Tackle is all
of the tools required by the angler, this includes the fishing rod,
reels, hooks, line etc. Fishing tackle is big business and it can mean
the difference of coming home with a fish or not.
Fibreglass
vs. Graphite
Graphite rods are
normally thinner and therefore lighter, and with today's technology
they
are also much stronger. When the rod is under pressure and being bent
while fighting a fish a graphite rod will return back to its normal
shape quicker than a fibre glass rod. Having a graphite rod is an
advantage when casting as it will flex more and then return to normal
size. The length of a graphite rod will not affect its characteristics
as
it will still act the same and return to its original shape quicker.
Something to mention that is very important is that a graphite rod is
a conductor of electricity and therefore should not be used during a
storm.
Rods are also made with graphite and fibreglass combined. These rods
have the advantage of the fibreglass giving the strength and the
graphite makes it lighter and more sensitive. For most anglers it is a
good choice in terms of durability and price.
This is an example of a deep sea fishing rod
and reel.
Reels
Open Faced - Fixed Spool Reel
(Coffee Grinder)
This
is a
common reel that
beginners and professional fishermen use. This rod makes
casting light bait very easy and this makes it a favourite. It
works by using
gears and these when winded in will push the spool up and down which
neatly places the incoming line on the spool.
Pen Reels
(Fixed Spool)
This reel is normally used for fighting
gamefish and can also be used
for shore angling. The spool is fixed and the rod is held in a
different style than with the coffee grinder. The Pen reel is used by
more experienced anglers as it requires a certain amount of patience
and know how to operate it effectively. One disadvantage is that when
casting this reel seems to sometimes get knotted and this can ruin the
whole days fishing.
With today's technology and different manufactures
of this style of reel this might already be a thing of the past. For
more information on these reels or a reel that will suite you I
recommend that you speak to your local angler shop.
Lines
When
purchasing line, anglers are faced with a lot of choices. You need to
look at where you are going to fish and what are you targeting.
Answering these two important questions will help you in deciding what
line will suit your need. You will need too look at aspects such as
colour, durability, line diameter and breaking strength as well as knot
strengths.
Tips
when purchasing line:
Cheaper is not better, cheap line
might snap at any point.
Cheap line will normally break well below the stated breaking strength
and this can mean the difference of landing your catch or not. Rather
buy a good brand of line that you can afford and trust. Line should be
replaced every season in the case of a casual angler, and the more
regularly
in the case of a tournament angler.
Hooks
Fishing hooks come in a variety of shapes and
sizes. A general rule is
that you judge the size hook you will need by the size of the fish you
want to catch eg: to catch a Karanteen
you will use a fairly small hook.
Tip:
Keep a small file in your tackle bag and regularly check the sharpness
of your hooks. Remember that a sharp hook will improve your hook ups as
you will have less chance of losing the fish.
Tackle
Boxes
This is a perfect example of a well organized
tackle bag. It is
essential to be organized while fishing. If you need to hook
up live
bait you must have that trace ready and so it will be quick and your
bait will be ready. In the picture above you can see the clear tackle
organisers and these are vital if you want to have a fun and enjoyable
fishing experience. Try to only carry what is essential as many anglers
take far more tackle than what is needed.
Gaffs
Whether
you
fishing from a boat of from the rocks it helps to have a gaff on hand.
On a game fishing outing it is a good idea to have a selection of gaffs
that include a short and long gaff.
When gaffing a fish from the boat
it is best to gaff the fish in the back, behind the head as this will
be stringer than gaffing in the belly which will tear out.
Tip:
Never be over hasty to gaff a fish. If the angler asks you to gaff the
fish it is better to wait and only when the fish is in proper reach
then gaff it, do not take chances. Many record fish
have been
lost when a gaff was inserted and then fish managed to get it off,
because the fish becomes boat shy and will not come near the boat
again.
Good
luck and
remember to respect the sea and its creatures!
