you only have one or two guides that need attention, like re wrapping or replacement depending on the guides you have on your rod. Some manufacturers have warranties that cover guide damage and replacement again saving you the burden of dishing out the cash to replace your rod with a new one.

Being Tackle-Wise and following the Out with the Old and in with the New motto towards your favorite fishing pole and giving it the attention it deserves will help give you THE OFFENSIVE EDGE. Well that's enough about the rod segment let's move onto the reel portion.




The fishing reel, considered by some to be the most important part of the rod-reel combo It's the "workhorse", the winch that hauls in those trophies. But what should you do if that "horse" ever fails you, turf it and get a new one? Of coarse not! Unless of course you have the means to do so then by all means don't let me stop you.


For those of us who don't let me help you become Tackle-Wise towards your reel so you save some cash and still reap the benefits the ole' work horse provides. Generally we take our vehicles in for a spring tune up, or at least should, well just like our vehicles so should our reels go in for routine tune ups. In fact some manufactures offer it as part of their purchase program for a small fee.

Now regardless that the box your reel came in contained a detailed exploded-view schematic of your reel, you should never do any maintenance yourself, unless you have been properly trained in the assembly stage and have a finite understanding of the inner-workings of fishing reels.

This schematic is more so for the trained professional, but it also can help you understand the parts of your reel and pinpoint the trouble area so you can bring it in to your tackle provider for warranty or service work.

Any worn out or broken parts of your reel should not be ignored, and your tackle provider will be glad to assist you in getting your reel repaired, and tuned up so that you can enjoy the season ahead. Taking care of your most important tools in your fishing arsenal YOUR "SWORD" AND YOUR "WORK HORSE"is all part of being Tackle-Wise and also helps give you THE OFFENSIVE EDGE! Until next time I'm Ben McWhinney wishing all of you tight lines and trophy fishing!

Tackle-Wise Pt. 2 Out with the Old, In with the New!

We discussed the importance of organized tackle, now I'd like to talk about the tackle itself. Let's start with the line you have on your reels. Ever notice the amount of lures and fish you lose when fishing the same line you had on last season? That's right your line is cooked. Small abrasions and nicks in the line have weakened it. Not to mention UV rays, temperature, etc.

You fish braided line you say, well look again, see that faded color, that's the sign of fatigue and abrasion. Bottom line, strip it, or change it! Low diameter lines like braid, offer maximum yardage on a spool, so strip off the first 30yards and check the line if you still have a generous supply of line on your spool and you have fresh looking line go ahead and tie on your fluorocarbon leader and your ready for the new season.

Another option is to strip it off and re-spool it backwards on your reel using your old leader as backing, cut off the original backing and tie on a new fluorocarbon leader and once again your back in business. The second option works well for both spinning and level-wind reels. Monofiliment and fluorocarbon lines retain memory so do yourself a favour and replace the line. It's pennies a yard so it's definitely cheaper by the dozen.

Hooks if they're rusty, bent, or broken turf them. That goes for all hooks. Check the sharpness of your crank bait hooks by placing your thumb first and second finger on each side of the treble hook, gently squeeze at the points and release repeatedly, if it sticks to your fingers it's sharp, if not it's junk so replace it.

Along with crank bait hooks, also check your split rings, any signs of extreme stress or stretched looking rings should be pitched and replaced. Split rings play an important role in your terminal tackle,so don't over look them.

Taking care of your lines will ensure solid hook sets, and line strength to put another fish in the boat, as well, proper hook and split ring care will again guarantee those solid hook sets to keep that next fish on your line.

Paying close attention to these few but crucial areas will help give you THE OFFENSIVE EDGE. Until next time I'm Ben McWhinney wishing you all tight lines and trophy fishing!

Next topic in this series: Out with the Old, In with the New: "Rods and Reels"

Getting Tackle-Wise for 2010 Pt.1 Out with the Old in with the New! The Tackle Box.

We've all heard the expression out with the old in with the new as we enter into a new year. As anglers we make the same old promises and resolutions as years gone by but how many of us have actually made one and made it stick. One of the most important resolutions or promises I can make and suggest you make is become Tackle-Wise in 2010. Allow me to pontificate poetically if you will.

Does your tackle box resemble this or even remotely come close then it's time to get tackle-wise. What I mean is simply this; organization and cleanliness is crucial to success. If you can't find it you aren't fishing, housekeeping issues should never take up your time on the water.

Unfortunately for most anglers and myself included have been guilty of doing the tackle box shuffle, organizing and cleaning. Losing valuable time fishing and learning new territory, fishing styles, etc.

