Advice?

[FlyFishinYakr]

Originally Posted by janines.fishtales@cox.net

Ok guys, time to get this thread started again. This is what I have been up to in planning for my trip:

I have got a pretty good handle on the RP knot for braid to fluoro/mono. I've used it, its easy to tie, and it works. This will be my go to knot for this application.

I have learned my go to knot for mono/fluoro to hook will be the improved clinch. I was taught this knot from the very beginning and it works for me. I have confidence in it and I can tie it quickly.

My thoughts on braid.... I think it is a necessary evil! I tried it and I don't like using braid straight to fluoro top shot. I don't like casting the braid, it's kind of touchy casting wise. So, I will use braid as backing, then mono to a 3-5' top shot of fluoro. Thoughts?

Rods... I think I have (and let me know if this is overkill) about ten rods/reels. Here is the line up: 1 light bass type outfit, 2 20-25# outfits, 3 30-40#, 1 surface iron, 1 40-50# with a two speed reel, and 2 50-60#.

As far as misc tackle, I will have extra mono and fluoro, weights from light rubber core and egg sinkers to varying sizes of torpedos. I will have light and heavy irons, a squid jig, varying sabikis and that's it I think.

So, am I on the right track here? I have gotten some good advice from you guys and I appreciate it.

Janine

Sounds like you did your homework.
I have some thoughts on some of your concerns.
Don't forget sunscreen!!!
You might want to pack some reel oil/grease for emergencies (optional if you know how to service reels).
If your not going to 'use' braid then why use it as backing (not meant to be sarcastic!), just go straight mono with a fluoro leader. Why take a chance on losing a fish on an unnecessary (IMO) knot? Plus with the price of braid, why pay for something that you don't plan on relying on? Plus it will take twice as much (or so) to fill as mono!
Also in one of your previous comments, if your going to use Mustads then I'd suggest buying a hook file. The reason most people will purchase the "Gucci" hooks is because they come out of the package needle sharp.
Do the fingernail test (old school) on a couple of hooks. Lightly stick a hook into a fingernail and pull (preferably thumb) and see if it "sticks" if it doesn't then you need to sharpen it until it does. When you do use the triangle style of shape.
I learned to do this decades ago and now since Mustad 34007 SS hooks are my go to fly hooks I keep one handy in my tackle box (7691ss are also my favorites for my single hook replacements for my jigs).
Here's a title search for a 4" hook file on eBay (I just bought one!).
4" Hook File W/ Handle High-Carbon Steel Cutting Edge +STANLESS ICE PICK. Offer 7.50, it should be accepted (mine was)!
Just my thoughts,
FFY

[janines.fishtales@cox.net]

Originally Posted by FlyFishinYakr

Sounds like you did your homework.
I have some thoughts on some of your concerns.
Don't forget sunscreen!!!
You might want to pack some reel oil/grease for emergencies (optional if you know how to service reels).
If your not going to 'use' braid then why use it as backing (not meant to be sarcastic!), just go straight mono with a fluoro leader. Why take a chance on losing a fish on an unnecessary (IMO) knot? Plus with the price of braid, why pay for something that you don't plan on relying on? Plus it will take twice as much (or so) to fill as mono!
Also in one of your previous comments, if your going to use Mustads then I'd suggest buying a hook file. The reason most people will purchase the "Gucci" hooks is because they come out of the package needle sharp.
Do the fingernail test (old school) on a couple of hooks. Lightly stick a hook into a fingernail and pull (preferably thumb) and see if it "sticks" if it doesn't then you need to sharpen it until it does. When you do use the triangle style of shape.
I learned to do this decades ago and now since Mustad 34007 SS hooks are my go to fly hooks I keep one handy in my tackle box (7691ss are also my favorites for my single hook replacements for my jigs).
Here's a title search for a 4" hook file on eBay (I just bought one!).
4" Hook File W/ Handle High-Carbon Steel Cutting Edge +STANLESS ICE PICK. Offer 7.50, it should be accepted (mine was)!
Just my thoughts,
FFY

As far as why braid, I have it already and I will try it on a couple of rods. But I agree, if I am comfy with mono, then mono it will be. I will look into those Mustads you are talking about. Thank you again, I depend on the good advice for such a once in a lifetime trip! Means a lot to me, and I love this community for just this reason!

Janine

[FlyFishinYakr]

Originally Posted by janines.fishtales@cox.net

As far as why braid, I have it already and I will try it on a couple of rods. But I agree, if I am comfy with mono, then mono it will be. I will look into those Mustads you are talking about. Thank you again, I depend on the good advice for such a once in a lifetime trip! Means a lot to me, and I love this community for just this reason!

Janine

Janine, I just want to clarify the issues of hooks. I wasn't recommending the 34007 SS hooks as bait hooks. I use them for tying flies.
Personally I exclusively use (the "Gucci") Owner Mutu or Super Mutu hooks for bait. I rarely use J-hooks anymore as the mortality rate for gut hooked fish is very poor and circle hooks normally catch in the corner of the mouth. So if I catch a fish I don't feel is big enough to keep I can release it fairly confidant that a release won't be fatal.

I also was going through one of my Long Range boxes and remembered that during an El Niño year ('83 I think) I was on a 7-day trip and we ran down south and ran into a school of Wahoo mixed in with some Tuna .
I lost a number of fish on bait and a couple jigs , so now I keep at least one spool of single strand wire (45# for 40-60# bait/jig tossing) and a couple welded rings in my box. You might want to see if any boats have run into any further north than normal otherwise don't worry about it. (This was just an afterthought!)
Other than that I wish you tight lines, all day action/stops and hefty limits,
FFY.

[janines.fishtales@cox.net]

Again boys, thanks for all the advice. My trip takes off tomorrow at 1100. I know it will be a blast. I feel like I am prepared thanks to all of you. I have been putting lines on reels, packing tackle, packing everything for six days. If I don't have it, oh well! I will report back soon...

Janine