Pensacola Fishing Forum / General Discussion / Boating and Fishing Tricks and Tips

Kayak Fishing Tip #13 Multi-purpose tool W/flying gaff

captken — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 09:59:53 GMT

Yak Fishing Tip # 13.

Multi-Purpose Tool Includes Yak Flying Gaff for Big ‘uns.

A long handle gaff has no place on a kayak. Long gaffs are dangerous to use and hard to stow.

I made a small gaff using a 12/0 hook mounted on a short PVC handle.

This gaff portion slips on my push pole/stakeout pole/measuring device to become a flying gaff. With the pole removed, it is a handy hand gaff. Notice that I leave the barb on the hook.

A 50# plus Cobia is absolutely no sweat on this gaff. With the relatively small gap hook, you’d better aim carefully on soft fleshed fish or risk having the hook tear out.

Build your own flyer as shown in the photos below.

Here is the hook on its PVC handle with 5/16" handline attached. Hook has bolt through eye and is lashed to handle with Snell Knots. The handline is also attached with Snell Knots. Mono used is 300# test.

[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/y-15.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/yc.jpg[/IMG]

The E-Book software finally arrived. Now I gotta figure out how to use it.

Gotcha spin---another take

captken — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 12:41:59 GMT

The tail spinner spins as it is jerked and as it sinks between jerks. I troll this one a lot. There is a sinker between the eye/hook shaft to make this weighted by the head.

There are so many variations to this rig it would take a month to show them all.

[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/357spin.jpg[/IMG]

Gps

bigruss — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 22:02:41 GMT

I am looking for a cheap gps for my little jon boat. I just need something that can take me to what coordinates I need to be at. Any body have any suggestions? Thanks

Home made Gotchas. Fishing tip # ???

captken — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 17:29:42 GMT

I have no idea what the tip # is for this one and haven't got time to look for it. The photos were close at hand, though.

I would imagine you can figure out how to do this from these photos but if you can't, I'll look up the tip and post it.

I'm showing this with brass cases but Nickel plated cases look better. The hose can be colored with magic markers or worm dip. You can use PVC pipe or the bottom section of ball point pens. I sometimes use Poly ski rope if I want a wild color. I'm showing this with 00 buckshot but a split shot will work fine too.

[IMG]http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff281/davysnavytoo/fortyfive.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff281/davysnavytoo/fortyfive2.jpg[/IMG]

Useing a leader with a gotcha ?

Backlash — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 05:23:34 GMT

I have always been told that i dont need a leader on a gotcha, but Sunday i lost another one because something bit threw my line again ?? Dont know what it was but this is getting costly replaceing gotcha's . Anybody else haveing the same trouble ?? If so how can you fix it ?

Best Wax for Maintaining

Greenjeans — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 17:57:03 GMT

Got the oxidation off my boat using the 3m Restorer Wax. It did a pretty good job. Was wondering if any of you might have some tips for shining up the hull in between deep waxes. One tip I got from a co-worker was to use the Eagle Spray and Shine in between washes. Do I need to buy the 3m Marine wax? Or is the automotive stuff pretty much the same.

What are you most anal about on your boat?

Garbo — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:45:38 GMT

You know it is there..... what is it?

I can't stand loose trash. Coke Cans, loose mono, lures laying around, it don't matter. Put it where it belongs. I can't stand stuff laying around. Most boat owners are anal about something while on the water, what is your vise?

FISHING TIP # 647 Add a small snap.

captken — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 19:16:48 GMT

FISHING TIP # 647

A SMALL SNAP IS MIGHTY HANDY

Now that I am using Stren Dura Tuff, I don't have to worry about cutting back my leader nearly as often. Fishing out of a yak makes any unnecessary rigging something to be avoided at all costs. I've started using a 20# Cross-lock snap on my leader.

I can change rigs in seconds and, with the super abrasion resistance of 20# test Stren DT, I don't worry even a little bit. I even use the tiny snap with Jerk baits. I've been using these snaps for the last 2 months and have not had a single line breakage nor has a snap come open.

Last week I fought a 20# Jack for at least 15 minutes on my bait caster. I was using a pretty tight drag because I was tossing a Jerk Shad under dock lights expecting Snook. No problem at all!

Some lures might be negatively affected by a small snap but I haven't noticed it yet.

