( Downriggers/Tackle continued
P3)
Circle Hooks
I'll be the first to admit that I haven't used these
critters to much in my fishing "career" but, we all
can
learn from using new stuff and actually putting it to the test. I've been
going to longer lines and with that the use of braided lines, to get a better
hook set because of the amount of line out. Braided line definitely makes
a huge difference for getting a good hook set but, there's always that long line
release thing that happens when that beauty fish is dancing on the surface, 300'
or more behind the boat! So, tired of losing those fish I went back to the
tackle box and dug out a pack of Gamagatsu circle hooks. You know what,
they do work!! Back when I originally bought these hooks I was still long
lining but with mono line, and there was just to much stretch to get a good set
but, braided line has removed some of that problem. The difference from
normal hooks is that even though the "circle" part of the hook is only slightly
shorter than a circle hook, it's this longer "circle" that holds the fish on and
supposedly, "sets" itself. These hooks have a real thin, needle sharp
point, so its extremely important this is kept in that condition. Without
that sharp point it would make it that much more difficult to get this kind of
hook set, whereas on a normal hook a dull point could still be forced to hook
up. It has been said, in fact, that you don't even have to set the hook
once a fish is on, and that the fish does this itself while its struggling to
get free. Now, I'm not sure if they work that good, but I can honestly say
is, that on the long line (braided) that I use, the hook has stayed in the fish
rather than be thrown out. I'll even go a step further and say that I've
stuck a few circle hooks on other lures that I use on short lines behind the
rigger, just to see if in fact they work as well! They are worth a try,
especially if your like me and are tired of seeing the bend in the rod disappear
as that huge fish throws yet another hook. A cheap fix for a big problem!
Slip Weights
This is kind of a no brainer blurb but, I'm guessing to
those that have never used a slip weight before that this tip can save you alot
of headaches! When there's alot of junk in the water, such as leaves or
weeds, your constantly having to reel in that lure you've got out, in order to
clean the stuff off of it and that weight you've got 10-20' up the line from the
lure. Here's something reallllllllllllllll easy! Rather than hook
the weight so close to the lure, let out the amount of line you want to fish
with, for me its usually 150-200', and then hook on the slip weight. Now,
if you want the lure to be right near the surface, put the rod into the holder
and let out just enough line that the slip weight is a couple inches below the
water. Now, the weeds and junk will "usually" collect on that weight and
not way back where you lure is. Sure, if its weedy enough the lure can
still get junk on it but, alot less, especially if you want the lure at or near
the surface. Also, for those who use downriggers, sometimes the rods we
use are so long that they are bent in half when you want to run a lure up closer
to the surface. Do the same thing except maybe put a bit heavier slip
weight on and put it down a bit further in the water if your not running it on
the surface. There is one thing about slip weights, to light of a line
(braided especially!) and you can lose alot of weights, especially if a fish is
jumping around behind the boat and "shaking" the line. What happens is
that the lighter line slips off from around those brass "eyes" and plop, there
goes the weight! Give this a try, you just might get into more fish
and less weeds!
