We have spring weather every few days all winter long here in South Mississippi. The average high temperature in early January is right at 60 degrees F. We have both fresh and saltwater fishing.
I also have been mashing barbs down on worm hooks for a while now. It makes a big difference in getting hooks out and I can’t tell much difference in landing success.
Open the bail. Take the end of the line to a tree way out there (until all the line is off the reel). Cut the line off the reel. Take the reel to the tree. Tie the line on. Reel it in. It's reversed.
My 12 foot AlumaCraft is pushed nicely by my 40 lb MinnKota mounted on the stern. Actually, it pulls more than it pushes because, while fishing, I usually am moving the boat backwards!
Thanks for all the suggestions. I've settled on a knot that seems easier for me to tie than others that have been mentioned. It's a simple clinch knot (not an "improved") but with a stop knot near the end. I think that's going to work, although the two-pound test stuff is still a challenge. By the way, today I caught a number of very nice crappies using Trout Magnet jigs and two-pound test line. The light line apparently wasn't really necessary, though. My wife had 12-lb test in her Zebco 33 and she caught more than I did!
I’m usually frustrated with a knot after breaking off. This wouldn’t help any with that, but thanks.
Thanks, guys. I know how to tie way more knots than I’ll ever need. It’s just when I’m trying to tie one in that spider web like 2-lb stuff that I have problems. Oh well. There are plenty of more serious things to be concerned about.
My preferred knot has long been an improved clinch, but I also tie Palomar knots. Today neither one worked! And we’re not trying to catch wild brook trout here. These fish don’t care if it’s 2, 4, or 6-lb test; the light line is needed to cast the lure.
I love to fish with ultralight spinning equipment. There are times when nothing is better for catching crappie and bluegills than a tiny Trout Magnet jig on 2-lb test line. The 2-lb line is necessary; 4-lb test line just won't allow the tiny little baits to be cast any distance at all. But, I have a problem caused by too many birthdays. I can't see the line, can't feel it, and have painful arthritis in both thumbs. Consequently, I am simply unable to tie knots unless the lighting is very good. Today I had tied on a jig in my well-lit shop at home, but broke it off landing a good bluegill. I gave up trying to tie another one on. Does anyone have any suggestions for dealing with this situation?
The stern mounted trolling motor is often used to pull the boat while fishing. You just go backwards! There’s no telling how many bass and bream I’ve caught fly fishing this way - casting with my right hand and steering with my left.
I have fished many years with a stern mounted trolling motor. It works. As with anything else there are pros and cons. The biggest pro is that it is an inexpensive option.
I’m pretty sure there’s no rule that says you can’t enjoy both. I sure do.
I recently got a Sedona size 1000. It’s very nice - almost as smooth as my Stradic, which cost almost twice as much.
If they are on ice they can even wait until the next day, but the sooner they’re cleaned and cooked the better they taste!