Cutting back your leader several times per trip sometimes requires tying on a new leader. I much prefer to change leaders at home or at the dock where I can assure a perfect line to leader connection.

Trolling Saturday afternoon....

Red Fly — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 16:46:22 GMT

My wife and I went out late yesterday, didn't have much luck finding bait fish but we did caught a few non-keepers with the bait we did catch while fighting a strong outgoing tide in the pass.

We decided to move over to Ft. Picken and lay out some trolling lines and work our way up to Quietwater and grab a bite to eat. We had two rods running lures, pretty well bent so you would recognize that they had lures on them. Within 5 minutes we had a boat cross our wake and clip a line, there goes a lure. It can happen I understand that, we re-rigged and put out another line.

Once again out of no where another boat cut our wake, there went another lure. The question is; should I be running some kind "Hey stupid, I'm trolling" flag? Am I missing something? Or do people just not pay attention?

I notice yesterday while fishing the pass, there were several of us around each other other boats approached with no regard to the amount of wake they were creating. Sorry to sound like I'm venting but I needed it.

Night time beach fishing

sixfishermen — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 21:09:05 GMT

Anyone have any tips/experience fishing the surf at night? We are coming to Gulf Shores in 2 weeks. Have years of experience fishing for specks under the lights inshore at night and at sunset on the beach. Can you catch them in the surf at night?

A site for Knot help

j_purdy — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:06:56 GMT

If you're learning how to fish or just want to brush up on you're knot-tying skills, here's a great site I found: http://www.animatedknots.com/indexfishing.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com

The whole site, Animated Knots, is really informational. I hope this helps someone out there. Tight lines.

-Jason

Help building bait tank

dpewitt — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 07:35:56 GMT

After a month, finally got the used pontoon up and running, now time to add in the bait tank. Found some 30 gallon tanks at several places, now I just need to figure out how to setup/configure and have a few questions.

Bait will be mostly freshwater shad, bluegill or minnows. Will take it down to the coast a few times a year so bull minnows and menhaden will also be on the menu.

I have a small bilge pump that has never been used that I could use to fill it up. My questions are:

1) Do I need freshwater coming in at all times or just use a recirculation pump and filter system once it is filled?

2) If this is just a recirculation pump, do I just put the filter inline (water in) to the pump then water back out into the tank at the top?

3) what is the proper ratio of salt to use versus gallons of water?

4) in the filter, what is the best filter material to use?

I probably will not go the oxygen injection route right now (just cannot afford it) so looking for low budget ways that will work until I can do one better next year.

Any advice, tips, illustrations would be great! Just glad to be back on the water.

Help with busted Transducer

Razzorduck — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:17:39 GMT

Well I went down to the coast last weekend with a buddy. The fishing was so so and decided to do some surfing in my kayak. Carefully took out all the gear but forgot my FF battery in the hatch. Sure enough got dumped by a big wave and the battery knocked my transducer off.:banghead

OK Drifter with TD mounted inside the front hatch

It was epoxed to the hull and the epoxy came away on the TD.

Question: Can I just add more epoxy to the hull and remount the epoxy covered TD? Or am I going to need a new TD.

Guessing I need to resand the mounting area and the epoxy on the TD to get a smooth mount

Any Ideas?

Topwater

Tuna Man — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:38:23 GMT

Got an idea last night. I love topwater fishing, either fresh or salt doesn't matter. Has anyone tried a set up as this one, and if so how did it work. Great possibilities of catching two at a time.

Traveler boat?

tnmule — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:30:42 GMT

I'm trying to find something out about this boat. Is Traveler the company or just the model of the boat? Were these decent boats? Where were they made? I have searched the internet and can't find much about the boat. This boat and trailer is for sale here at home for $700. The boat is a 1988 model and is 14'2". Looks like all fiberglass and trailer looks to be galzanized. Would it make a good bay/flats boat? I would be hanging my 15hp Johnson 2-stroke on the back. Don't want to put too much money into the boat but would like to have something to bring with me when I go to Gulf Shores/Orange Beach. Thanks for any info.

150 yamaha 4 stroke

reeltrouble — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:20:51 GMT

anyone know how to make this thing go any faster! its on a bay boat it does 46 and i want to go faster it has a 3 blade 14 1/2 x 17 stainless prop and turns 6200 i run it at 6000 and no jack plate or a little less it runs 47 1/2 at 6000 with an aluminum prop and no jack plate.

if i had a jack plate and 14 x 20 prop do you think i could make 52 mph @6000 rpm?

