Fishing gear
Some Basic Facts about Fishing Gear
In fishing, it is very important to an angler’s success that he starts with the
proper equipment. He may purchase or own the finest equipment in the world, but
when it is assembled and put into use, it may prove to be a very decided
handicap.
To guard against this, it is important that the individual items of tackle be
properly balanced one with the other. Unbalanced equipment has been responsible
for more difficulties and failures of beginners than any other single factor.
Fishing Rod
To fish with a good rod is to really enjoy fishing. It is much easier to learn
with a good rod than with one of an inferior quality. This is no commercial plug
to encourage the sale of expensive rods, but just a word of warning to prevent
any possible or unnecessary discouragement because of using a rod that would be
decided handicap to a competent caster.
Fishing Lines
This item of fishing gear must be selected with some careful considerations if
anglers are expecting to enjoy fishing or casting.
This is because the size and weight of fishing lines made by various
manufacturers are not entirely uniform, that is, the diameter of the line by one
manufacturer may be slightly larger or smaller than a line by another
manufacturer even though both bear the same size marking.
The Leader
The leader is also a very important item, and unless it is selected with care
and consideration in comparison with the size of the line, the caster will have
trouble in making it extend straight out from the line when casting.
The chief function of the leader is to serve as an invisible connection between
the line and the lure.
Fishing Flies or Lures
The flies may range in size, from the tiniest used, which might be number 18 or
20, up to flies tied on number-2 hooks or larger. The heavier flies or lures
create; more wind is needed. It also requires the use of heavier equipment or
more power on the part of the caster during the back cast and forward cast.
Reels
The reel may be automatic or single action, but in any event, it should be
larger enough to hold the usual 30 yards of fishing line without crowding it on
the reel spool.
The reel should weigh from 1 ¼ to 1 ½ as much as the bare rod. The reel itself
is of no specific use in casting or fishing except as a storage place for the
line.
Consequently, the entire equipment should always be in good condition. Other
wise, achieving success in fishing is impossible.