If you’re new to the sport, one of the first questions you might ask is “what type of fishing pole do I need?” While I’ll go into more detail as to why, I’ll cut right to the chase: Beginners should buy a 7′ medium-heavy power, fast action spinning rod as your first fishing pole. This is a versatile set up that allows you to fish fast or slow in a variety of cover and situations and is the all around best fishing pole for a beginner.
Let’s break down why a 7′ medium-heavy power, fast action spinning rod is the best fishing pole for beginners.
Note: while the correct term is technically “fishing rod” many beginners are going to call it a “pole.” As this website is designed to help newcomers, I will use the term interchangeably.
Why a 7′ Fishing Pole is What Beginners Need
While you can get a fishing pole that is longer or shorter than 7′, I find the 7′ length to be the sweet spot that allows you to do anything with it. For example, I prefer slightly shorter rods for techniques like jerkbaits and slightly longer ones for frogging or jigs. 7′ is an acceptable medium between all of these.
7′ is also the perfect rod length for spinnerbaits and plastic worms, which are outstanding beginner fishing lures. Since these are two of the lures you should plan on using when you’re first starting out, it stands to reason that the best beginner fishing pole would be one that can use them well!
7′ fishing poles will also fit in most rod lockers on boats, if you have one. It was only fairly recently that manufacturers started making larger rod lockers so if you have an older boat (or might be in the market for one eventually), that’s an added plus of this length.
Given all this, a 7′ fishing pole is clearly the type you need as a beginner.
Why I Suggest Spinning Rods
If you’re a beginner purchasing your first fishing pole, I highly suggest that it be a spinning rod rather than a casting rod. While you’re probably going to notice that the professionals have far more baitcasters in their rod boxes than spinning gear, remember, they’re pros. Baitcasters vs. Spinning rods are very much akin to a manual transmission vs. Automatic transmission car. Whlie anyone could learn either first, it’s just easier if you can concentrate on driving / fishing rather than worrying about shifting or keeping a baitcaster under control.
A spinning rod, in my opinion, is also more versatile than a baitcaster, even if it isn’t as good as a baitcaster in several situations. A big enough spinning rod can throw any kind of lure. Anyone who claims you can’t throw a frog or jig on one is incorrect. True, it will be more difficult, especially in heavy cover, but it isn’t impossible.
On the other hand, try throwing a tiny lure any distance on a baitcaster. While I suppose it too isn’t “impossible” it’s so much more difficult. Buying a spinning gear is going to make techniques like tiny drop shots accessible to you, which is important when you’re starting out.
Why Medium-Heavy Power Fast Action Rods Are Perfect for Beginners
While you might think a “medium” rod is the middle ground with fishing poles, that’s not really true. For most manufacturers, a medium power fishing rod is actually pretty light. The true middle ground is really a medium-heay rod. This is the beast that’s going to let you fish anything you want, with reasonable success.
While most medium-heavy power fishing rods are designed primarily for spinnerbaits and plastic worms, they’re also heavy enough to fish frogs through heavy cover and light enough to toss a crankbait with some success (you might just want to loosen the drag a little). If you could have only ONE fishing pole, a medium-heavy power rod will give you the most options.
As for action, it’s simply how extensive the tip bends. Again, a fast action is a good all-around option that will allow you to fish many lures successfully.
What are Some Good Fishing Lures for a Medium-Heavy Power, Fast Action Rod?
While a medium-heavy power, fast action rod can throw pretty much anything successfully, they’re really designed for spinnerbaits and soft plastic worms. Point in fact, on several rods, they specifically state this right on the label.
If you’re using spinnerbaits on a medium-heavy power, fast action rod, I’d recommned going with lures in the 1/2 oz size. While doable, 3/8 oz won’t cast as far or as well. If you prefer the more compact size of the 3/8 oz spinnerbaits, several brands such as War Eagle make a version of their spinnerbaits that weigh 1/2 oz but have a small and compact size.
As for soft plastic worms, you really can use whatever type you like. I have one medium-heavy power, fast action rod that is dedicated to wacky-rigged Senkos, with another rigged up for Texas Rigs when I need something a little more weedless. Both work great on this type of rod.
Which 7′ Medium-Heavy Power, Fast Action Spinning Rod Should a Beginner Buy?
If you’re a complete beginner and are uncertain if you’re going to like this sport, I would suggest getting an inexpensive fishing rod. That doesn’t mean you should get a cheap fishing rod, however. Luckily, Ugly Stik has a 7′ medium-heavy fast action spinning rod in their GX2 series that is perfect for someone starting out. Really, its the only type of fishing pole you need to get into this sport.
True, it’s not as flashy as a nice St. Croix (which I’d definitely treat yourself to once you get the hang of things), but it is durable, effective, and efficient. I recommend folks stock up on Ugly Stiks early in life. They tend to be the sort of rods that sticks with them all through life and get handed down to the kids one day. We still have some Ugly Stiks in our arsenal that have been going strong for close to thirty years now.
While they aren’t the most sensitive rods, you really don’t need that with many techniques (for example, there’s absolutely no doubt when a fish slams a spinnerbait or topwater lure, and even most takes on a worm are quite discernable). What you do need is a rod you can count on not to break when a monster hits, and Ugly Stiks are renowned for their durability.
I understand that if you stick with the sport, you’re evenutally going to upgrade. All the same, an Ugly Stik GX2 is not a purchase you’re going to regret. We’ve all been there where we’ve bought something inexpensive and then thought to ourselves, “man, now I have to buy something twice!”
An Ugly Stik will never let you down.
What Are Some Other Good Types of Fishing Poles?
While I do maintain that an Ugly Stik is a great type of fishing pole for a beginner, if you want something a little higher end, I am a big believer in the St. Croix lineup. I’ve more or less been buying nothing but Ugly Stiks and St. Croix (with a few Browning Silaflexs thrown in) for the past 10 years. I have an article that goes into the different St. Croixs that you could buy here, but their baseline Triumph line is a very affordable entry into their world. Here is an article I wrote reviewing the St. Croix Triumph series in detail.
Conclusions
If you ever ask yourself “what type of fishing pole do I need?” the answer is simple. A 7′ medium-heavy power, fast action spinning rod is the pole you should buy if you’re a beginner. It’s versatile and will let you fish a wide variety of lures. Further, it’s also relatively fool-proof being a spinning rod. It’s the sort of rod you can count on using throughout your life and you can fish fast (spinnerbaits) or slow (worms) while also skimming lures across the surface (frogs) or reaching the depths (dropshots). There’s really no downside to this being your first fishing rod. I hope you enjoy!
Thanks,
Want to learn how to take your kids out fishing? Do you have a friend who might need a hand? Click the pictures below to purchase my helpful books!
If you fish a lot of crankbaits, you’re going to need to swap out your hooks at some point. The easiest and safest way to change a treble hook is with a good set of split ring pliers. While there are plenty of brands out there of “regular” pliers that have a little beak for split ring applications, I think you’re better off buying a dedicated tool. Allow me to introduce you to the absolute best split ring pliers for fishing I’ve ever owned.
What Are Split Ring Fishing Pliers Used for?
The reason most people own a pair of split ring pliers is to easily change out treble hooks on crankbaits. Most of these are affixed by some sort of split ring. To change out a hook, you need to open up the split ring to slide the old hook out, and put the new hook on. While you “could” do this with your fingers, this is a good way to get jabbed by a treble hook by accident, so I definitely recommend using a dedicated split ring fishing plier.
Why Change Out Your Treble Hooks?
The most common reason people change treble hooks is they break. There are certain lures that use very thin treble hooks that don’t hold up very well to bigger fish biting them. Other people like to change treble hooks out on lures to put on sharper ones that they have more confidence in. There are a few budget brand crankbaits that have action or colors folks like, but hooks they could do without. Regardless of why you’re swapping out your treble hooks, you do deserve to buy the best split ring pliers for fishing you can find.
The Best Split Ring Pliers for Fishing Hands Down
The best split ring pliers for fishing I’ve ever owned are hands down the Rapala Mini Split Ring Plier. This is a dedicated tool that exists for no other purpose than changing split rings. That is usually all you need to know in terms of why it’s going to outperform an “all in one” offering.
I’ve found that the pliers that have a little beak for split rings leave much to be desired. First, they are heavier than these mini pliers and often have a longer way to go between the plier and the handle to the ring. This makes it difficult to use these effectively.
Why Rapala’s Mini Split Ring Plier is a Must-Buy
There are several reasons that Rapala’s mini split ring plier is THE best split ring plier for fishing available. Here are a few of its selling points.
Compact Size
What I really love about the mini split ring plier by Rapala is that it is compact, which makes swapping out hooks go so much easier. You have much better control using this tool than a longer set of pliers. Changing out a treble hook can be an intimate affair that requires close scrutiny, especially if your eyes are aging! The closer your grip is to the business end, the better in my opinion. Really, this is the main selling point for these pliers and why I think you should buy them today.
Narrow Beak
The second awesome thing about Rapala’s mini split ring pliers is the narrow beak. Most of the beaks on “all in one” split ring pliers are going to be wide. This one is only a few millimeters wide. This makes actually opening the split rings substantially easier, in my opinion. You don’t want to open something that as narrow as a split ring with a wide tool.
The narrow beak on these split ring pliers makes for much easier usage.
Interestingly, the newer models of this tool have a sharper beak than mine. Mine worked great even with this dull beak so I’m sure the upgraded set is going to be all the better.
Durability
I’ve owned my set of Rapala split ring pliers for many years now and put them through a good amount of use. They haven’t broken or snapped on me. I’m a big fan of Rapala’s tools in general for this regard. Each one I’ve used has been of high quality and had a good measure of durability.
Hand Grip
The Rapala mini split ring pliers also have a great handle that has contours for your fingers. This is something that many of the competitor’s offerings lack, and I do think it makes a big difference on a cold day. In my neck of the woods, I’m most often going to be using these pliers in early spring and fall given that’s when I’m throwing jerkbaits with thin treble hooks. My hands are probably going to be cold while I’m using these, so anything the manufacturer can do to help me hold onto them is a big deal! The hand grip does that!
Dedication
As mentioned earlier, the Rapala mini split ring pliers are a dedicated tool. They aren’t one tool that tries to do multiple things. They are a tool that does one specific thing, and does it the best way possible. I think many of us have experience with “all-in-one” tools and will immediately get what I’m saying, but a dedicated use instrument is going to lead the pack.
