Keep It Simple
Anglers can really get critical with terminal tackle especially when fishing offshore - I'm guilty myself. I remember sitting at home making leaders that included two swivels, a sinker, a few feet on fluorocarbon, and then the big hook. Well, I'm out one day catching mangrove snapper (grey snapper) and wasn't really cleaning up on them. I didn't think I was really heavy on the tackle, fifteen pound test on the reel, thirty pound test big game mono leader, and a 1/0 hook. Then for some reason I picked up one of my inshore outfits that had ten pound test on the reel - twenty pound test mono leader, and a number four Owner Circle hook. All I added was a small number four split shot sinker, and BAM - I started catching snapper, and grunts left and right. Soooo - here is how I now fish for spawning sheepshead, snapper, and grunts on the artificial reefs. A number four Owner Circle hook tied to the fifteen pound test line coming from the reel. I add a number four split shot sinker about two feet up from the hook. That's right - NO leader. If I notice nicks in the line I just cut off the bad part and retie the hook on - no time wasted messing with leaders. I can guarantee you will get more bites, and more fish - Keeping it Simple.
Tight Lines & Good Times, Capt. Terry Frankford
Reelin & Chillin Charters Inc.
941-228-7802
terry.frankford@verizon.net
www.charterfishingsarasota.com