Tag: fishing

While rods, reels, lures and accessories are most often discussed when it comes to an angler’s resources, lines, leaders and hooks are an integral part of the equation.

Line connects the angler to the action and three choices are available – braid, monofilament, and fluorocarbon. While fluorocarbon, monofilament and braided lines were created to spool reels, fluorocarbon is most often used as a leader material. Each has its advantages and disadvantages and anglers should choose them based on their fishing style and use.

Monofilament has been around for decades and is probably the most commonly used line. It has many advantages and a few disadvantages that will affect the angler’s choice. Chief among its advantages are affordability and the fact that it sinks slowly and is more forgiving (stretches), making it less likely to break when shocked. Its disadvantages include the fact that it is less durable, has a larger diameter and can’t be cast as far.

Braided lines have made significant inroads since their introduction in the early ’90s. They are constructed of a special blend of polyethylene fibers. Some brands are wound loosely while others are fused. Braided lines are extremely durable, with no stretch. The unfused lines are generally suppler, while the fused ones are stiffer but less likely to wrap around guides and form knots during casting, one of the disadvantages of braided lines. When using braid, it’s important to be aware that no loops form on your reel, a sure sign of trouble to come. It’s also wise to raise the rod tip to tighten the line after a cast and before retrieving.

Braided lines are much stronger than mono lines, so pound for pound they have a much smaller diameter. In order to get the line to spool on the reel like mono it is necessary to choose a matching diameter, which will be much stronger than the equivalent an angler is used to. Most anglers choose to go with a matching line test (i.e. smaller diameter line) and add a base of mono on the spool. That way you don’t have to use extra braid that will never see the light of day.

The major advantage of braided lines is that they don’t stretch and are more sensitive, telegraphing subtle strikes. This makes it easier to feel a bite and to set the hook on a fish. This is a big advantage when bottom fishing and targeting fish like sheepshead and mangrove snapper.

Fluorocarbon lines are expensive, and while it was intended as a filler line, most anglers use it primarily for leaders. It has a number of advantages over monofilament line, the most important being that it is less visible in the water. In addition, it is denser, sinks faster and is more abrasion-resistant. It’s important to carefully seat all knots and this is especially true with fluorocarbon. Wet knots and draw them up tight with pliers. Knots break when they slip and a carefully tied knot won’t slip.

There are so many lines and variations on the market that it would take a book to cover them all.

There is a lot of information on the internet, but probably the best advice would be to seek out local knowledge from anglers and tackle shops and try the different lines to see which suits your fishing style. That may end up being a particular type of braid, monofilament or fluorocarbon.  Hooks are, as they say, where the “rubber meets the road,” and choosing the proper size for the fish you pursue is important. Having said that, the relationship between hook size and fish size isn’t necessarily linear. Fly anglers catch some very big tarpon on hooks as small as number 1 or 2. What is critical is the strength of the wire used to construct the hook. The most important consideration when considering hooks is that they are sharp. Most hooks today are chemically sharpened, are extremely sharp out of the package but can become dull with use or contact with boats or bottom. Test the hook regularly to make sure it hasn’t dulled and keep a hook hone handy at all times. This is particularly important when pursuing fish like tarpon with boney mouths. When you fill spools properly, tie proper leaders with tight knots and regularly sharpen hooks, you’ll maximize your time on the water and up your hookup odds!

Thinking back at the significance fishing and the outdoors has had on my life, I’m constantly reminded of the importance of protecting the resource so future generations have access to the same opportunities we’ve had. That’s why you read so much in this column of the need to get involved in issues revolving around water quality. What’s equally important is how we introduce children to the natural world and fishing.

I was reminded of this last week when I was contacted by Chris Marsh. who is visiting the Island from Atlanta with his wife, Laura, and their two girls, Ruth and Rachel. The girls leave home for college this year and the parents had planned to take them to Montana on a “trip of a lifetime” fishing adventure. When the pandemic changed their plans, they decided to drive to Anna Maria, where they found Heron’s Landing, an accommodation they fell in love with. As so often happens in life, what appeared to be a setback turned into a fantastic adventure for parents and the girls. It began with a memorable afternoon fishing with Captain Logan Bystrom. In Chris’s words, “They now know the real thrill of sportfishing,” after jumping several tarpon and landing two.

Chris originally called me thinking I was a guide but I was happy to introduce them to Jenny Moore and the Anna Maria Boat Company. The new company is run by Moore and her husband, Captain Justin Moore, who are longtime friends that I knew I could depend on to find a competent guide for the day. Not an easy task during the height of tarpon season. They didn’t disappoint and on Sunday Captain Kyle McWorther, who works with the Moores, introduced them to Anna Maria Sound and our fantastic inshore fishing.

Those first experiences on the water leave indelible memories and it was apparent that Chris and Laura had learned that lesson. His description of introducing the girls to fishing dovetailed with what I consider fundamental to transmitting the love of fishing.

First and foremost, we should strive to make fishing uncomplicated and as much fun as possible. Creating unrealistic expectations can discourage young anglers and be the difference between the kindling of a passion or an aversion to the activity.

The basics of fishing are not complicated to learn, are easy to teach children and don’t require expensive equipment. If there’s a cardinal rule to getting kids interested in fishing, it’s to make sure and keep them engaged. Children are naturally curious; they love to play in and on the water and are fascinated by the creatures they find there. Catching fish isn’t their main objective and you shouldn’t make it the focus of an outing. It’s important to plan a trip that includes other activities like swimming, wildlife identification and snorkeling as well as fishing.

Being on the water provides an excellent opportunity to teach kids about their environment and boating safety skills. It’s important to let kids be a part of the adventure, and getting them involved is a great way to interject a stealth lesson in responsibility in children. Give them things to be in charge of, such as making sure everyone knows where the safety equipment is.

Don’t start children out with cheap fishing rods and reels. Provide them with decent equipment that’s light and manageable. An ultra-light rig with 6-pound test line is a great way to start. Try and think like a kid when fishing. Children would rather catch a dozen pinfish in a half-hour than wait a half-hour for a chance at a bigger or better fish. Action is paramount; kids are easily bored and distracted.
Consider starting kids fishing with a small popping cork that they can watch for signs of action. If you can start teaching kids that the enjoyment of the adventure isn’t measured by the number or size of fish you catch, you’ll teach them an important lesson that many fishermen never learn. If you can make the experience interesting for them, even if they don’t catch anything, they are more likely to want to do it again. Kids might be more interested in collecting shells, counting crabs or looking for manatees or dolphin than fishing, so be sensitive to what’s bringing them pleasure.

It’s also important to emphasize safety, bending down the barbs on fishing hooks and making them aware of fish with sharp teeth and stingers like catfish and stingrays. These first experiences on the water are very important and you should consider a plan of action in advance in case the fishing isn’t great. The last thing you want to do is bore kids by sitting on a spot too long. Keep your eyes and ears open and you might learn a lesson or two from them!

The Marshes started their girls in stocked ponds initially hooking and landing the fish for them. According to Chris Marsh they quickly grew out of that and were fascinated by creatures large and small, including tadpoles, and even seaweed.

Those formative years were apparent when they told him, “Dad, you threw that cast net for hours at a time for us, that must have been so exhausting!”

Take your kids fishing, make it uncomplicated and fun and they’ll learn lessons and have memories that last a lifetime. Captain Logan Bystrom can be reached at 941-713-1265 and at his website. Contact McWorther and the Anna Maria Boat Company at 941-228-8973 and check out their website. Reservations are available at Heron’s Landing by contacting Maureen Kraker at 713-498-3549.