Cranking amps for a 1994 225hp Johnson

weatherman — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:37:06 GMT

Anyone how many cranking amps I need for a 225hp 1994 Johnson? Starter doesnt engage, pulled it apart, seems to function properly. Wondering if I am not getting enough of battery to the starter to engage the flywheel. Just put in a new Optima Blue top, figured that would be enough. Its charged up too. Thanks ahead of time.

Six Pac License requirements

Jim/Ga — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:14:03 GMT

To get the near coastal license it says you have to have 360 days with 90 being in the last three years and 90 must be outside the boundary lines. What does the "boundary lines" mean?

Cleaning inside of Boat

Greenjeans — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 21:39:04 GMT

What do you use to clean the blood stains and dirt off the inside of your boat on the non skid areas of the deck, gunnels, center console and bow.. Soap and water excluded, I was using a bit of bleach today in a spray bottle but wanted to get some suggestions on some commercial stuff that might be handy. Inside of my boat is oxidized a bit and I plan on working on it with some 3M Restorer wax this week but needs some tips for something that will work better than soap and water for the blood stains and scuff marks.

:usaflag

$5 knock-off of a $290 yak anchoring system in about an hour.

captken — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 19:26:00 GMT

Here are a few pics of a super simple and cheap anchoring system. My "Ho" made rudder is shown in its up position. I'm calling this the "Zinger" anchor.
1. Zinger-up

2.Zinger line attachment. I used a reverse Snell Knot in 400# mono. I coated the mono with J-B Weld for protection from rocks and shell.
Unfortunately the mono doesn't show up well in the low light condition this evening.

3. Zinger completely up for travel.

4.Zinger down. Staked out and fishing.

I installed a very small nylon cleat right beside my left leg. I made a loop in the 400# mono using a leader sleeve at the point the Zinger is completely up and well above the bottom of the yak. It shouldn't hang on anything since it is a couple of inches above the keel.

I attached the end of the mono through the hollow base cleat at a point the Zinger is all the way extended. It can't fall through the mount and get lost.

Very simple project. I paid $0.40/screw for 8 screws ---total $3.20
$1.80 for 1 small cleat 1.80
Total $5.00
The rest of the components were in my shop--mostly scrap.

The strange looking, molded in carrying handles on the Emotion MoJo make some modifications real easy. I could add another "Zinger" to the bow if I were so inclined. After three years of hard use my MoJo has a lot of scratches and maybe more filled in screw holes than any other yak in creation but it is my "Project in progress." I'll keep drilling and screwing until there is no place left to drill holes. Oh yeah, it has never leaked a drop. I'm still looking at the Mini-X for my next yak but I'll bet it isn't as tough as the MoJo.

Gonna see how it works tomorrow, weather permitting.

Make a good lure an GREAT LURE. (Mann's SW Waker)

captken — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 10:02:15 GMT

Take a look at the lure below and notice how the hooks are tangled. This happens way too often. See a fish, make the perfect cast and the hooks tangle. When the hooks are tangled, the lure doesn't run right and it doesn't get bit too often. Additionally, the hooks are out of position for a hook-up.

[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/Mannswaker.jpg[/IMG]

There are several options for correcting the problem but I used the most obvious and definitely easiest and cheapest. (at least to me)

I removed the front trebel and split ring then clipped the eye of the hook (using diagonal cutters)as shown in the 2nd photo, reinstalled the hook then closed the eye with pliers. This shortens the distance the front trebel can move enough to prevent the hooks from tangling.

[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/Mannswakerimp.jpg[/IMG]

If the hooks could still tangle, I'd do the same thing for the rear trebel.

The Mann's Waker is a kickass Redfish bait. It floats at rest and you can reel it as fast as you want and it will only run about 3" deep (INCHES) With the square bill, it bounces off oysters and logs just fine. Redfish don't have as much trouble eating this one as they do topwater lures like the Zara.

So far, I've only caught Redfish and Snook on it but it ought to catch Trout too.

I haven't used the lure since this morning's fix but I've tried it in my test pond and cannot make the hooks screw up. The lure runs perfectly.