Conclusion: Rapala Makes the Best Split Ring Pliers for Fishing
Personally, I think if you find yourself changing split rings often, you should pick up a pair of Rapala mini split ring pliers as they are the best ones, in my opinion, for fishing applications. They’re compact which brings your hand closer to the task at hand. Their narrow beak helps separate split rings easily. They’re durable and are going to last you many seasons. Their hand grip will make the job much easier in the cold. Finally, they are a dedicated tool that is going to outperform the jack of all trade offerings. Consider buying one today! You can always check the best prices at Amazon.
I personally consider a fishing log to be the most important piece of “gear” an angler can have. I rate it so highly that I tend to keep one right on this blog with an entire category dedicated to my fishing reports. Granted, this site is public, and while I want to help people out I don’t want to have them fishing on top of me, so I keep “the good stuff” safe and sound in a personal fishing journal and so should you!
What Is a Fishing Journal?
A fishing journal is a record of your fishing adventures. It is common for anglers to keep records of the notable fish they catch, the time of day they caught them, where they caught them, and on what lure. Some anglers take fishing journals even further and get into details like water and air temperature and even moon cycles. A fishing log can either be written down or typed on a computer (or even a blog)! There are also some apps available to keep a log right on your phone.
Will a Fishing Log Help You Catch More Fish?
Yes, a fishing log will help you catch more fish because it will allow you a handy reference of past success (or failure!) you can use for future trips. Referring to your fishing log will help you prepare for a fishing trip because you can look back in time at similar dates, times, or weather conditions and remember what worked and what didn’t. This means you don’t need to reinvent the wheel and can start off in areas likely to hold fish, using techniques that your fishing journal told you worked in the past.
If you ask any professional angler, I trust you’ll find that they keep some sort of fishing journal in the hopes it’ll help them catch more fish in the future. Essentially, a fishing log allows you to apply data analytics to your fishing trips as your journal is basically a data set of past fishing trips. This clearly is a great reason a fishing log is going to help you catch more fish.
The “Moneyball” of Fishing
One author took fishing logs and data to a whole new level. Josh Alwine, the author of High Percentage Fishing: A Statistical Approach to Improving Catch Rates basically took all the information he could find from various people’s fishing logs and conducted a careful analysis of the data. He provides his findings in the book linked above (and it really should be in your library – I cannot stress this enough – drop what you are doing and go buy it).
If you have any doubts that a fishing log will help you catch more fish, just ask yourself how great it would be if everyone would tell you their spots and what they used to catch fish on at any given moment. Wouldn’t you trade your favorite rod for that in a heartbeat? Keep a fishing log. It will help you catch more fish.
What Should Be Included in a Fishing Log?
While the amount of information you keep in a fishing log is up to you, you’ll never regret being thorough. The more data points you can capture on any given trip, the better you’ll be able to use your fishing log to catch more fish on a similar day in the future. Even so, there’s only so much room on a page, so here are some tips on essential information and additional or “nice to have” information for your fishing log or journal.
How Do You make a Fishing Journal?
Nowadays, you have several options for making your own fishing journal that your grandpa could have only dreamed of. While you can always simply write your catches down in a logbook, you can also keep a detailed excel data sheet on your computer, or a record on your phone with an app like fishidy.
Of the three mentioned, the excel sheet is probably your best option if you’re serious about the data analytics elements of all of this since you’ll be able to easily filter and also create pivot tables or graphs to help you interpret the data. However, excel isn’t always practical when you’re fishing far from home on a trip, so capturing the data by hand is still a good idea until you can get home to update your spreadsheet.
If you’re going to go through the trouble of making your own fishing journal and intend to use one with pen and paper, consider getting a nice leather-bound journal that you can pass down as an heirloom to your kids. It’s all a matter of taste, but I personally think this distressed leather journal has that “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” look to it and would be a great thing to hand to my children one day. I might just have to pick one up myself.
Essential Information to Track in a Fishing Journal
At the very least, you should be documenting the following information in your fishing journal:
Date and Time: You’re going to want to remember what time of year you had your trip, and what time you were on the water. If possible, break time into “On” and “Off” the water as that will come in handy later.
Waters Fished: A fishing journal is only useful if you keep track of what lake or river you were on! I would break this down further and talk about what section of the lake you fished. For example, on Lake Champlain, an entry might say “Ticonderoga” or “The Gut.”
Weather Conditions of the Day: What was the weather doing? Raining? Sunny? Overcast? Also, what were the temperatures (if you don’t know this, you can find it online. You can also find historical weather information on sites wunderground.com). I suggest keeping this separate into what the day started as and how it ended.
Water Temps: What were the water temps when you started fishing? How about when you ended? Was there any temperature range that was best? Note, if you don’t have access to a fish finder that will have this information, you can buy a handheld water temperature gauge. Water temps are some of the most important pieces of information for your fishing journal should have, so you should absolutely buy one of these if you’re serious about keeping a good fishing log. This model can also capture pH which can be useful information as well.
What Lures You Used: This is going to be key information. Were they biting crankbaits? If so, what color?
Notable Catches: If you make this individualized, you can start learning where the truly big fish were. If you are more generic “6 largemouth bass ranging from 1-3lb” then you’ll know where to find quantity in the future.
Additional Information to Track in a Fishing Log
If you have room, you can fill your fishing log with more info. After all, the more data you collect now, the more you can refer to later. Some of this stuff can be quite hard to find without specialized equipment. Nonetheless, when possible, it is also quite useful to document the following information in your fishing log:
The Cover Fish Were In: In addition to writing where you caught fish, document what sort of cover was holding them. Were they deep in the weeds? On fallen timbers? Etc.
The Structure You Fished: Like Cover, were you fishing right near the drop off? On submerged humps? How about rocky points?
Prior weather: What was the weather doing a day or two prior to your arriving? Sometimes, this can be just as important as what it was doing that day.
pH, Moon Phase, and other Data: Literally none of this stuff can hurt as all of it has been shown to impact fishing. Literally any data you can think of is useful.
General Angling Pressure and other Variables: Was it a zoo out there? Do you know if the lake was just stocked? Did you happen to show up the same day as a major tournament? All of this is important to know in your fishing journal if you have time.
The Key is Consistency
Whatever data you decide to document in your fishing journal, the key is to be consistent. This is all the more important if you intend to keep your fishing log on your computer in excel. Anyone who has ever had to interpret data in excel will tell you consistency in naming conventions is key. Decide early on if you are going to use “largemouth bass” or “LMB” for example. Always use the same phrase for “overcast” or “spinnerbait.” The more consistent you keep things, the better able you can sort and filter later. This will help you find just what you want!
The Best Fishing Logs and Journals to Buy
If you aren’t interested in making your own journal and prefer one that is prepared for you, you have a few options to choose from that range wildly in price. I personally think the Rustico Leather Fishing Log Book is gorgeous. While it is not the cheapest option, it comes in a great leather binding with “frayed” paper insets that give it the look of an old and trusted fishing journal. Further, it has prompts for all the things you want and need to have in a fishing journal, so it would be quite useful in the future. While it doesn’t have too much room for notes, you won’t need to keep many because there is a dedicated place for all the information you’d want or need.
Another good option is this pocket sized “fishing passport” by Letterco. While it will take some tiny handwriting to use (and a good pair of reading glasses!), it does have a few extra features that make it dandy. For one, there’s a map of the United States that asks you to put a dot where you’ve fished. Secondly, there’s a section for “memorable catches” where you can keep track of the truly large fish you’ve encountered over the years.
As of writing, there are a few great apps that work as fishing logs. The two main ones are Fishidy and Fishbrain. Both of these allow you to log your catches in real time as you fish, and will track your physical location for where you caught the fish. This allows you to have a handy map showing what you caught and where.
Interestingly, the main “gimmick” of both of these apps is that they are essentially community fishing logs. Members willingly upload their catches, either to brag or just because they’re foolish and want company the next time! Here’s an example of a screen shot from Fishidy that gives you an idea of what it looks like. The green dots are member catches. Notice how some of the lake is filled in with contours and other parts aren’t? That too comes from members who have uploaded data from their fish finders.
Frankly, this would not be the way that I would keep a log, but I LOVE these apps for making use of other people’s logs. It’s like having access to an entire world’s worth of fishing logs which has helped me catch more fish on new lakes.
Where Can I Find a Free Fishing Log Online?
If you don’t want to purchase one and aren’t comfortable with your computer skills to make one of your own, Bassresource.com provides this handy printable .pdf they are offering for free. All you need to do is print it off and maybe use a three hole punch before sticking it in a binder. It has pretty much everything you could ask for and is certainly a fishing log tailored for bass fishing. Special thanks to that website for putting this out there for everyone!
In Conclusion, a Fishing Log is Your Most Important Piece of Equipment
Unless you have the best memory on earth, a fishing journal is going to come in massive handy down the years. It can be the difference between catching fish in some funky conditions or going home empty handed, and it can simply be fun to read years down the line! I highly suggest you either make one of your own, or treat yourself to one of the great options discussed in this article today!
I hope this article was helpful to you! If you decide to create your own fishing journal, I’d love to see what you came up with. Feel free to shoot me an email and show it off!
Thanks,
John Paxton
Want to learn how to take your kids out fishing? Do you have a friend who might need a hand? Click the pictures below to purchase my helpful books!
In my opinion, if you’re looking for the best fluorocarbon line out there, you can’t do better than Seaguar InvizX. It simply provides everything you’re looking for in fluorocarbon line (invisibility, weight, abrasion resistance and strength) without the hassles and coiling that the high memory of fluorocarbon often provides. In short, it’s a great product without much downside.
Why Use a Fluorocarbon Line?
Most people use fluorocarbon line for one of three reasons:
They are fishing clear water and want a nearly invisible presentation.
There are rocks or pilings or other obstructions nearby and abrasion resistance is desired.
They are fishing crankbaits or other lures that dive and trying to get a bit more depth out of them.
Frankly, these are the same reasons that I want to use fluorocarbon line. But the problem is that I normally fish with children, and fluorocarbon line normally has a very high “memory” that makes tangles and other issues likely, so I really need a high quality product. Enter Seaguar InvizX.
Why Is Seaguar InvizX the Best Fluorocarbon Line?