Let's promise ourselves little things in 2010 like, all my crank baits will go in the same box, spinner baits and buzz baits in the same box, and for gosh sakes at least have one type of soft baits organized IE: a box of senkos, a box of tubes, etc. So that eventually all your boxes will be as organized as this one.

One thing I suggest to the anglers that I encounter when I see them lugging the tool chest style tackle box; is to get a soft sided tackle box with multiple storage containers, they give you the advantage of seeing what lures you have and stores them easily.

For example my soft sider is nothing more then a back pack that holds 5 Flambeau 6544HP "Tuff Tainer" boxes. I use one for hooks and weights, another for tubes, then I have my drop-shot weights & lures, one for senkos, and I even have a special box that I keep relatively organized , that I call my "spread box".

I call it that because anytime I go out and I catch 10 fish on a new lure it goes in this reserved box. It's kinda like my go to box when conditions are off, or get tough I can always count on one of those lures in there to put a fish in the boat.

Being organized and being tackle-wise in 2010 will free up your time on the water allowing you to spend more time fishing, which in turn will give you THE OFFENSIVE EDGE. Until next time, this is Ben McWhinney wishing you all tight lines and trophy fishing!

Happy New Year! 2010 Kicks off with the Spring Fishing and Boat Show

Hey folks I just want to wish you all a Happy and Healthy 2010. I also have a gently reminder for all you anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike in and around the GTA the SPRING FISHING AND BOAT SHOW is slowly approaching here's the skinny!



Be sure to check out the seminars at the mega-tank!

For more information visit www.springfishingandboatshow.com

T.O.E would like to thank Andy Pallotta for another great show.

Pike On The Fly.
(Fishing for The Slough Shark)
By Chris David

Imagine if you will, a quiet shallow bay full of submerged weeds, and logs on one of the many clear lakes in Northern Alberta. You are standing on the flat deck of a 17-foot boat with your 8-weight fly rod in hand, drifting silently into the heart of the calm water, or the calm before the storm shall we say. Suddenly the logs that you observed earlier begin to move in all different directions. You strip out your line,and cast a 6-inch long buck-tail streamer right at one of the sub like fish lurking in the bay. You strip it in erratically, then pausing, and striping hard with 3 sharp 12-inch movements. As you watch the scene unfold, one of the leviathans turns and stalks your helpless fly, and your heart begins to race and skip beats. Just then a depth charge like explosion breaks the water, and on the other end of the line is a 20-pound super charged submarine called the Northern Pike. The battle lasts for nearly 15 minutes, and your rod has been punished with out question, and now you hold your prize up to the camera, and back into the water it goes to battle another day. The Northern Pike has quietly become one of the most sought after species on fly in the world today.



The Northern Pike goes by many different nicknames such as; Slough Shark, Jack fish, Snot Rocket, and The Fresh Water Barracuda. Any way you look at them, they are an aggressive predator that will burn out a fly-reel in a heartbeat if given the chance. As a professional fishing guide and host of “The Hunting Chronicles TV Show”, I have the opportunity to fish many different lakes for the big Northerns. I get revved up just thinking about hooking into a 48-51 inch monster, and the fact that sight fishing these huge fish, and watching them chase the fly, makes it just that much more exciting. Long being ignored by the fly-fishing world, the Pike has become a target by these purist anglers. Over the last 10 years or so, thinking has changed towards these high-powered eating machines, and why not? Look at these reasons alone and you will see the light as well.

1. Pike can obtain huge weights upwards of 40 pounds in some Canadian waters.
2. Explosive takes on the fly.
3. Powerful fighters when hooked. (10 pounds+)
4. Like the Great White Shark, they spend half of their life looking for food, and the other half eating it.
5. Not very picky eaters, most of the time.
6. Smaller Pike (3-5 pounds) are great eating when caught in cold water. (Winter & Spring).
Many people cannot tell the difference when eating Pike and Walleye caught during these seasons, and cooked together. Part of having a successful experience is having the right gear, and fishing the right locations. I recommend hiring a guide when fishing new areas. This will shorten the learning curve of the lake in mind, and add to your success tremendously. For those of you that now waters that hold big Pike, then here are some gear suggestions to help you catch that trophy of a lifetime.