Check this out

captken — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 08:23:22 GMT

Posted: Tue Aug 12, 2008 7:08 am Post subject: Stinger Anchor

I also saw this in the Kayak Angler that just came out. Its kinda pricey at $290.00 but still innovative.

http://goldendrake.com/stinger-silent-precision-anchor/

I'm gonna build something similar. I had all of the parts on hand except for a few screws. Ought to take about a half hour. I already have a similar rig on my Bass Boat.

Yak Anchor Buttons, Reel/Buoy for Hot Dog

captken — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:37:31 GMT

Here is my anchor hanging over the button on the port bow.

[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/anchorbutton4.jpg[/IMG]

Here is the anchor line/buoy secured using a paddle holder. This effectively holds the anchor line while anchored. I simply flip the bungee off and the anchor line/buoy floats free from the yak and I am free to follow a fish.

[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/anchorbutton3.jpg[/IMG]

This photo shows how the reel/buoy is rigged.

[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/anchorbutton2.jpg[/IMG]

Photo shows the cutters and material I used for the buttons. I used a piece of 4X4" plastic fence post for the buttons. The hole cutters are 3/4" and 1-1/8". The 3/4" piece is a spacer for the line. You should be able to see how it is installed in the first photo.

[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/anchorbutton.jpg[/IMG]

I have 2 of these installed on the starboard side of my yak now. Photos show port side. I reinstalled my trolley on the port side this week. I was using buttons on both sides for a while but I find having both systems is more versatile and I also have both systems available if I need one or the other.

As always, if you have problems with the installation, I'll try to help.

Kayak Fishing Tip # 3. Quicker Anchoring.

captken — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 10:22:39 GMT

Yak Fishing Tip #3.

Quicker Anchoring.

If you plan ahead, anchoring is faster and more precise. Do this at home or the launch site if possible. If you know you are going to be headed into the current, position your trolley ring at the front of your yak and lock the trolley in place. Let out the desired amount of scope then pull your anchor up to the ring and lock your anchor in place by tying off at your cockpit cleat. (Or other tie off point.) When you get to where you want to anchor, Un-cleat the anchor line and the anchor drops to the bottom immediately below your bow. This allows you to anchor much closer to your desired point without having to get too close to your intended position before dropping anchor. (less scope too)

If you are approaching from down current, simply reverse the position of the trolley ring.

This is for shallow water anchoring. I seldom anchor in water over 5' deep.

Broke the end off a rod....

ditchdoctor81 — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:12:03 GMT

I have a CMS70MH Marshmaster rod made by Challenger & somehow while rigging it up the other morning in my living room :doh , the rod tip ended up in the ceiling fan & broke the last 4" off :reallycrying

That rod was only used twice before this happened :doh

Anything I can do to still use it? Possibly cut what's left stickout out past what is now the last eye? Would that work?

Fishing Tip # 761. Changing lure colors to match local baitfish.

captken — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 08:24:35 GMT

Most lures can be colored with indelible laundry markers of Sharpies. Silver spinner blades or spoons colored with chartreuse show up as gold.

Lures and flies must be perfectly dry before coloring. Wipe any oil off soft plastics before trying to color. For better coloring, wash soft plastics in dish washing detergent first.

Some of the Oriental Dollar stores in area malls have a like of knock off "Sharpies" that they call "Skerpies" for $3 for about a dozen different colors. Handy to keep in your tackle box or on your fly tying bench.

Trim Tabs

Misn1 — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:31:11 GMT

I recently bought a 2001 Cobia 230 WA with a 200hp Yamaha. The boat is 23 feet in length and has a listed weight of approximately 3500lbs. I am wanting to add a trim tab kit to the boat to help plane it out. My question is: what size tabs do I need to look for? I've seen 12 x 9s up to 12 x 12s but don't know what would benefit me (my boat) the most. I plan to install the set-up myself. Any ideas are greatly appreciated.

Fishing tip # 751 from Fishcatching 101.com PATTERNS.

captken — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 18:43:44 GMT

When you find fish on a spot, look for similar places and conditions.

Last Friday I found a bunch of Snook along a bank with lots of current, lots of bait of several species and a gradual slope from 6" at the edge of weeds out about 5 or 6 feet to 18" or so. From there, it dropped to about 3'. I had at least 20 Snook strikes in a 100' section of bank. I landed only 4 because I use only barbless hooks when fishing from my kayak. I lost at least 3 over 20# each and caught one about that size.