As mentioned earlier, Seaguar InvizX gives you all the benefits you want with fluorocarbon (near invisibility, abrasion resistance, lure depth control) without the drawback of memory. It is extremely limp and has relatively little memory compared to most other brands I’ve used. This translates to fewer tangles and messes, especially if you pair it with a good line conditioner.
Seaguar InvizX casts very well, is plenty strong (I’ve caught some HUGE fish on it) and loads up quite well on spinning reels. I personally use 6lb test on my two favorite rods (my dropshot rod as well as my rod for crankbaits). I do keep a spool of 20lb test around for use as a leader as well.
The main marketing “gimmick” of InvizX is that they claim it is nearly invisible to fish. Well, that’s the story with all fluorocarbon. I will say when I fish Lake Champlain north of the Crown Point bridge where the water is quite clear, this line gives me a ton of confidence.
Are There Cheaper Alternatives?
Well… Yes… But you aren’t going to like them as much. It’s true that many pros have great things to say about Bass Pro’s proprietary fluorocarbon, and there are others who say Seaguar’s Red Label AbrazX is a perfectly adequate fluorocarbon line, and they aren’t necessarily wrong. All the same, when I’m fishing fluorocarbon line, I want to use one that is the least annoying as possible. Thus, Seaguar InvizX is the best flourocarbon line for me.
Where Can I Buy Seaguar InvizX?
It can be a little difficult to find this line in stores. Although my local Cabelas stocks it, it is quite popular and tends to be out of stock. That’s a good sign – other fishermen want to buy it! I usually just head over to Amazon to pick some up as I can’t count on it being at my local tackle shops. If you want to try some of it (and you totally should – you’ll thank me later), here is a link to some 6lb test. I do totally understand it is expensive, but I make it a point to only recommend products here I really believe in and use, and Seaugaur InvizX is hands down my favorite fluorocarbon line.
One of the biggest mistakes I see parents make when they take their kids fishing is to use too big of a hook size when fishing for bluegill and other sunfish. There’s a local pond I go to often which is pretty good for fishing with kids. Though my kids and I are usually only a few feet away from other parents and we’re all fishing with worms, we are pulling in panfish after panfish and the only difference is we are using the right hook size.
This article is aimed to help the parents out there who are clueless put their kids on a few more fish.
The right size hook is important for catching bluegill with your kids
What Hook Size is Best for Bluegill, Sunfish, or Crappie?
The next time you catch a bluegill, look at its mouth. Notice: it is small. Therefore, why would you fish for bluegill with a hook too large to fit in it? A size 8 or 6 sized hook is perfect for fishing for bluegill, sunfish, crappie, and basically any panfish you can find. A size 8 hook fits in a bluegill’s mouth easily. That’s the first step in catching them!
What Type of Hook is Best for Bluegill, Sunfish, or Crappie?
My favorite type of hook for bluegill is an Aberdeen style hook in size 8 or so. I personally prefer these ones by Eagle Claw. These have a long shank which helps with unhooking the spiny little buggers and the business end is small enough to easily fit in their mouths. Though small, these hooks are strong enough to hold up to any panfish you’re going to catch, and even do OK if your kid hooks into a bass or smaller catfish. I also like them because they’re relatively safe to fish with kids. Even when a kid jabs themselves with one of these, removal is pretty straight forward.
Some folks prefer baitholder hooks when fishing for bluegill because you’re often putting worms on them. However, I usually only use a piece of worm rather than the whole thing. This increases my catch rate, so there really isn’t a need for the extra barbs on a baitholder hook.
I prefer Aberdeen (left) style hooks for panfish over the wider baitholder (right).
Do Circle Hooks Work for Bluegill?
Small circle hooks (generally size 6 to 10) can work well for bluegill and they can be a good hook to use if you’re leaving your rod in the holder rather than holding it in your hands. A circle hook is designed to catch the corner of a fish’s mouth as it swims away. This helps prevent it from gut hooking itself and as a result, circle hooks tend to have a lower mortality rate than regular j hooks.
You might also find circle hooks a decent option when fishing with kids who haven’t quite mastered a hook set yet. Children tend to start reeling like crazy when they feel a fish. This isn’t always ideal with normal hooks, but is actually what you’re supposed to do with circle hooks.
1/32 oz and smaller jigs such as marabou jigs and even ball head ones tipped with a small grub work great for bluegill, but you’ll want to keep them small. It’s no coincidence that many of the bluegill fishing starter packs feature a wide variety of plastics and small jigs to attach them to.
Small jigs can be a great way to catch bluegill when you need a little extra weight to either get your bait where you want it or to feel it on a windy day. The hopping and swimming action of a small 1/32 oz jig head is often perfect to entice bluegill, sunfish, crappie, yellow perch, and other panfish to bite. Just be prepared to lose a few as they will also call up their share of chain pickerel and other toothy predators!
Where Can I Find a Sizing Chart for Bluegill Hooks?
A great resource is this sizing chart from Jann’s Netcraft Fishing Tackle. The great thing about this sizing chart is it is 1:1 when you print it out. This is an advantage over anything I could build in house for you folks.
Frankly this website is a great place to buy odds and ends that fall off of your tackle, making it last longer. For example, I often go here to find particular spinnerbait blades, replacement treble hooks, or just lure blanks. It doesn’t get as much publicity as the other big online retailers, but you can (and should) get lost for a few hours perusing what they have. You’ll note I have no affiliation with them whatsoever — I just believe in the company and feel they deserve your bookmark.
Do You Set the Hook on Bluegill?
Unless you’re using a circle hook, I do recommend setting the hook with bluegill, crappie, sunfish, and other panfish. While these fish are small and the hooks you’re using are light, a quick little tug or sweep helps set the hook before these expert bait-thieves can spit it out. I’ve also found that setting the hook on bluegill helps prevent them from swallowing the hook which can happen if you just leave it untouched for some time hoping they’ll stick themselves.
How Should I Rig a Hook for Bluegill?
You really can’t go wrong with rigging up a size 8 Aberdeen style hook for bluegill. You can get fancy and use a drop shot, or just tie it straight onto a line. I suppose, begrudgingly, you might even use a bobber. Regardless of how you rig your bluegill hook, it’s important to use the right sized worm. You’re going to want to use a fresh nightcrawler, but I advise cutting it into pieces. Just thread a little centimeter-sized piece onto the business end of that hook. That will keep fish from stealing your offering.
While fish will eat dead worms, you’re going to be far better off if the morsel you offer is plump, so try and keep the worm alive and well until you need it. I recommend keeping their container somewhere dark and cool.
Conclusions
In conclusion, a size 8 Aberdeen style longshank panfish hook is about the best fishing hook for bluegill you can use. First, these small hooks easily fit in a bluegill’s mouth. Secondly, the long shank makes removing them a breeze. Finally, they’re inexpensive and can be bought in quantity. All of this makes them a great lure for fishing with kids!
I hope this helps you put your kids on some fish. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment or reach out with any questions!
It comes to a shock to me as I grew up with the lures, but many people don’t understand how to use a spinnerbait. This is a shame as it’s an outstanding lure that is nearly weedless, catches most game fish, and is a wonderful lure to fish with kids. Every single angler (and especially parent anglers) should have a few spinnerbaits in their tackle box. Read on to learn how, when, why, and where to use spinnerbaits in this complete guide.
What Is a Spinnerbait?
A spinnerbait is a type of fishing lure used primarily for largemouth and smallmouth bass as well as northern pike, chain pickerel, and muskie. It is a semi-weedless lure that essentially looks like a jig with a bent wire frame that has one or more blades attached to it (the “spinners”). Most spinnerbaits feature some sort of skirt which can be made from a variety of materials, but usually some form of silicone or rubber. The spinnerbait is considered a big fish lure and a go-to bait during the fall.
Spinnerbait Components
A spinnerbait is essentially a jig that is attached to a bent wire frame that in turn attaches to a blade of some sort. The “jig” is normally dressed with a skirt made of different components that hides the hook. Many of these components can be swapped out for different situations, so it’s useful to know what each one does so you can understand the best time to use it.
Spinnerbait Blades
There are several different types of spinnerbait blades, with the most common being willow leaf, Colorado, and Indiana. Each has their strengths and weaknesses and do better in different situations.
Willow Leaf Spinnerbait Blades
Willow leaf spinnerbait blades are long and narrow and emit a lot of flash. These have the least amount of drag of all the different blade options and allow spinnerbaits to move the quickest through the water. They are shaped similar to a small baitfish, and give predators the idea that they’re chasing a small school. I prefer using this style of spinnerbait when trolling or burning in a retrieve across some submerged weed beds.
Colorado Spinnerbait Blades
Colorado spinnerbait blades are the exact opposite of the willow leaf style. These don’t really on flash to draw in strikes, but rather vibrations. The circular shape creates a noticeable rumble when moving through the water. An advantage of a rounded blade on a spinnerbait is that it makes a vibration that fish can sense with their lateral line and helps them zero in on the lure even in dark or murky water. You’ll note that most spinnerbaits marketed for night time will have a Colorado blade.
Indiana Spinnerbait Blades
Indiana spinnerbait blades are often marketed as somewhat of a middle ground between Colorado and willow leaf styles. They have a teardrop shape that exhibits somewhat subdued benefits of both the other styles. A good middle ground for situations where you aren’t willing to go all in with one or the other, such as in slightly stained water where you still want the flash, but need a little extra vibration.
Blade Size
Spinnerbait blades come in a variety of sizes. Generally speaking, the ones that come with the lure have been tested and are the right balance for the lure. There usually isn’t a need to go tinkering, but if you have the urge and can’t help yourself, be aware of what changing the blade size will do.
A larger spinnerbait blade does two things: it increases the vibration the blade emits in the water, and it increases the lift the blade produces. This means that you will need to slow your retrieve to keep your spinnerbait lower in the water column if you use a larger blade.
Sometimes it makes sense to switch blade sizes rather than trying a completely new style. For example, a slightly larger willow leaf blade may make more sense if you’re trying to keep your lure higher in the water column than going to a Colorado, especially if you still want the flash.
Blade Color
You’re basically going to have three options for spinnerbait blade color. Silver, gold, and painted. Silver and gold are both great options that look realistically like baitfish and reflect the sun well. Given most of the baitfish in the areas I fish are silvery, I go with these normally when I can.
