<h1>Why Fishing Tackle Can Become Expensive</h1>
There are so many lures available
that it is difficult, to resist adding one more to your tackle box every time
you go into the tackle store. This is analogous to the golfer with the never ending search for the perfect driver. So, in the spirit of saving a little money, here
are a few tips that might help.
<h3>Your Hooks and Lures</h3>
Fish are attracted to most
lures or spinners. But most hooks today in the hook-swivel-split ring package
you buy are made from hard metal. These can easily snag on logs and branches. When you yank on it to free the line, it
generally results in you losing your lure. One of the things I do is change my hooks, as
soon as I buy them, to a softer, snag-proof one.
Many people are concerned about their When a hard hook snags a branch or log, it is the pointy tip
of the hook that goes into the log. Thus when you pull, the softer hook can
straighten itself out (this of course is where a harder hook will break). But
when a hook is inside a fish, it is not the hook's tip that is being pulled on,
it is the bend in the hook. When you pull on your line in that situation, you can rest assured that your soft hook will not straighten and free the
fish.
Usually I switch the hooks of my lures to a Gamakatsu Si-wash hook
because it comes with a longer shank and open eyes, which makes adding the hook on to a
split ring or a swivel really easy. Use pliers and be sure to close that eye after the
hook is attached. Go ahead and grab a pack of Si-wash hooks when you're out
buying lures next time. Just remember to match the size of your lure's hook to
the Si-wash hooks.
<h3>Leader and Lines</h3>
There are many things to be
considered when putting line onto a reel and in my opinion, Shimano has covered
them all. They have bait casting reels, spinning reels, offshore reels, you name
it, and a reel for everyone's budget. I've used Shimano reels for many years
now.
You can save money when re-spooling your reel by having the tackle
store do it. This way, you pay only for the amount of line they actually put on
your reel, rather than buying a one shot spool that has, typically, 220 yards of
line, and your reel only holds 120 to 175 yards. The rest is waste! I believe I save about 50% of the cost this way.
Another good tip is to save all your spools, and then
take the bigger ones to your favorite tackle store to let them spool the
diameter of line you use more frequently for mainline (I use between 15 and 20 pound test
myself). This way when you need new line you can get it from your bulk
line.
I am sure you have other ideas on saving money on your lures, lines and other gear. Exchange ideas with other fishermen and maximize your savings.