Monday the Snook were still there and I caught 7 up to 15# or so. While paddling back to my launch site, I found another bank that looked very similar. I hooked several Snook there but landed none.

Today I fished both spots, catching several in each place and found another similar spot. Unfortunately, these fish are feeding at the very lowest stage of the tide. Maybe this is fortunate, come to think about it because no skiff can get to these places. Sometimes Kayaks rule.

The bottom line is: When you find fish, look for a pattern. If you are observant, you will begin to recognize patterns and, when you do, you will become a better fisherman. Take notes, take photos, record GPS coordinates and whatever else it takes.

BTW. Snook are not very common in this area. In recent years, I've noticed a good population increase. This year, I have caught more Snook than I have in the past 20 years combined. The Super Spook Jr. has been great as has the Mann's Saltwater Waker.(not walker)

Just finished the Sea Dek pads

SharkSlayer — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 18:31:37 GMT

I just finished putting down a set of Sea Dek pads in my flats boat. I never hear to much about these but I like them.
My wife likes them too.

Daisy chains and Spreadbars

Red Fly — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 06:05:53 GMT

I usually move to deeper water this time of year and spend more time trolling.

I have been using a Mag 10 downrigger, flat lines and high speed diving planes for several years and have had good results.

I am trying something a little different, I am putting together a spread bar to use with my downrigger for trolling jigs. I would appreciate anyone experience in using spread bars or daisy chains with a downrigger.

Homemade 1oz. Jigs

Private Pilot — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 21:40:13 GMT

Had nothing to do today, so I made up these little guys. Just wanted to show them off.

Not too bad!

$5 Kayak Rudder--- U-build in a half hour.

captken — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 06:21:15 GMT

If your yak doesn't have a rudder, you are working too hard, enjoying yaking less, and catching fewer fish than you could be.

I've built 2 different types and have most of the bugs out of them. No special tools are needed to build either of them and you don't need to butcher your yak to install them. This is an easy one hour or less project.

I've built 1 for my SIS Heritage Featherweight Angler and 1 for my Emotion Mojo. I built and installed another on a Cobra Fish N' Dive and made $50 on the project. If anybody is interested in a rudder for their yak, I'll post pics. These rudders will be shown in 2 of my E-books.

Tuna (Cigar Minnow) Tube for kayaks. I need help on this one.

captken — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 07:06:10 GMT

Tuna tubes work. I've seen them in action, first hand. Why wouldn't a similar rig for Cigar Minnows be the catsass for a kayak? Tuna calm down when inserted head first into the tubes and I am sure Cigar Minnows would do the same.

I know how to rig the tubes and I guess mounting them would be dependent on the yak. Certainly you wouldn't have to reach behind you and dip out a fast moving baitfish that you couldn't see.

The tubes and the associated plumbing would be cheap and simple. You'd need varying size flow restrictors so that the tube nearest the pump wouldn't hog all of the flow. Valves would work but would make the system larger and increase the cost a bunch. I'm sure I can handle the flow restrictor problem with simple drilled plates. Hole size could be determined before gluing anything.

My concern is what pump to use. I don't see using a bilge pump because it would require mounting and would cause a lot of drag. I'd definitely want a low amperage pump that would run a long time off a tiny battery. Three hundred gph should take care of ten tubes, providing 1/2gpm each. The pump could sit in the tank well and take its suction through one of the scuppers.

Any ideas?

Fishing tip # 717. Coiled Safety Lanyard.

captken — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:09:39 GMT

VOL 8-1 Fishing tip # 7XX Coil Keeper

Here is a super strong safety device you might have a need for. I make them in various lengths and strengths for specific purposes. Need a longer or shorter “Kill Switch” lanyard? Paddle leash for your yak? How about a safety line for a rod and reel? These rigs are easy to make, super strong, and doggone convenient. Fittings on the ends of the coil will vary with the application.[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/coil2.jpg[/IMG]

Here is how to make your own. You’ll need 300-600 # test mono (I used 300# in the photos.) and a short length of ½-5/8” dowel as shown below. Insert the mono into one of the holes in the dowel and wrap the mono around the dowel as shown below. Insert the bitter end of the mono thru the second hole and pull tight.[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/coil.jpg[/IMG]

You will need 2 pots big enough to submerge the entire dowel and mono in. Add about 2” of water into pot one and bring to a boil. Drop the dowel and mono into the pot and boil for 5 minutes. Add several inches of cold water to the 2^nd pot and add crushed ice to make it as cold as possible.

