Fishing Tips & Tricks
REEL & ROD CARE:
Gently spray off reels after every use - lubricate every month - service reels yearly.
After fishing, wash your rods thoroughly with fresh water.
Also do this with your lures etc.

TIP FOR SURF FISHING:
Use a sand spike to hold rod when re-baiting, taking off fish, and changing tackle.

TIPS:
Be prepared to change your rigs to fish for the fish that are biting. Experiment with different baits or lures.

TIP - NEW TO THE AREA or TO FISHING ??:
If you are new to the area or just getting into Fishing - a trip on a local charter boat for the type of fish you are interested in catching can be a great learning experience that can make your learning curve much smoother and shorter !! Learn from the ones who catch fish !!

BINIMI TWIST KNOT:
1. Grap a loop, make 20 to 30 turns and force the twists tight by opening the loop.
2. Pull the loose end back, over the twists.
3. Pinch the end of the twists, half hitch one leg of the loop, and clinch tight.
4. Put a half hitch on the otherside of the loop.
5. Put three half hitches around both legs of the loop, clinck each, let go, trim the loose end.

The UNI-KNOT System:
Used to connect two lines.
1. Overlap ends of two lines of about the same diameter for about 6". With one end form Uni-Knot circle, crossing the two lines about midway of overlapped distance.
2. Tie Uni-Knot, making six turns around the two lines.
3. Pull tag end to snug knot around the line.
4. Use loose end of overlapped line to tie another Uni-Knot and snug up.
5. Pull the two standing lines in opposite directions to slide knots together. Pull as tight as possible and snip ends close to the nearest coil.

DOCK LINES:
How much line do you need?
The size and type of line you use will depend on a number of factors including the size and weight of your boat. In general, lengths for fore and aft dock lines are usually two-thirds of the boat length, and spring lines are usually equal to the length of the boat. WE CUSTOM MAKE DOCK LINES TO SUIT YOU AND YOUR BOAT !!

USE A LANDING NET
One of the biggest problems faced by many anglers is how to get big fish from the water into a boat. Traditional angling practices call for the use of a gaff, which is a large barbless steel hook attached to a pole with a handle. The gaff is stuck into the fish and used to hoist the fish aboard. Landing nets are a good alternative to gaffs in most situations. Landing nets come in a variety of sizes and can accommodate most large fish. In fact, large fish landed with a net usually are more docile and easier to handle than fish which have been stuck with a gaff. This reduces the chances for injuries to the fish and the angler. Landing fish with a net is relatively easy. The fish should be led head first into the net, and the hoop should be immediately lifted clear of the water. When attempting to land a large fish, do not lift the fish into the boat using the net handle. This may result in the handle bending or breaking, causing damage to the net and loss of the fish. When the hoop is lifted clear of the water, grab the edges of the hoop and lift the fish into the boat. Control over a large fish often can be maintained if the net is not dropped on the deck in the cockpit of the boat. Rest the fish on the deck, while continuing to hold the sides of the hoop above the floor. This continues to suspend the fish within the confines of the net, while most the weight of the fish is resting on the deck. The fish can be unhooked while in the net, then the fish can be measured and released or placed in the fish box.


Bait Casting
Bait casting is a style of fishing that relies on the weight of the lure to extend the line into the target area. Bait casting involves a revolving-spool reel (or “free spool”) mounted on the topside of the rod. Bait casting is definitely an acquired skill. Once you get the hang of the technique, you will be casting your lures right on target into the structures where fish are feeding and hanging out. With bait casting, you can use larger lures (1/2 to 3/4) and cast them for longer distances. To get started, you’ll need a rod with good spring action, a good quality anti-backlash reel, 10–15 pound test line and a variety of specific bait casting lures.
Always support your local bait & tackle stores and they will be a well of great information and advice.

Spin Casting
It’s not foolproof, but spin casting is an ideal fishing method for beginning anglers. Spin-casting equipment is easier to use than bait casting. You can use it to cast both light and heavy lures without tangling or breaking your line. Basic equipment includes a 7-foot rod (although some people do prefer a shorter rod), a spinning reel and 6–10 pound test line for casting 1/16 to 3/4 ounce lures. You can use an open-face, closed-face or spin-cast reel for spin casting.
Always support your local bait & tackle stores and they will be a well of great information and advice.

LINKS:

NYS 2008 Saltwater Fishing Regulations

Will be adding more Tips & Tricks soon!