1. Rod: (7-9 weight fly-rod). A good backbone is important.
2. Reel: (size 6/7 or 7/8). A good reel with a stellar drag system a must. The Okuma
Integrity, or Magnitude, are among the best for the price.
3. Lines: I recommend 3 types of lines. Floating lines are great in shallow water, a
Sinking tip is good for the 3-6 foot depth range, and the full sink type 3 lines are my
favorite. The full sink type 3 lines are a slower sinking line that allows for even line
distribution beneath the surface, and is great for suspended fish in the 4-15 foot range.
4. Leader: I would use a saltwater steel leader rated for 20 pounds or better.
5. Flies: I like to use big streamer patterns with lots of Black and silver in them.
Chartreuse works well, Red and Orange and Mouse or Popper patterns can be effective as
well. Most of the streamers I use are 5-7 inches in length, and have epoxied eyes on them
for added likeness.
6. Polarized Glasses: Pike on the fly can be an exciting experience, and when you
can watch them attack the fly, this heightens the event.
7. Structure: Shallow weedy bays near drop off points, and fallen trees will attract
Northerns. Contrary to popular belief, Pike turn off during low light hours, so concentrate your fishing to hours between 8:00am – 11:00am for the mornings, and in the evenings I would fish the 6:00pm – 8:30pm range. Most of the trophy Pike that I have caught and released have been between the hours of 9:30am and 11:30am. Some regions may vary slightly, but this has been my experiences. I promise that if you give Pike on the fly a chance, you will fall in love with it. You will see what all the hype is about!!
Tight Lines, and Happy Fishing.
Chris David/Host & Producer
The Hunting Chronicles TV Show
www.thehuntingchronicles.com
“Our Hunt For Adventure”

THE OFFENSIVE EDGE/ LINE SELECTION (The Good, Bad, and the Ugly)

Hey folks thanks for stopping by. I just want to share the importance of proper line selection. There's Hybrids, Braids, Nylon/Mono, Co-polymers, Fluros, where do you start? Well let's start with the basics, we'll start with Nylon or Monofilament.




Monofilament line is declared by some as your generic line. Is it good for all fishing applications? No! And I will break it down to the goods bads and the uglies of Mono line so you can see why Mono/Nylon line is not the line for all applications.

Monofilament, The Goods

•Easy handling casts well when on a spinning reel or even a bait caster
•Fair knot strength when using a clinch knot or improved clinch knot
•High stretch ratio gives nylon the ability to absorb the initial shock from a strike
•Floats on the water,sinks slower which helps top water fishing ;visualizing strikes

Monofilament, The Bads & The Uglies

•High stretch increases your miss/hook set ratio
•Low abrasion resistance causes more break offs when fishing rough structure
•High memory causes your line to retain it's form on the spool causing roll off, line twists, birds nests



Lets move on to the Braided lines. It's created by "fusing" multiple braided fibers of new types of micro filamentous materials like Dyneema, a gel-spun polyethylene (plastic). This is what you find with Spiderwire, PowerPro and Fireline. Is this the line suited for all fishing applications? No! And here's the Good, Bad and the Ugly to explain why.

Braided Line, The Goods

•Thin diameter allowing more line to be put on your spool
•High strength ten times stronger than steel, great for hook sets
•Abrasion resistant allowing you to fish heavy cover, rough structure, and toothy fish
•Low stretch increases your hook set/miss ratio
•Low memory allows for easier casting
•Extremely sensitive allowing you to telegraph strikes quicker

Braided Line, Bads & Uglies

•High visibility in water can spook fish in clear water conditions
•Low stretch can damage your reel drag and break your rod with hard hooksets
•Knot slip when using the wrong knot
•Very high strength again can damage your reel and rod with hard hooksets



Lastly lets talk about Fluorocarbon line, highly covetted for it's near invisible qualities. Fluorocarbon lines are a type of monofilament line in that it's a single strand line. It's a polymer derived from introducing fluorine to carbon. But once again is Fluorocarbon line the best line for all fishing applications? No! And once again here's why.

Fluorocarbon, The Goods

•High abrasion resistance allowing you to fish rough structure, and toothy fish
•Virtually invisible under water
•Moderate stretch but still allows for solid hook up vs mono lines
•Great leader line when accompanied with a braid main line

Fluorocarbon, The Bads & Uglies

•High memory make it virtually impossible to cast from a spinning reel
•Sinks (not necessarily a bad thing for crankbaits,but not if you're fishing poppers)
•Expensive due to it's high density strenght, low diameter and other properties did I mention it was virtually invisible? Nuff said.

Well I hope this helps some of you new anglers out and hopefully it helps some of you seaseoned anglers as well putting a perspective on line selection. As there's a rod for every fish, there's a line for every rod and reel. Choosing the right line for your reel for the rod and being able to bridge these three properly and effectively will help give you THE OFFENSIVE EDGE!

Until next time, I'm Ben McWhinney wishing you all, tight lines and trophy fishing.