After boiling the mono for 5 minutes, plunge it into the cold water as fast as possible. After a minute or so, remove the dowel and mono and uncoil.

Install whatever you need on the ends of the coiled leash using leader sleeves.

Spear Fishing Tip # ???

captken — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 08:40:28 GMT

Actually, this is an off-the-cuff synopsis of a tip somewhere amongst the e-books.

Ever had to replace a flipper? I've replaced a bunch and have found out there are several ways to screw the job up.

The easiest way to screw up is to brad the nail (Pin) holding the flipper on too tight. I've loosened the flipper by moving it up and down with my thumb about a thousand times until it got nice and loose but this can weaken the flipper by causing excess wear on it. If you cut the nail about 1/8" long and use a large punch or hardened bolt against the tip of the nail while holding the nail head against an anvil, it takes only a light tap to secure the flipper while allowing it to pivot freely.

If you orient the flipper on the up side of the shaft rather than the under side of the shaft, you will miss a bunch of fish by shooting low. Mounted on the up side of the shaft, the flipper will cause the shaft to "dive" where when mounted on the bottom side of the shaft, it adds a little lift. If you don't believe me, try it. Once the spear starts to dive even a little at the front end, gravity takes over.

I don't have a clue which E-book this tip is in so I am not going to search for a drawing or photo.

Fishing Tip # 7?? Stealthy leader connector.

captken — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 08:29:01 GMT

Here is a simple little project to make leaders for light tackle fishing where wire is needed for fish that are leader shy. I "Pull-tested" one of these this morning at 8# plus before it began to deform slightly. I doubt if it would fail at less than 15# but haven't tested them to destruction. The spiral connectors are much stronger and secure than snaps, especially in lighter wire. The wire I used in this demo is #4 Malin. I haven't tried lighter wire but have made spiral connectors out of up to # 12 wire. In the stiffer wire, they are much harder to use.

Simply spiral the bitter end of the wire around the standing end and a paper clip. If you have problems visualizing this procedure or have other questions, just ask. Needle nose vise grips are mighty handy and are always on my rigging bench.

[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/spiralconnector1.jpg[/IMG]

In case you are wondering, here is how it works.

[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/spiralconnector2.jpg[/IMG]

Fishing Tip #722. Spanish Snap

captken — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 16:11:21 GMT

Here is how I make short snap/wire leaders to use when lots of Spanish and Bluefish are around. It takes about a minute to make one with common hand tools and #9-#12 wire. I wouldn't try them on Blue Marlin but they are sufficiently strong for light tackle.(4-20# test line.)

Here is how to make the eye if you want an eye.[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/spsnapx3.jpg[/IMG]

Here is how to form the snap.[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/spsnapx2.jpg[/IMG]

Snap open/closed[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/spsnapx.jpg[/IMG]

For my own use, I do not make an eye in the top end of the leader. I simply put a tight bend in the end of the wire and tie it to my line with a Bristol Knot. Here are a couple of leaders, one rigged with a Bristol Knot and the other with a formed loop ready for your line.

[IMG]http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg129/captkenroy/spsnap4.jpg[/IMG]

I start out with 6" of wire to form a 3" leader. Leaders can be as long as you'd like, however.

BOAT RAMP IN MILTON?

TURTLE — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:04:14 GMT

I am putting a link to the google image of the ramp here http://maps.google.com/maps? You can pan out to get the idea where it is , but it's along way for me to drive just to find out the hurricaines took it out.

Thinking of changeing line ???

Backlash — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 05:26:36 GMT

I have been useing Trilean big game 30# mono on my king rod, its a good line but man its hard to cast a cigar with 30# mono, but dont want to go to a braided line, what should i go to so i dont or cant still see my bait after i cast ??:doh

WIRE LEADER QUESTION

Ajerv — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 06:10:20 GMT

I've had my share of cut offs from toothy critters(kings, jack crevelle, etc), and am frequently tempted to just tie on one of those ready to use wire leaders you can buy ready made, some with plastic coating or red in color. They are heavy and have heard they are too visible to the fish and should be avoided. Your opinions please!!!

Tight lines...................