"Less is more..." ...bites that is. The less terminal tackle you can use the better. In certain cases a snap swivel, clip, or other terminal tackle may not deter any bites; but in most cases it will! When possible tie your leader on with a line to line knot and tie directly to the lure. Leave the snaps and swivels out for maximum success. If the two jigs in the picture are swimming side by side in the water; my money is on the jig with less terminal tackle to get the bite first! "What goes in, must come out" Fishing endless mangrove shorelines (like those found in Everglades National Park) is often very frustrating to anglers not used to so much fishy looking habitat. It looks like a fish should be under every other branch, tucked in that pocket, laid up under that log...and after hours of fishing; it turns out none of those spots had a fish. Here's a good tip that our buddy Steven Howie shared on our last Everglades trip. The fish follow a fairly regular daily pattern with the tide (Catch 6/365). The incoming tide pushes baitfish, crabs, shrimp, and other forage way back up under the mangroves. Snook, trout, redfish follow the bait into the maze of mangrove branches on the high tide. Getting to these fish is tough to sometimes impossible. BUT, the good news is when the tide turns and starts rushing out; the bait and fish flow back out with it. Setting up on outside ambush spots on a dropping time is a key to unlocking the mangrove mystery. It is almost like a funnel; as the tide flows out, the fish come right to you! "Spoon Feed Em" The silver spoon is one of the first fishing lures ever made, and still one of the best! Made in a variety of sizes, colors, and even shapes; there is a spoon for just about every fishing situation. When it comes to surf fishing in south Florida in the wintertime; few lures can top the spoon. A spoon casts well into heavy winds and rough surf, and its side to side wobble on a constant retrieve drives fish crazy. Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Jacks, Sharks, Tarpon, Snook, and many more all readily strike a spoon. Pictured are Gator Lures, and they are the spoon of choice at JUNO BAIT. They are constructed with good quality stainless, VMC treble hooks, high quality swivels, and cost about the same as lesser equivalents. Surf Pro Tip: Throw the heaviest size spoon your rod can handle (2oz is a great all around choice). Use braided line for maximum distance. And lastly rig with heavy mono or flurocarbon leader to get the most bites (In dirty rough water conditions, wire leader is fine). "Think Small" While the old advice of "big bait, big fish" does apply in some situations; it is also important to remember that "elephants eat peanuts." When fishing gets tough, baits get small, or big lures and baits just aren't getting bites; don't be afraid to try some small lures or baits. Pictured are some great small lure choices: Rapala size 8 X-Rap, Mirrolure mini-mirrodine, and the catch all mini-lure white Crappie jigs! "Picking the right rod" When picking out a fishing rod it is important to consider a list of various options, including: where it will be used, what size line, what is the targeted species, live bait or lures, and more. The end result...your gonna need more rods! No golfer would try and play a whole round of golf with only one club. Unless you are fishing for the same thing, with the same bait, at the same place every time; it will be a good idea to have different rods to meet varying situations. In the picture, Ryan chose a 9' Custom JUNO BAIT Calstar rod,Van Staal, and heavy braid. This rod was the right choice as it was able to cast the lure a long way and handle the heavy line needed to drag the fish out of a rough spot. Catch 6/365
"Find the pattern" Almost all gamefish follow some form of pattern; these patterns can be annual, seasonal, monthly, or even daily. A fish's pattern is often based on things like: moon phase, tide diet, weather conditions and temperature, and spawning cycles. By noting these patterns in a log-book, doing internet research, and seeking advice from local tackle shops these patterns will become less of a mystery and more of a sure fire way to catch more fish! |
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