Light Tackle?

 

Sea Trout

 

 

 

 

Have you ever fished with light tackle? Why not? Is it because the professional bass fishermen use 35-60-pound test line? And with the exception of finesse fishing use heavy rods and reels? The difference between the average angler and the pros is that the pros make a living fishing where every pound can make or break the bank. Is that your situation? If not read on.

I’m writing this article because I had forgotten what fun light tackle can be. I was reminded one afternoon when all my rods were in use and all that was left was an ultra-light rod and reel covered in dust. I was rehooked on light tackle.

I’ve always fished lighter than my buddies, I remember the first redfish tournament I fished with my old friend Richie. I was putting my gear into his boat, when he looked at me like I was crazy. 

“That’s what you’re going to fish with?” Shaking his head.

“Yeah, why?”       

“It’s too light. Redfish aren’t bass or crappie.”

I was using a six-foot medium action rod and a comparable Abu Garica spinning reel with 10-pound test line. I told Richie not to worry about me, I know what I’m doing. At the end of the day we took second place and Richie told our competitors, “I’ve never seen anybody catch so much on such light tackle.”

Light tackle fishing runs in my family, my uncle Bill caught an 18-pound striped bass on six-pound test line out of Long Island Sound in the early 1970’s After all fishing is supposed to be fun, exciting and frustrating all at the same time. Why not feel the fish at the end of your line and truly learn the art of fishing? My dad would always tell me, “Don’t horse that fish in, boy. You’ll break the line.” So, I learned how to adjust the drag on the fly and let the fish play itself out.

Fishing light tackle requires more effort from you the angler. It’s harder to turn the fish from cover that might break you off, with a big fish you may just have to follow him up and down the dock until he is ready to rest. There are times when you may have to get a little wet and go get a fish that is stuck in cover, instead of using the strength of a heavy action rod.

Go head, I dare you. Fish light tackle just once, I guarantee you’ll be hooked. Did I mention, for Christmas my wife gave me a six-foot light action Pfluger razor tip rod and a Pfluger light Triton bait casting reel? Game on!

A nice Bass