Importance of the "little things"

[chris]

We want to hear those horror stories of losing big fish because you didn't sharpen your hooks, check your line and guides, or maintain your reel, etc... We know it's painful to relive these memories but this will serve as a reminder to seasoned anglers and newbies alike to do all the "little things" that will help them avoid such heartache in the future. So c'mon therapy is in session.

[Needs Salt]

One obvious one is knots. No matter how many I've tied and trust,...I always have to make sure it's fully seated and there's enough tag so that it doesn't pull out. You know when one doesn't look quite right.
The other isn't equipment related, but having a solid, safe (for you and your leader) landing spot for the fish has helped a great deal. -John

[Pete_G]

Hook hone. Keep it close, use it often.

If it's not close to you it's easy to forget so stow it in an easily accessable spot.

Remember that just the mouths of fish can dull your hooks, nevermind the rocks if that's where you fish.

[Dave]

Originally Posted by Pete_G

Hook hone. Keep it close, use it often.

If it's not close to you it's easy to forget so stow it in an easily accessable spot.

Remember that just the mouths of fish can dull your hooks, nevermind the rocks if that's where you fish.

I agree when your using that plug and it's got moocha mojo your slaying the fish but it's taking a beating between them the rocks etc.. have have your file or hone handy and check for sharpness often.

As to my nightmare, it was using a line that treated me well in some situations and left me cursing and wanting to pull my hair out in others. Knowing I lost another trophy size fish because of my line getting nicked up and breaking during battle. That line was power pro, I switched to 30# Fireline and love this stuff. It performs well and I have all the confidence in the world in it. Doesn't matter what I'm up against as far as location/structure, whatever.

[pshycofisher]

Well, what can I say?
I used to fish when I was a boy, a can of beans, a line, some hooks and a bit a good luck. Then, I became too busy and forgot about the unique experience of fishing. One day at Walmart I bought a combo, some lures, the works. After work walked to the rocks ( I work at Little Allen Harbour in North Kingstown) and made some casts. Like Mr. Emeril I went "bam!" a nice fish was hooked, a bit of a fight and there goes , my line failed me. Lost the fish, the popper but not the joy. Now I became wiser and don't buy more stuff at Walmart. Line was a 10 pounds freshwater that someone took out the box and stuffed it on a 30pounds Saltwater one.

[nofish]

Yup that is a classic. I always try and use the best stuff out there as you never know when it will be when you wish you did.