I don’t have as much confidence in painted blades, but some people swear by them. If you’re trying for a very specific look to match the hatch, it makes a lot of sense to double down. For example, some blades look like yellow perch and when paired on a spinnerbait of similar color, it at least looks natural and like the fish is about to slam into a school of them.
Spinnerbait Skirts
Spinnerbaits can be dressed with skirts of various material. The most common these days by far is silicone, though if you look in old tackle boxes, you might find some (often mangled) rubber ones.
Rubber
If you ever score an old tackle box on e-Bay or in an estate sale, chances are you’ll find some old spinnerbaits with rubber skirts that have melted together. When spinnerbaits were first produced, rubber was the go to material for the skirt. Unfortunately, it tends to melt together on hot days, which isn’t that great for a sport that takes place outside in full blast of the sun. When properly stored, they’ll last awhile and produce a lively action, but you’ll probably want to upgrade them to silicone skirts sooner than later.
Silicone
Today, most spinnerbait skirts are made of silicone. They have the good qualities of rubber skirts without melting like them. They come in a variety of colors and shapes, with some having a little bit longer “tail” that extends past the main body. These skirts pulse in the water when you give them a little “pop.” They’re probably the first thing on your spinnerbait that will fail, as they tend to be mauled a bit by fish strikes. Luckily, many manufacturers sell replacement skirts that are easy enough to swap out.
Hair & Other Objects
While silicone skirts are the mainstay for most spinnerbaits these days, you can find ones made with other material, like hair, fabric, and even tinsel. All have different properties and who knows? Perhaps that’s what the fish will want on any given day. You might have fun attaching anything relatively waterproof to your spinnerbait skirt and seeing if it gives you an edge.
Spinnerbait Hooks
Each spinnerbait comes with a permanently affixed hook that you are not changing, however you can add a “stinger hook” or “trailer hook.” There are advantages and disadvantages to doing so.
Generally, you should use a trailer hook on your spinnerbait when you feel that the fish are striking short, or you want a little more insurance that you’ll hook them. These provide two chances to snag the fish after all, which is better than one.
The disadvantage of using trailer hooks on spinnerbaits is that they make the lures less weedless. It is, after all, one more hook that can catch a weed and ruin your cast. A trailer hook also makes it more difficult to release a fish safely as they sometimes get these pretty deep. Make sure that you have good plyers if you do decide to use them.
Should I let my trailer hook dangle free on my spinnerbait?
Many packs of spinnerbait trailer hooks come with a little rubber inset. There’s some debate if you should use this to keep the stinger hook in one place, or if you should just use it to prevent it from sliding off the main hook, but let it dangle free. I prefer to let it dangle. Given the spinnerbait is moving so fast, it normally drags at the right angle, anyway, and having it dangle gives it a little better chance of hooking a fish, in my opinion.
How to Rig Up a Spinnerbait
There isn’t much of a trick to rigging up a spinnerbait. You basically just toss it out as it was designed! However, there are a few questions that come up from time to time that I’ll answer.
Do You Use a Leader with a Spinnerbait?
I don’t generally use a leader with spinnerbaits. While I suppose it couldn’t hurt as it’s pretty unlikely to impact the action for this type of lure, I find it unnecessary. The bent wire frame arm itself provides a measure of protection to the line making a leader generally unnecessary. I base this question off of dozens of hours of fishing with a my friend who is a fishing guide and who also doesn’t use a leader, even though he specifically targets northern pike.
Do You Need a Swivel for a Spinnerbait?
I highly recommend tying directly to your spinnerbait rather than using a swivel. There is no need for a snap swivel when using a spinnerbait. This is not the sort of lure that is going to give you much line twist. Further, the design of most spinnerbaits makes using a snap swivel difficult. Back in the 1980s, when snap swivels were more popular, spinnerbaits had a closed off “eye” where you could attach one. Now, they are mostly left open. Putting on a snap swivel requires you to figure out how to close this off, or generally turns into a hassle as your swivel will slide down the bent wire arm and occasionally get stuck.
Do You Use Weights with Spinnerbaits?
I don’t personally add weight to my spinnerbaits though it would be possible to add a bit to the hook via a clamp or such if you needed to get to deeper water. Weights aren’t really necessary to do this, however, as you can simply count down and let the spinnerbait sink before reeling in. You’re probably better off just tying on a heavier spinnerbait if you really feel you need to. Weight is one more thing that can catch weeds and go wrong somehow. I like to keep things simple.
Spinnerbait Trailers
I normally don’t put a trailer on my spinnerbait, but there are advantages. You should put a trailer on a spinnerbait if you want a bigger profile, a bit more bulk, or a bit more action. I usually find it difficult to put a trailer and a stinker hook on, however, and I usually opt for more points.
How do you put a trailer on a spinnerbait?
To put a trailer on the spinnerbait, thread it through the main hook as you would if you were fishing a plastic worm or fluke. Pierce the trailer through the hose and thread it down through the plastic about as long as the shaft of the hook it will eventually sit on. Then poke through and slide it up. In most cases you’ll want it to sit relatively level with the hook.
What are the best trailers for spinnerbaits?
You can basically put any soft plastic lure onto a spinnerbait as a trailer. I’ve used grubs a lot with some success (curly tailed grubs work really well and have an awesome action going through the water. Zoom makes a dedicated spinnerbait trailer that I’ve also used and enjoyed. It’s twin tails dart around as you’re pulling in the bait and provide good action too.
Do You Put a Worm on a Spinnerbait?
Sometimes my son will put a worm on a spinnerbait as sort of a trailer. There’s no harm doing this but I don’t know that it really helps too much, if we’re being honest. Perhaps if you were slow rolling your spinnerbait, fish would get a chance to catch a whiff of the worm. However, with most quick-paced retrieves, it’s going to look like any other trailer, so I’d use something more durable.
What Color Spinnerbait is Best?
There’s a joke on Lake Champlain that you can use any color spinnerbait so long as it’s white. I don’t know that I completely agree with that. Some of the first fish I caught were on chartreuse spinnerbaits, after all. Even so, white is an outstanding color that does well in a variety of situations. It looks very similar to baitfish, so you match the hatch. It stands out well in the water, which helps predators zero in on it. It’s also a color that is available in pretty much any spinnerbait you choose. Hey, those guys on Champlain might be on to something after all.
What Color Spinnerbait to Use in Muddy Water?
Muddy water calls for a spinnerbait that is easier to see. Chartreuse works very well on Lake Champlain south of the Crown Point bridge, where the water is extremely stained. This bright yellow does the trick more days than not. You can also look for colors that are going to contrast more such as red or black in murky water. I’d stay away from hyper-realistic colors, like those that mimic baitfish, as nothing is going to be able to see it.
Are Black Spinnerbaits Good?
There are days when a black spinnerbait is going to be best. It contrasts very well in muddy or dark water, so even though it is counter-intuitive, a black spinnerbait is your best chance at night, or just when its really overcast. I’ve had days out fishing for pike when black spinnerbaits were all they wanted. The challenge is finding one that comes with the willow leaf blades that pike usually go for!
My Personal Favorite Spinnerbait Brand
Everyone has their own opinion on what makes the best spinnerbait, but lately I’ve been fishing War Eagle products. I had a kick where I was using Terminator spinnerbaits for the longest time, and they have their benefits, but I’ve noticed they can become brittle and break at inopportune times. The War Eagles are more durable, in my opinion, and I like the way they feel going through the water. Check the price at Amazon and pick yourself up a few. You won’t regret it.
I wish I could keep recommending Terminator spinnerbaits, but I’ve just had too many darn pike snap their frame in half.
What Kind of Rod Do You Use for Spinnerbaits?
Most people would agree that the best rod action and taper for spinnerbaits is a medium-heavy power, fast action rod. This is basically the gold standard in bass fishing, and most manufacturers offer several lines in this variety. The medium-heavy power allows you to easily thrown 3/8oz and 1/2oz spinnerbaits near cover that hold fish, and they can stand up to a jarring strike. While you could get away with a medium or even heavy rod in a pinch, a medium-heavy rod with fast action is definitely the best type of rod for spinnerbaits.
Best Spinnerbait Rods
Spinnerbaits are such a widely used lure that most manufacturers have rods specifically designed for them. If you’re new to the hobby, I’d definitely suggest picking up a rod in the St. Croix lineup. My favorite spinnerbait rod is aSt. Croix Mojo Bass rod. It is lightweight, sensitive, and just makes casting these all day a breeze.
There are two other great options in the St. Croix lineup, and as luck would have it, I’ve written two articles about them. The first is an article detailing the St. Croix Triumph lineup, which is their entry level rod. The second is an article detailing the St. Croix Premier series, which is a step up in every way. Check them out. All of these have good options for a spinnerbait rod in both casting and spinning setups.
Should You Use a Spinning Rod or Casting Rod for Spinnerbaits?
Most anglers use baitcasting rods and reels for spinnerbaits, but spinning rods work just fine. All that matters is that the rod is strong enough to toss the size spinnerbait you are using (so generally a medium-heavy, fast action rod). I personally prefer using a baitcaster because I find I can get more casts in. I also think it is easier to troll with spinnerbaits (which I do often) with a baitcaster, because it is easier to set things up and let out the line you need. However, I used spinning gear for decades and my children use it currently. I’ve never had an issue pulling in a fish on a spinnerbait with a spinning rod.
What Kind of Reel Do You Use for Spinnerbaits?
Choosing the best reel for spinnerbaits depends on how you intend to fish them. If you’re going to burn the spinnerbait in, you’ll want a higher gear ration. If you intend to slow roll them in the dog days of summer, a slower ratio will help. I personally prefer using something with a 6.4:1 ratio, which is pretty standard. I find this is the best gear ratio for spinnerbaits because it allows me to use any technique I want, relatively easily.
Can you use a spinning reel with a spinnerbait?
You can absolutely use a spinning rod and reel with a spinnerbait. While most professional tournament anglers prefer baitcasters for this technique, you’ll find no shortage of fishing guides sending their clients out with spinning gear. Further, several manufacturers now make spinning reels with higher gear ratios that can handle spinnerbait techniques like burning them in.
What is the Best Line for Spinnerbaits?
You can use whatever line you have lying around for spinnerbaits as long as it is reasonably strong. You’re going to be making repeated casts and, ideally, catching many fish and big ones at that. Most anglers prefer monofilament or fluorocarbon in about the 17lb test range. If you’re fishing spinnerbaits with braided line, I’d suggest 20 – 30lb test just for ease of casting.
