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Standardizing your stuff
by: John Stevens 8/4/2012
Probably every one of us has a collection of fishing"stuff" that we find growing larger and larger each season. I am one of those anglers who have purchased more "stuff" as I have learned new techniques, species, even waters to fish. One of the hard lessons that I learned early on was to standardize the primary gear as much as possible. Now, I reap the benefits of such. Early into my fishing life, spinning gear was, and still is, my primary mode. I have a dozen at least spinning reels, and they are all the same brand. I have found that having the same brand reels on any rig, that it is easier for me to make adjustments, in the dark or daylight. The drag adjustments are in the same spot, the spools interchange the same way. Maintenance becomes easier, because reels from the same manufacturer are often assembled similarly. An added benefit is that many of the reels came with spare spools. Now, I can take 1 or 2 rods with me, and as many as a dozen spare spools loaded with all different types and sizes of line to match almost any conditions I encounter. I did the same with my rods. I settled into one brand for the most part, and I like that because of the familiarity of the "feel" or the action. I now have a dozen or so of these rods, in different lengths and actions, and power. Nothing feels as good as picking up a rod, and it fits neatly into the calluses on your hand. There are always exceptions, and I do have a few specialty rods of a different brand. But, I know it everytime I pick one up immediately, even in the dark. When I first started fishing for bass, I picked up all kinds of crazy colored, different brand plastics. Grubs, worms, minnows, etc. Since then, I have standardized down to a few brands, and a few basic colors that I have found will catch bass for me if any are present. Jerkbaits.... Ahhh, now there's my weakspot! I don't think there is a hard plastic jerkbait that has been made that I don't like! I honestly have not done a good job of standardizing them yet, and probably never will. I ask myself constantly, has this lure/bait produced fish for me? If not, then why? That has helped me to thin things out a little, and not carry the whole store with me. My friends will all agree, that I carry way to much stuff with me when I fish, even after the thinning out process! Now I am contemplating some bait casting options. I have the rod choices down, but am trying to decide upon my "standard" brand of baitcaster reel, which all of my future baitcasters will be. I've narrowed it down to 2 choices, but I am not here to "push" products so I will leave the choices nameless. The point is, for me at least, it has made fishing easier knowing what each reel feels like, how it's drag reacts, how each rod loads or unloads, what they can take, and figuring out over time which lures actually produce for me rather than just taking up space in the tackle box. Hopefully, I have given some of you some things to consider. Good fishing, and I hope to see you on the water soon! Tiny
Blog content © John Stevens Member comments FISHRANGLER, CO 8/4/2012 6:20:55 AM
Good read Tiny aerofanbig, CO 8/4/2012 2:37:58 PM
Man do I ever relate to the growing collection of lures! Especially jerk baits....and they've never been huge producers for me, but I always keep trying new ones hoping eventually they'll work lol JKaboom, CO 8/5/2012 11:42:21 PM
Great write up, lots to consider - Thank you very much :) takeakidfishing, CO 8/6/2012 12:27:48 PM
Great read Tiny
When using such a small boat as I do.I have found problems with over loading my boat with gear.I mean you really have no idea what tactic or pattern you might find for each given day.Its important to use tackle one can use for many tactics.Great read as always.Something for everyone to learn from.Well unless you throw jerkbaits from Jan 1st to Dec 31st.Then not so much..lol
Thanks Tiny Coyute, CO 8/7/2012 10:52:20 AM
Good stuff. Thanks for taking the time. Dangly, CO 8/7/2012 2:22:17 PM
whoa, whoa whoa, wait a second here I see a major flaw in your thinking- you sound like you are looking to find a way to have "enough" fishing gear. Your wife is WINING fight the dark side! Never I repeat NEVER begin looking for a way to "streamline" your gear. Your better half will pick up on this and in her mind see an "end" to your gear collecting- you tread on dangerous ground my friend. John Stevens (Tiny Stevens), CO 8/8/2012 1:12:33 AM
Dangly and the rest,
First off, THANKS for reading my blogs! Secondly, I am not married anymore, so... I don't have to worry about that anymore! Thirdly... no where in the blog did I mention not BUYING more stuff.. Only not carrying as much with me! LOL
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