http://thechronicleherald.ca/southshorebreaker/1558242-basic-tackle-for-spring-fishing
First and foremost, “How were the first few days of fishing?” If you had some success and would like to share, please email me and I will include that information in a future column.
This week I want to explain the definitions of some basic tackle used to catch local fish. As I have said earlier, when it comes to fishing, there is an unlimited amount of tackle and advice available to you.
I will start with spin fishing. There are three basic types of reels used for spin fishing and they are open and closed face reels and bait casters. I would suggest beginners use the open and closed face reels and I find closed face reels great for children. Whatever you use, read the literature in the box on how to use the reel and get out in the backyard or an open space and practice, practice, practice.
When fishing, ask yourself, “What are the fish eating?” After you decide what they are eating you need to use baits that match that type of food, (match the hatch.) Remember live minnows and worms always work well. Please read your Anglers Handbook because there are several rivers along the South Shore that the regulations state live baits are not permitted. In most lakes, however, live bait is acceptable.
The following are some explanations of some of the basic tackle that you can use early this season:
-Spinners. Spinners are metal blades rotating around a shaft. A single hook is used and bait can be added to the hook. Cast spinners out and retrieve them at various speeds. Spinners are great for all types of fish.
-Spoons. Spoons are solid metal and are in the shape of a fish; they are brightly coloured and have one set of treble hooks attached. Cast spoons out and retrieve at various speeds.
–Crank baits. Crank baits are solid minnow-type lures with more than one set of treble hooks attached. There is usually a lip attached that causes the bait to dive and wobble. Cast and retrieve.
-Plastics. Plastics are also an option especially for small mouth bass. They mimic everything that fish eat. There are jerk baits that look like minnows; worms/stick baits that look like worms, grubs that swim and bounce along the bottom and creatures that resemble nothing at all. In short, fishing plastics is a life time of experimenting and personal preferences. (My wife likes green/green and red/black plastic stick baits.)
There is always the tried and true bobber, hook, worm or minnow setup. Throw it out and wait for a fish to come along. It still works as good as ever. Good luck with your fishing adventures this week and please let me know how you made out. Next week I will be talking about the basics of fly fishing.