Can You Throw a Spinnerbait on Braided Line?
You can throw spinnerbaits on braided line without any issue, even in clear water. A spinnerbait is such a fast-moving target that fish hardly have a chance to notice the line. If you’re really worried about visibility, you can always put on a fluorocarbon leader. Braid also has an advantage when fishing spinnerbaits around vegetation. It is sharp and can slice through some of the minor weeds, which is helpful.
Is Fluorocarbon Line Good for Spinnerbaits?
It seems that most professional bass tournament anglers these days throw spinnerbaits with fluorocarbon line. All the advantages of fluorocarbon are going to pay off with spinnerbaits, and most of the disadvantages aren’t as bad with this lure. For example, the abrasion resistance will be very useful if throwing a spinnerbait near wood or rocks. Further, the “memory” that fluorocarbon has isn’t going to be as big of a deal with spinnerbaits since they’re almost always under resistance moving through the water. Your line won’t have much of an opportunity to coil up.
Can you Use Monofilament Line with Spinnerbaits?
Plenty of anglers have used monofilament line with spinnerbaits throughout the years, including me. It is inexpensive, reliable, and battle-tested. My son uses it on his spinnerbait rod, just because he gets so many tangles that I don’t want to spend the money on braid. The only issue with monofilament is that it can get a little unwieldly as the size increases. If you’re going to fish very heavy monofilament on your spinnerbait rod, it had better be a baitcaster setup.
What Kind of Fish are Attracted to Spinnerbaits?
Ever wonder what kind of fish will bite a spinnerbait? The answer is pretty much everything. While it’s definitely a lure primarily used for bass, muskie, pike, and pickerel, you can catch pretty much anything in the lake on a spinnerbait if you’re lucky. I’ve had very large catfish attack them before, as well as tiny perch that can barely fit the hook in their mouth. With that said, spinnerbaits do work best for attracting the sort of fish you’d expect – anything that normally hunts by darting out with a burst of speed. In fact, they work so well for catching pickerel and pike that many tournament bass fishermen don’t prefer them as they spend too much time catching these fish that won’t count for their weigh in.
What Spinnerbait is Best for Bass?
The best spinnerbait for bass depends on your situation. Generally, you’ll want something between 3/8oz and 1/2oz in size, but if the bass you’re fishing for our deep, you’re going to want something even heavier, like a 3/4oz. If you’re fishing clear water, willow blades work well. In muddy, go for a Colorado. Colors like white and chartreuse are old standards but bass will also hit some of the more natural looking colors as well. Consider visiting a local bait shop or a fishing forum and asking local anglers what they’re using. Often, local bait shops can really only afford to stock stuff people will actually buy, so what they have in stock probably works in your area.
What Spinnerbait is Best for Northern Pike and Chain Pickerel?
Northern pike and chain pickerel are sight hunters and so will be attracted to spinnerbaits that have a bright flash that catches their eye. They also enjoy chasing down their food and usually are more likely to strike a bait that is moving fast rather than slow. This makes spinnerbaits with a tandem willow blade ideal for catching northern pike and pickerel. These blades are meant to be fished fast, and they emit a good deal of flash. Both combine to make them irresistible to pike and chain pickerel.
This chain pickerel still has the spinnerbait hanging from its mouth.
How and When to Fish a Spinnerbait
Spinnerbaits are great lures to use with kids and fishing novices because they are so easy. Literally all you need to do to catch fish with them is cast out your lure near cover and reel it back in. Chuck and wind, chuck and wind. Do this enough and cover enough water, and you will catch fish.
With that said, there are a few things that will increase your odds of success. First is reel speed. Whenever people ask, “how fast should I reel in a spinnerbait” I tend to tell them, “pretty darned fast.” These lures imitate something fleeing. Just like running away from dogs is a bad idea, a fish running full speed away from a pike triggers their killer instinct. Many times, a faster retrieve will draw strikes that slower ones won’t.
You also should pay attention to the time of day. Most spinnerbaits are great when the sun is out, because they have a lot of flash and tend to be a very visual lure. I’ve found that the spinnerbait bite does tend to die off a bit as the light levels start to drop before dark. Once low light conditions come around, you’ll need a different spinnerbait made specifically for night time (for example, the War Eagle Custom Night Time spinnerbait) to continue being successful.
Do Spinnerbaits Work Year Round?
While you always have a chance of catching fish on a spinnerbait year round, they do tend to work better at certain times of years than others. For example, spinnerbaits work fantastic in the late spring, summer, and fall. They lose their luster in winter and early spring when the water temperatures are too cold.
I normally wait for water temps to hit around 60°F before I’ll start tossing spinnerbaits regularly. Lower than that and I find I have much better luck with a lipless crankbait or jerkbait.
While you can find some professionals who have managed to have good success fishing spinnerbaits in the winter, I will simply say this: if I wanted to catch a fish within winter water temps, it would not be my first or tenth choice.
Advanced Spinnerbait Tips & Tricks
While you can simply chunk and wind a spinnerbait, there are a few variations you can add to your retrieve to catch more fish in certain situations.
How to Buzz a Spinnerbait
“Buzzing” a spinner bait means reeling it in very quickly so its wake creates a bulge just below the surface. Think of it as a subsurface buzzbait. When fish are very active and feeding high in the water column, this can be explosive. Also, it is useful if you need to keep the spinnerbait above cover like submerged weeds. Spinnerbaits with willow leaf blades are generally best for this technique.
Slow Rolling a Spinnerbait
Slow rolling a spinnerbait is the opposite of burning it in. Instead, you’re trying to reel it in as slow as possible where it will stay upright and functional. This is a great technique in the height of summer when bass go deep. A Colorado blade can help here because it has more lift which is useful at the slow speeds. I’ve caught some huge bass doing this when nothing else worked in the summer.
Trolling with Spinnerbaits
Spinnerbaits are fantastic lures for shallow water trolling. I like to get my boat moving the speed I want (usually between 2.5 and 3.5mph) and then toss a spinnerbait out as far as I can cast it. If I need to, I’ll let out a little more line at a time until I’m set up the way I want. I wrote an entire article about trolling for chain pickerel that uses this technique. You might find it helpful.
How Do I Get More Bass on My Spinnerbait
The best tip I can give you for catching more bass (or any fish, really) on your spinnerbait came from Kevin Van Dam. He’s one of the greatest fishermen of all time and is specifically a “power fisherman” which means he likes to cover a lot of water. One thing I learned from a very early book of his was to give your retrieve a little “pop” here and there, just to throw some variation in. Basically, reel in your spinnerbait, but every now and then give your rod tip a little pop or twitch. Very often, this will trigger a following fish to strike.
Case in point, I used this technique on one trip with Captain Maynard, my former wife, Crystal, and my dad. Crystal and Dad were just reeling in their spinnerbaits. I was adding the pop. I out fished them significantly that day (not an easy task to do with Crystal, at all).
Someone was a little jealous of my success that day.
Conclusion: The Spinnerbait is an Extremely Versatile Lure
There’s a reason spinnerbaits made the cut for the four lures you should fish with children. They’re extremely versatile, relatively safe, easy to use, and catch big fish! You can burn them in or slow roll them. You can work them in open water or around cover. They’re relatively weedless and unlikely to snag. There is nothing about them that isn’t amazing and the biggest problem most anglers have with them is they catch too many pike and pickerel!
If you haven’t used spinnerbaits, you owe yourself to try them. Please leave a comment or send me an email and let me know how it worked out!
Crankbaits are a fantastic fishing lure with one major problem: How to store them. Their treble hooks make it difficult to keep crankbaits from tangling, and can even lead to getting pricked while trying to retrieve them. What we should all be able to agree on is not to do what my father does: do not use a plastic bag for crankbait storage, unless you want to practice taking hooks out of your hand.
The problem is that even storing two crankbaits next to each other runs the risk of their hooks tangling. However, they’re such good lures that one is never enough! You have a few different options to organize your crankbaits to keep them from tangling. The first is to do something about the hooks, and the second is to find an organizer that allows them all their own spot.
This storage case isn’t too bad, but the crankbait hooks will definitely tangle. Consider a dedicated crankbait organizer to make your life easier.
Your first option to store your crankbaits is to do something about their hooks. After all, the reason they’re such a pain to store is because the treble hooks tangle with each other. If you prevent this then obviously, you’ll stop your crankbaits from tangling.
Multiple companies sell products that fit onto crankbait hooks. There are some advantages and disadvantages:
Advantages
Disadvantages
* You can use the tackle storage you already have, such as a tackle box * They are an inexpensive option * They allow you to store multiple plugs in one tackle box divider.
* Crankbait hook covers take up space. * It is easy to lose these small parts. * They take time to put on and take off.
If this looks like an idea that’s up your alley, you might try the following products, all of which can be found at Amazon:
Hook Bonnets
Hook bonnets, like the treble hook protectors in the imagine below, work by letting you simply slide your treble hooks into them. They are quite inexpensive (click the picture for the price) and they allow you to keep multiple crankbaits in one storage area of your tackle box.
If you want something a little bit more secure, THKFISH makes treble hook covers with a locking mechanism. You can purchase these crankbait hook covers at Amazon, and may find them a better option when fishing with kids. I’ve used some of the non-locking ones before, and while they work alright at first, eventually they wear out a bit and fall off easily. This product by THKFISH solves that problem.
Fishing Lure Wraps
While hook bonnets and covers are fine for using in a tackle box, they aren’t so useful if you’re keeping things light and walking around with some lures in your pocket. Instead, consider these fishing lure wraps. Lightweight, durable, and with a see through sleave, you can carry your crankbaits without fear of them tangling. They’re also handy if you’re walking with a few rods or even keeping them in a rod locker as you’ll prevent your crankbait hooks from tangling on each other in storage.
Ever wonder what the difference is between jerkbaits and crankbaits? Read this article to find out!
Crankbait Storage Tackle Boxes
Nowadays there are several manufacturers who make dedicated crankbait storage tackle boxes. While some of the options are pricy, they offer the solution of being very organized and also safe as they have a cover. Some of the other options for storing crankbaits (like the Styrofoam I’ll discuss in a bit) isn’t very safe. Dedicated crankbait storage tackle boxes are.
