Fishing Hints And Tips

Male mud crabs (or bucks) are easy to distinguish from the females (or jennys). Simply look underneath the crab and if the flap looks like an elongated triangle, it’s a buck. If the flap looks like a semi-circle, it’s a jenny. 

 

When fishing with lures always use a hook guard when in transit. Most accidents with hooks happen when the rod is either sitting in the boat or in the car.

 

If you need to get your lure to the best possible depth, hold the tip of your rod near the water. This should give you an extra few feet and hopefully put you on the fish. For the best results try using fire line. The new non-stretch fishing line.

 

To simplify your lure box, place a hook guard on each treble prior to being packed away. Doing this will keep your tackle box neat and tidy and ready for the next time when you’ll need that certain one lure quickly. Try using treble hook guards by Tackle Master.

 

When fishing off the rocks, always wear the correct footwear. Standard shoes just don’t do the trick especially if the rocks are wet and slippery. There are a few different types of shoes about that don’t slip on rocks such as Columbia, but these do come with a hefty price tag. The cheaper way out, are cleats. They simply bolt onto the bottom of your standard shoe. It’s simply a metal bar with sharp teeth like cuts on the bottom.

 

When fishing at night try tying a small glow stick to the end of your rod. When the glow stick moves you know you’ve got a bite. Using glow coloured runners on your rod will also work as it will make it easier on your eyes.

 

Always carry a variety of sinkers with you. A sinker should suit the current in which you are fishing. If the current has slowed down, change the sinker weight to a smaller size and when the current picks up, again change to a heaver sinker. Doing this will increase your chances of catching fish.

 

Always carry a spare tip guide and some super glue with you whenever you go fishing. Tips usually break due to the sinker and swivel constantly being wound up to far and hitting the guide. Having a spare might save a long trip back to a tackle shop.

 

Using chemically sharpened hooks will improve your hook up rate. 

 

Always carry a fish measuring stick with you. Taking a few seconds to make sure your catch is legal might save you thousands of dollars from a hefty fine if caught by authorities.

 

If you'd like to know what's biting, why not keep a basic diary of what you catch and where. next year, when the month comes around, you'll know exactly where to get onto them.

 

If you catch a male mud crab and it feels light then it is probably empty. These crabs are not enjoyable to eat and should be let go. If you are not sure just press the shell above a join in the claw just under the carapace or if their colour is green instead of brown.

 

Always lightly rinse your gear with freshwater and dry it after fishing in saltwater. This will help stop corrosion from salt build up around the wheel casing and eyelets.

 

When fishing with lures in estuaries, rivers or dams, try using barbless hooks. It saves time and reduces the stress on the fish.

 

When using braided lines and you have a snag, do not pull back with your rod. Most of the time your rod will break before the line. Braid has no stretch and the strength of the line is superior to mono. Use a glove or a rag, wrap the line around your hand and give it a good pull. If it doesn't break doing this, just cut it off.

 

When fishing with a float, lightly coat the line above with petroleum jelly. This will keep that section of line floating on the surface, which makes it much easier to strike a fish bite.

 

Never store your rods and reels where sunlight can hit them. The sun can break down monofilament line and the lacquer on your rod.

 

When fishing for any species off the beach, try slowly winding your bait in. The movement will attract the fish quicker than smelling it out.

 

Always attach a snap swivel to attach you lure when spinning. This will prevent line tangles when retrieving at high or low speeds and make it easier to swap lures when needed.

 

If you make your own gang hooks, use a small black crane swivel to join each hook. Also secure a larger swivel to the top eyelet. This will allow the bait to move more freely and prevent the line from twisting. Be sure the swivels are small enough so thatit can't go over the barb of the hook.