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.