If you’re the organized type who wants to keep their crankbaits from tangling with a dedicated storage system, consider these options:
Bass Mafia Bait Coffin
I might as well start with the best. While expensive, Bass Mafia makes what I believe to be the finest tackle boxes on earth. They are built to standard sizes (such as 3700) which enables them to fit in your current tackle bag or boat storage, but they’re built to a significantly higher quality than their competitors. Extremely durable and crush proof, these boxes seal up considerably better than standard boxes and have a quality you can feel in your hands.
Frankly, if you haven’t tried these, you must. Further, if you’re trying to shop for an angler, this is the sort of gift that might be a little too much for them to splurge on for themselves but would be an absolute hit of a gift.
You can purchase a standard bait coffin in 3700 size here, or if you’d prefer to use a larger one for deeper crankbaits with big lips, you can go for the 3700DD instead. I personally have one of these for my terminal tackle storage and it is hands down the favorite tackle box I’ve ever owned.
Plano EDGE Flex Crankbait 3700 Premium Utility Box
Another product that is fantastic is the Plano Edge Flex Crankbait 3700 Premium Utility Box that you can purchase at Amazon. You really should follow the link and watch the video demonstration to see this box in action. It has a totally different storage system than usual. Basically, there are a series of bristles, almost, that secure your crankbaits and keep them from tangling with each other. As an added plus, this keeps them up in the air somewhat, which helps to prevent your crankbait hooks from rusting.
Given that these also come in standard 3700 size, they will likely fit whatever current tackle bag or such you’re using.
Flambeau Outdoors Zerust MAX 5007ZM Tuff Tainer
Your other option for crankbait storage is a traditional tackle tray. While this won’t do much to keep your hooks from getting tangled (at least not if you put numerous crankbaits in one compartment), it will keep them from pricking your hands.
If you go with this option, I’d recommend getting a Flambeau case as they are coated with a special substance that helps prevent rust buildup. It’s one thing to get jabbed by a treble hook. It’s quite another if the treble hook is rusty!
The Low Tech Solution: Styrofoam Crankbait Storage
That extra Styrofoam that showed up in your last Amazon prime delivery makes a great crankbait storage option. It’s your cheapest option given you already have plenty of it, you can cut it to whatever size you want, and if you get too excited and knock it overboard, it will even float. The only downside is that some of your hooks will be exposed, so it can be a little dangerous, especially around kids and dogs.
To use Styrofoam to store crankbaits, just jab one of their hooks into it. If you put one point from each treble hook into the foam, you’re guaranteed to prevent your crankbaits from tangling.
It’s not the fanciest solution and it does have its drawbacks, but it is by far the cheapest, especially if you’re fishing from a boat where you can secure a few of these carboard strips somewhere out of the way.
It might not win any beauty pageants, but good ol’ Styrofoam does the trick for keeping your crankbaits from tangling.
Other Options… The Plastic Bag.
No, I’m kidding. Under no circumstances do that. Dad does, and every year I have to help him get a hook out of his hands. It wouldn’t be so bad if he didn’t put the plastic bag in his pocket and forget about it, but still.
I hope you found this article helpful. Again, while I don’t usually throw too many crankbaits around kids just because of how dangerous they can be, at the very least, organizing your crankbaits appropriately will prevent accidents and keep them from tangling. This makes investing in a good crankbait tacklebox a wise choice for any parent.
While most anglers probably use 2-6lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon line for panfish, it’s also ok to use braided fishing line in many circumstances. Indeed, braid can be one of the best types of fishing line for panfish such as sunfish, yellow perch, or bream, and can be a cost-effective alternative to monofilament and fluorocarbon. If you want to use braid, I’d argue that your run of the mill Power Pro is the best braid for panfish. Here’s why.
Why You Should Consider Using Braid for Panfish
I wouldn’t make the argument that braid is the “best” line for fishing specifically for panfish, but there are some good reasons to consider it. Chiefly, ease of use, enhanced line strength, and durability.
Ease of Use
So long as you properly set up your reels to prevent line slippage, braid is easy to use. In the past, many reels (and especially spinning reels) struggled with braid. This is because the line would slip on the reel and cut into itself. The way to solve this is to use some monofilament as backing rather than tying the braid directly to the reel. However, nowadays many reel manufacturers place a few strips of rubber on their reels to prevent this issue. Such types have no need for backing.
Once you get past the potential need for backing, braid is foolproof. It has no memory to create giant, loopy tangles on you, and nearly never creates wind knots for this reason. You can tie it directly to any type of lure as it is good middle ground between fluorocarbon that sinks, and monofilament that floats.
Enhanced Line Strength
Braided fishing line has greater strength per diameter than other types of line. While braid may be considered overkill for panfish, it does have one significant advantage over monofilament and fluorocarbon: if something big and exciting comes along unexpectedly, you still have a great chance of landing it!
How many times have you gone out on a fishing trip only to have “something” big break your line? While it makes for a great fishing story, it’s not a great feeling! With braided line, you can pull in as many panfish as you want while still having a chance of landing something substantial, should it bite.
Durability
While professional anglers like to change their fishing line frequently, I’ll confess that I often leave braid on for season after season. I only feel the need to change it when my spool is running low and I’m losing casting distance. This isn’t to say that I won’t retie frequently, because I will. Braid can get scuffed up along rocks and other cover. If I see it fray, I will cut 3-4′ and retie as needed.
All the same, I tend to hesitate with leaving other types of line on season over season. Fluorocarbon especially needs a change after the winter as its high memory just begs for trouble after too long. Braid on the other hand has absolutely no memory at all, so you can leave it on indefinitely. The only thing you may want to do is run a magic marker down it should it start to fade, if desired.
The Best Braid for Panfish
In my opinion the best braid for panfish is PowerPro in 15-20lb test. While I’ve tried some other products, such as their SuperSlick series, I have most confidence in the original. The SuperSlick is a bit too thin for my liking and I’ve found that the fibers catch on everything.
While you could use a lighter pound test, there isn’t much point when using braid, as its diameter is smaller than comparative mono or fluorocarbon. Frankly, I’ve found that the smaller the pound test with braid, the more difficult it becomes to utilize. The only time I’d consider using a smaller pound test is if I was fishing with an ultra light rod. If you’re not careful, you could break it using too strong of line. I wrote a post specifically about if braided fishing line would damage your rod, if you’re concerned.
Simple and effective, PowerPro is my favorite braided fishing line by far.
Using a Leader
Braid’s visibility can be a concern in very clear water. If this is where you’re fishing, consider using a leader. The leader can either be fluorocarbon or monofilament. You also may wish to consider using fluorocarbon if you’re fishing near rocks, jetties, or docks. Fluorocarbon can be more abrasion resistant than braid, which comes in handy.
I like to tie my leaders on using a double unit knot. I wrote a post about how to make a fishing leader that you may find helpful. This video by Fishthatwontquit also does a good job of explaining how to do so.
Alternatives to Using Braid for Panfish
If you don’t wish to use braid, most folks would agree that monofilament or fluorocarbon in the 2-6lb test range is your best bet when fishing for panfish. I personally like Berkely Trilene XL for monofilament, and Seaguar Invizx for fluorocarbon.
Trilene XL is tried and true, as I’ve used it since I was a child. It is easy to tie, strong, inexpensive, and does the trick. It’s my favorite fishing line for all of my kids’ rods for these reasons.
Fluorocarbon can be difficult to deal with because of its high memory. Seaguar Invizx has substantially less memory which makes it easier to handle. I’ve had no issues with this brand and have caught some extremely large fish on low pound tests. I personally use this on my drop shot rod as well as all my cranking sticks.
Conclusions
While it certainly isn’t the first line most folks would think to use, braid is fine when fishing for panfish. In murky waters, most won’t even notice it, and if its visibility is a concern, you can use a leader. Its strong enough to easily handle any yellow perch or crappie, and also can handle the occasional bass or pike that hits your worm. So long as you aren’t using an ultralight rod that could be damaged by it, it might be just the ticket for your next fishing trip.
It’s always a challenge to buy something for a hobbyist and fishing is no different. You need to find a fishing gift idea they’ll actually appreciate and find useful. If you yourself know nothing of the hobby, this can be extremely challenging. Luckily for you, I can help you out.
In this post, I’ll explain the why behind why certain items make a great gift in some detail. We’ll talk about practical fishing gifts (the fishing equivalent of “socks”), what to buy if you really want to “wow” someone, and also some cool gift ideas (think, the kind of stuff he/she probably wants to try, but doesn’t want to spend their own money on). My goal is to let you know the sort of gifts every fisherman wants so you can get them something they’ll actually use and in some cases treasure.
Practical Fishing Gifts
There are certain fishing gifts that are basically the equivalent of “socks and underwear.” While they aren’t exactly “cool” fishing gifts, there is something to be said for practical items that are guaranteed to be used. These are the sort of items that every angler needs, and that most anglers have to stock up on year over year. While you aren’t going to take their breath away with any of these, you might just get some brownie points for actually knowing what these items are, and why they’re important.
O-Rings
If you have a bass fisherman in the family, they can never have enough o-rings. These are little rubber circles that are meant to keep artificial worms on the hook longer during the wacky-rig technique. O-rings prevent the worm from falling off the hook easily. This means that one gets much more use out of the lure. Given that the better plastic worms are fairly expensive, o-rings are a great item for any tackle box.
If you need further proof of how much people love these, I earn more frequent commissions on the sale of o-rings than other item I talk about on this blog. This is a guaranteed win. You can purchase a large set of o-rings plus an extremely handy tool to put them on with at Amazon. This is also an obscure enough gift that the recipient is going to know that you put some time into thinking about. There’s simply no way you’d come up with this without research. So, it’s practical, but it’s also extremely thoughtful. That’s a great fishing gift if you ask me.
Sinkers
Sinkers are weighted objects that are used to “sink” a lure or presentation down to the bottom where fish are lurking. They are extremely useful, found in darn near every tackle box, and are lost exceptionally frequently. Very often, your favorite angler is going to go through 6 or 7 of these in a bad hour. While not an “exciting” fishing gift, they are the epitome of practical, and make a great stocking stuffer.
While sinkers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, you’ll find that most freshwater anglers want to use the smallest sinker possible the conditions allow. 1/8 ounce or even less is a very common size, especially if the recipient spends most of their time on lakes or ponds.
Sinkers are made from various materials with the two most common being lead and tungsten. Tungsten is more expensive, but also the better gift for a few reasons. The most important of these is that some states, such as Massachusetts, actually ban lead sinkers. Keep it legal and buy your favorite angler the good stuff. You can purchase some tungsten sinkers at this link on Amazon to get you started.
Pliers
OK, so the first two items mentioned are somewhat circumstantial. Pliers aren’t. Literally every fisherman on earth needs several pairs of these, and they often are accidentally lost overboard. A good, high-quality set of pliers is also one of those things that are just great to hold. It’s like anything else, really. Think about your hobby and the common tools required in it. Have you ever had a higher quality version? Hasn’t it made a difference? Well, pliers do too. One of the more annoying things in life is trying to take a hook out of a struggling fish with pliers that aren’t well suited to the task.
When searching for a pair of pliers, look for ones that are needle nosed, have a good grip, and are long enough that they can go into a fish’s mouth with endangering the angler. An added plus is if the pliers have a little “tooth” at the top that is used for opening split rings. This allows you to easily change out hooks on lures. I personally love these pliers from Rapala. They’re the perfect size, have a good grip, can be used with split rings, and are easy to open. They’re quite comfortable and while you do pay a premium, it’s totally worth it.
Special Fishing Gifts
A “special” fishing gift is basically a premium upgrade of items the recipient ever has. Think of it like this – they always had a car with a cloth interior and now you’ve bought them a vehicle with heated leather seats. That’s kind of the idea here. You want to buy them a nicer version of what they already have. this ensures that they use it more often than what they already own. The two obvious choices are fishing rods and fishing reels.
Buying a Fishing Rod or Reel as a Gift
Let me just start by saying if you’re not careful you can really mess this up. There are several types of fishing rods out there and not everyone uses them all. The two most common are spinning rods/reels and baitcasting or casting rods/reels. They are extremely different and you need to pick the right one, or else you’re buying something that may never be used.
The photo below is of a baitcaster (left) and spinning reel (right). If possible, check out the recipient’s current gear and get them whatever they’re already using. If they have both, the world is your oyster, I suppose.
A baitcaster (left) is more difficult to use than a spinning reel (right), but also is a better choice for certain lures and techniques.
How to Choose the Right Rod or Reel as a Present
My best advice for how you should pick out a rod or reel as a fishing gift is to go look at what the recipient already has. Note the brand and model they’re using. Is it consistent?. Many anglers are very devoted to certain brands. For example, I’m a St. Croix guy. I know and trust the brand and tend to use it more or less exclusively, with few exceptions.
What you want to do is look on the blank (the rod section right above the handle) and take note of the information you find there. It will tell you the brand and model. For example, in the photo above, the rod on the left is a St. Croix (brand) Avid (model). See what rods the recipient already has and then go to the manufacturer’s website and see where it lands “on the totem pole.” For example, while still an awesome choice, a St. Croix Avid is “lesser” than a St. Croix Legend Elite. If you want your rod to be a very memorable fishing gift, buy a line or two up.
You can do the same thing with reels as folks will again tend to buy the same brand. You can again go to the manufacturer’s website and find the line or two up. They’re often listed in order, but a general guide is more expensive = “better”. Yes, I know that will spark a debate, but it’s a fair starting point.
A Critical Consideration When Buying a Baitcaster
If you’ve determined that the recipient uses a baitcasting reel, you must identify if they use a right or left handed retrieve. Unlike spinning reels, which usually are interchangeable, baitcasters come in “righty” and “lefty” models. Trust me, there are few things more unpleasant than having to fish with the wrong one. The difference between the two is simple. Whichever side the reel handle (the part you turn) is on is the side of the retrieve. You determine this by looking down at the reel. Lay it flat so the top (where you can see the line) is, well, on top. If the reel handle is on the left of the reel (as it is in the photo below), the reel is a left hand retrieve. Don’t buy the wrong one!
Make darn certain that you buy the correct baitcaster as it is very frustrating using one with the “wrong” hand.
Cool Fishing Gifts
I’d define “cool” fishing gifts as those items that most of us want but few of us actually want to spend our own money on. These would either be “splurges” or just items that would be nice to have, but not totally necessary. Sometimes that sort of thing makes the best gift.
Life Jacket
Everyone who fishes on a boat should use a life jacket. They’re the law in some circumstances, and a great idea in all others. The problem is the less expensive life jackets tend to be clunky, hot, and uncomfortable.
Mustang Survival is a life jacket brand that has solved all three of these problems. They sell high quality life jackets that have a very low profile normally, but automatically inflate when submerged in water. They are pricey but completely, 100% worth it. They’re lightweight enough that you really don’t even notice them except on the most scorching hot days, which means there’s a good chance you’ll keep them on.
Stuff happens out there. People trip, irresponsible boaters throw up errant wakes, stumps appear out of nowhere, as do rogue waves. Even if you’re the most responsible and grounded person on earth, one visit to a boat ramp on a holiday weekend should convince you that you can’t count on others to be so as well. Wearing a life jacket is a great piece of insurance for mishaps, and if you buy your spouse or child one that is comfortable, there’s a much greater chance they’ll keep it on.
While the particular model I’m raving about is intended for adults, it is also worth noting that Mustang Survival makes a separate (though non-inflatable) line of outstanding life jackets for children. I’ve written a lengthy review of why Mustang Survival makes the best children’s life jackets that you should check out as well.
Binoculars
You might not consider a pair of binoculars to be a “fishing gift,” per say, but let me explain why I’ve always wanted to buy them (and never have). I often fish from a boat on large bodies of water like Lake Champlain. When I’m fishing, I often have a specific spot in mind. The problem is, I frequently will drive towards my spot only to find someone on it once I get close enough to see them. This is usually after a few minutes of squinting asking myself, “is that another boat?” It’s rude just to pull up along side someone so I go and find another spot once this happens, but if I could just tell from further away that my spot was taken, I could save myself a lot of time and aggravation.
Binoculars are also useful for spotting activity, either from baitfish breaking the surface of birds on a feeding frenzy. You’ll find that most saltwater anglers have a pair for this reason, but I haven’t noticed as many freshwater fishermen taking the cue.
When buying a pair of binoculars for fishing, you don’t need to go all out for one of the more expensive hunting models. There’s really no need for the expensive range finding equipment these have. Instead, you should focus on magnification as well as size. Try to find one that is fairly powerful (so you can see further) without being gigantic (so it isn’t clunky). You wouldn’t want to hold a heavy piece of plastic and glass right next to your eyeball while bouncing across the waves. If I were going to buy myself a pair, I’d probably start with something like these ones that are lightweight and waterproof.
Power-Pole Micro Anchor
OK, so the Power-Pole Micro Anchor might just be the ultimate “I really want it but I’m never going to buy it for myself” type fishing gift. Granted, this is a highly situational fishing present because the only people who can use it are ones with small watercraft (canoes, row boats, kayaks, gheenoes), but every single person who has one of those would fall in love with this gift instantly.
A mini power pole is essentially a shallow water anchor. It is a stake that a small engine drives into the lake bottom at the push of a button. This is a much stealthier and easier way to anchor than dropping an actual one. It makes less noise, can be deployed much quicker, and actually holds you where you drop it as opposed to wherever the line lets out. Pretty much every professional bass fisherman has the “full size” models on their boat at this point in life, and every person who doesn’t have one, wants one. If my wife ever bought me one of these for my gheenoe, I think I’d probably die from joy. It would make my fishing experience that much more enjoyable.
If you do purchase this, don’t forget you’ll also need to buy the spike to make it work. There is also an optional (and convenient) battery pack and charger you can purchase.
Personalized Fishing Gifts
If you’re the kind of person who thinks that Thing’s Remembered is the most thoughtful store in the mall, then you’re probably in the market to get some sort of personalized item. Given their unique nature, I won’t really have hyperlinks for you (Google will be your friend) but I thought I’d at least toss out a few ideas of personalized fishing gifts that I’d appreciate and I’m sure the recipient would as well.
Custom Fishing Rods
If you’re in the market for getting someone something truly special, it’s hard to beat a personalized fishing gift such as a custom-made rod. There are master craftsmen across the world who specialize in rod building and can create truly beautiful works of art that are personalized to the angler. Options include having their name etched on the rod, having a custom handle made (certain types of wood are much more sensitive, for example, and can detect bites easier than “off the shelf” rods), or even having the rod created in the recipient’s favorite colors.
Personalized fishing gifts such as custom rods can be heirlooms passed down for generations. For example, I bought Dad a custom rod one year to commemorate my brother who passed away. The rod, “Steven’s Special” was built on a St. Croix Avid blank, had a nice cherry wood handle, and was adorned in the colors of Steve’s favorite sports team, the New Jersey Devils. While it is Dad’s for now, one day I’ll take custody of it until my son is old enough to pass it on to him.
While I don’t have a particular custom rod builder I work with consistently (reach out if you’re a builder who’d like to help with this!), what I can say is that if you go on a popular fishing forum such as ultimatebass or walleyecentral and ask around, you’ll have no shortage of recommendations.
I had this rod, “Steven’s Special,” custom crafted for my father to commemorate my late brother. Note the wood handle and custom colors.
Personalized Embroidery
Earlier I discussed the Mustang Survival life jacket, noting that it was expensive (but totally worth it). Well, if you added a few more dollars to that puppy and brought it to a local seamstress, you could really make it pop and turn it from “just” a super cool gift into one they’ll love for the rest of their life with one simple step: Have their name sewn on.
These life jackets have an exterior fabric to them which could accept thread and needle (carefully, so the actual inflatable isn’t punctured of course). It’s a small little touch but also one most people on the lake don’t have. Further, it gives a small degree of protection from theft, or at least makes recovery that much more likely.
The Ultimate Fishing Gift
You want to know what the ultimate fishing gift would be? If you’re as special to this person as they are to them, then what I would recommend you do is buy them a chartered fishing excursion, and go with them. Even if you hate fishing or think it’s boring, go with them. Trust me, a fishing guide will make the trip more enjoyable for both of you. Here’s why:
All the pressure is taken off of your angler. See, if you just went with them, they’d feel enormous pressure to ensure you had a good time and caught fish. Guess what? That’s the guides problem now – the two of you can just relax and have fun.
No matter how good an angler your husband/wife/kid/whatever is, that guide is probably better at finding fish on any particular day because their livelihood depends on it. This means that it’s very unlikely the day is “boring.”
You get to concentrate on each other. No one has to worry about boat control, what to do, tying lures, etc. All the two of you have to do is show up and have fun.
My wife got me a fishing charter for our honeymoon and it was one of the best memories I have of our relationship. You really can’t go wrong with this gift, assuming you get a good charter captain. Luckily for you, I have written a post describing how to choose a fishing charter so the trip goes well.
My Charter Recommendation
And, as I always mention when I talk about fishing charters – one of the best in the business is my good friend Mickey Maynard. He operates on Lake Champlain (www.lakechamplainangler.com) from about April to late October and spends the entire winter guiding in central Florida (www.largemouthcentral.com). Regardless of where you live in the country, either destination would be a fantastic gift for your favorite angler (Both Lake Champlain and Florida are renowned fishing spots that every fisherman wants to visit once before they die).
Need Other Ideas?
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that I’ve also written a few other articles with fishing gift ideas. Though specifically written to help parents buy their children fishing presents, you might find value with them. Please read my article on fishing gifts for kids or fishing gifts for babies and newborns for more ideas.
I Hope This Was Helpful!
I know it can be stressful to buy a “hobby” gift for someone else, especially if you don’t really know much about the hobby yourself. Please let me know if this article was helpful and pointed you in the right direction. I’m sure if you take my advice you’ll really impress the recipient as the gifts I’ve described are all ones that someone “in the know” would know to get. It will be obvious that you put the time in to get something practical, special, cool, or personalized for them, and they’ll truly appreciate the effort.
Best of luck to all of you. Should you need any more help don’t hesitate to send me an email. I’ll do my best to help you. Thanks!
One of my greatest fears when fishing with my children is that one of them will inadvertently catch themselves with a barbed treble hook. I’ve had to remove several from Dad because he insists on carrying crankbaits in a plastic bag in his pocket. He takes it like a champ, but I’m not sure my five-year-old fishing buddy would. So far, I’ve managed this risk by avoiding it. I simply don’t use lures with treble hooks when fishing with kids. I could, however, consider an alternative and fish with barbless hooks instead.
If you’ve ever wondered if barbless hooks are better, or if there are certain times you should use a barbless hook instead of a barbed one, read on. I’ll discuss the differences as well as the pros and cons of each to help you make a decision. Whether you’re considering them for conservation purposes or safety considerations, this article will have something for you.
What’s the Difference Between Barbed and Barbless Hooks?
A barbed hook has a backwards facing point, or barb, in addition to the main point. This acts almost as a lock, as it prevents a hook from easily falling out from the hole it created on the way into a fish’s mouth. A barbless hook lacks this backward facing point, or barb, so it only has the main point. You can purchase barbless hooks or make your own. Any barbed hook can be turned into a barbless one by filing down the barb. Some anglers suggest leaving a little “lump” in place of the barb for a bit of peace of mind, though I’d argue this is likely placebo and isn’t likely to help much.
What Does a Barbless Hook Look Like?
It might help to have a visual of what a barbless hook looks like in comparison to a barbed one. See the photo below. The hook on the right has the traditional barb. The hook on the left is barbless. That’s all there is to it – one looks like a spear and the other looks like a halberd. Note that these are the same hook, but I pinched the barb on the one on the left down with pliers.
The hook on the left was made barbless with a pair of pliers and a few good squeezes.
Do You Lose More Fish with Barbless Hooks?
Because the whole point of barbless hooks is to allow them to be removed easier, it stands to reason that you can lose more fish with barbless hooks than barbed ones. There’s just that much less holding the fish on the hook, and if they manage to create slack by jumping or thrashing, you can lose them.
Tips for Landing Fish on Barbless Hooks
No one wants to lose fish, so it can be hard to convince people to try barbless hooks. However, it’s not that hard to keep a fish on a barbless hook. You just need to keep tension on the line. If you keep constant pressure on the fish, they shouldn’t be able to throw the hook just because it doesn’t have a barb. If your line remains tight, there’s little danger in the fish throwing a barbless hook. Again, the issue is when the hook tries to back itself out, which cannot happen unless slack is introduced to the line.
Sometimes it’s helpful to look at a fishing hook like a grappling hook that you see thrown over the top of a building in the movies. When it snags, it does so because the line or rope pulling on it is tight, or taut. Now imagine if that line were suddenly dropped. The grappling hook would drop too, right? Fishing hooks (barbed or barbless) work the same way. It’s not as though a barbed hook is going to prevent this from happening, there’s just a little extra “insurance.” Thus, the simple practice of keeping pressure on the fish and the line taut at all times will reduce the number of fish lost when using barbless hooks.
Granted, with certain species (I’m looking at you, Mr. Smallmouth), keeping pressure on a fish is easier said than done. Still, the other benefits of barbless hooks make this a worthy effort.
Do Professional Fishermen Use These?
Yes and no. If you’re thinking of professional bass fishermen, there’s no rule in BASS or FLW that requires the use of barbless hooks and any angler chasing the big money in those tournaments won’t take a chance of losing a fish to use them. Interestingly though, many professional fisherman will use barbless hooks when they are pre-fishing, because they aren’t really interested in landing the fish and just want to shake them off.
Do Barbless Hooks Hurt Fish?
If fish feel pain (and studies suggest that they do), then a barbless hook isn’t going to help them, because you’re still jabbing them with a hook point. However, a barbed hook adds the complication that you might not be able to remove the hook quickly, thus prolonging the animal’s suffering. In short, yes, a barbless hook hurts fish too, but it won’t hurt them for as long as a barbed hook in most instances.
Are Barbless Hooks Actually Better for Fish?
I was truly expecting that I would be able to easily find overwhelming evidence that barbless hooks were better for fish. I couldn’t. Instead, I found this study on the effects of hook size and barbless hooks on fish injury, catch per unit effort, and fish size. The conclusions were pretty surprising. The best that the authors were willing to say is that barbless hooks decrease the amount of time it takes to release a fish. This, in theory, would also decrease fish mortality. However, they found that there was no decrease in bleeding, as that was entirely dependent on where the fish was hooked.
They also failed to find some great correlation in the decrease of fish mortality using barbless hooks. Instead, the greater issue was how deeply the fish was hooked. Those that were hooked deeper had a greater chance of dying. This led the authors to conclude that larger hooks (which were less likely to be taken deeply) were a better bet for reducing mortality.
What Should Be Used Instead?
Given the research above, if the primary reason you want to use a hook without a barbs is to reduce fish mortality, you might be going through much effort for little gain. Instead, consider using a circle hook. These hooks are much less likely to kill a fish. The reason is they are not “set” like traditional hook. Instead, they are meant to catch the edge of a fish’s mouth when reeled in.
Is It Illegal to Fish with Barbed Fishing Hooks?
While researching my article discussing whether treble hooks are illegal in all fifty states, I learned that there are several states that prohibit the use of fishing hooks with barbs in certain waters (usually trout streams). I learned that Arizona, Arkansas, Kansas, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and West Virginia all have laws on the books requiring barbless hooks in certain situations. This almost always meant while fishing for a species the state was trying to protect, such as trout, salmon, or surgeon. Often, it was only for certain streams or brooks where these species are prevalent. Make sure you check local regulations if you are fishing for these species. You might have little choice but to leave your barbed hooks at home.
How to Make Barbless Hooks
While the list is growing longer every day, there are fewer barbless hooks out there than barbed hooks. That doesn’t really matter. Any hook can be made barbless. For smaller, weaker hooks simply pinch down the barb with a sturdy set of pliers. Stronger hooks can have their barb filed down.
An issue with doing this is that if your hook came coated with any special substance, such as one that reduces corrosion, you’ve just filed it off. While I wouldn’t have a second thought about filing down a day’s worth of hooks at home, I wouldn’t recommend sitting there going through an entire season’s worth at once. You might find that they start to rust long before you can use them. Granted, you can fish with rusty hooks, but why would you want to?
Are Barbless Hooks Better for Me?
Here’s a table of some of the pros and cons of barbless vs. barbed hooks. As you can see, there are advantages for both. I’d argue that barbless hooks are better if you want to release your catch, but barbed hooks hold the advantage if you actually want to catch a fish in the first place.
Type
PROS
CONS
Barbed hooks
-Less likely to lose fish. The barb acts as “insurance” that gives you a better chance of landing a fish, even if it thrashes.
-Availability. There are far more numerous barbed hooks than barbless ones in all styles.
-Barbed hooks are fare more likely to injure fish, especially if they are gut hooked.
-They are more difficult to remove from flesh following an errant cast. You might need to visit the emergency room.
-Barbed hooks may be illegal depending on what you are fishing for, when and where.
Barbless hooks
-Barbless are safer for fish and are great if you intend to practice catch and release.
-These hooks are also better when fishing with inexperienced anglers such as children. If an accident happens, it doesn’t need to end the day.
-Penetrate deeper with less force given the lack of resistance from the barb.
-It can be more challenging to keep fish attached to a barbless hook.
-The particular hook you want to use may not come barbless and you might need to crimp or file your own.
-The research is mixed as to how much these hooks truly reduce mortality.
Should You Use Them With Kids?
You know, the reason I sat down to write this article is because I was considering if I should change up the hooks I use when I’m fishing with my kids. I don’t want them to get hooked in the first place, but if they do, I want to be able to get the hook out of them as quickly as possible.
Even so, I do need to balance that against one cold, hard fact. Fishing with children is a numbers game. You want to catch as many fish as possible, as quickly as possible. Having a fish escape, for whatever reason, is extremely undesirable. Everything that I’ve read about barbless hooks suggests that more fish will be lost with them. Taking that into consideration, I’m not so sure I’d recommend using them with kids.
On the other hand, if you want to fish crankbaits or something else with treble hooks, then barbless may be the way to go. Treble hooks are notoriously “sticky” in that they easily catch everything they shouldn’t. The last thing you need is for a kid to get jabbed. With three points on each shaft, I’d have more confidence using a barbless treble hook than a barbless single hook. Still, one of my main safety tips for fishing with kids remains to leave the crankbaits at home.
Conclusions
The type of fishing hooks you use are going to reflect your circumstances. If you’re mostly interested in landing a fish, chances are you’re going to want a barb. If you’re worried about hurting fish, you’ll prefer a hook without one. Finally, if you’re fishing an area where barbless hooks are required by law, you won’t have any choice!
So what do you think? Which fishing hooks is right for you? Leave me a comment below and tell me what you prefer!
