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Q. Old Master, I read a lot of articles that suggested keeping your hooks sharp.
I know how to sharpen knives but how do you
sharpen hooks?
A. There are several ways to sharpen hooks. First get a GOOD metal file (sold at any good tackle shop).
Grasp the hook shank with a pliers and hold tightly. Press the file against one
side of the triangular point (newer hooks might be round). Work the file against
each side of the triangle and once or twice lightly across the top of the point.
If the point is round just keep working the file around the point until you are
satisfied.
Always work the file in the same direction. I like to work the file away from
me. Many think it is better to work the file towards you.
Test the sharpness of the point by pressing the hook against the back of your
nail. If the hook is sharp it will "stick" to the nail.
Another good technique is to use a knife sharpening stone and work the point of
the hook against the stone until the hook is sharpened. You can buy a stone with
a groove cut into it. The hook is sharpened by passing the hook back and forth
in the groove. Tackle stores sell this stone. They're very good and quite
reasonably priced.
The metal file comes with a plastic handle and sells for 7 to 10 dollars.
Automobile supply stores sell small "points" files. This small metal
file is excellent but rusts easily.
New hooks sold these days are extremely sharp. Most of them are Japanese but
some American companies provide a product that is just as good. These newer
hooks are much more expensive but worth the price
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Q. Old Master, I recently purchased an 18' MAKO with a Suzuki 1984 140 HP motor. It is running well but I've had trouble finding a
Suzuki dealer that can supply parts for it in the Long Island or New York metro area. Do you know of anyone? Any help is appreciated.
A. The problem of finding a reliable outboard repair man is always difficult. If
you call the main office of Suzuki, I'm certain that they will refer you to one
of their dealers. I am surprised that there is no one in the Freeport area of
Long Island or in the City Island area of the Bronx.
A GREAT marine mechanic is Joe Ciervo. He can be reached at 718-373-9423. He
doesn't usually handle outboards but he's a very, very good honest marine
mechanic. Tell him I referred you to him. Good luck!
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Q. Old Master, I have read your latest question and answer [about flies] and there is something that I am not too clear about: If I put a
worm on my fly, am I twice as likely to catch something?
A. The idea of putting a worm on a fly is anathema to all sincere fly fishermen, but as the saying goes, "there is always one...". I have done this dastardly deed on occasion when I had been frustrated with unadorned flies and I must say that the results were great! So when I'm fishing and there's no one around, I do like to occasionally tip my fly with a worm.
SSSh-h-h-h-h-h-...
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Q. Old Master, why do I get so many backlashes
when I cast?
A. There are several reasons why backlashes occur. I assume you are referring to bait casting, not spinning or fly casting.
First a definition: Backlash - tangle of line on a baitcasting reel due to spool overrun.
When you cast, your thumb must exert gentle pressure on the spool as the line is going out. When the lure or the bait hits the water you must IMMEDIATELY stop the spool turning by clamping down on the spool. If you don't, the spool will keep turning and a backlash results.
When you cast, the weight of what you are casting is a factor. If the lure or bait is too light, you must press harder against the spool and prevent the spool from overrunning... the heavier the line while casting, the greater is the tendency to backlash.
When using lighter lines, careful attention must be paid to the gentle pressure of the thumb against the spool while the line is running out. If you are using monofilament, be sure that the line you are using is SOFT or LIMP.
At the end of the day's fishing run the line out behind the moving boat (like you do with spinning lines). This will help keep the line straight and less likely to create a backlash.
Lastly, to prevent backlashes you could always use one of the modern bait casting reels with various devices that automatically prevent backlashes . These devices take the place of thumb pressure. They are great but not perfect. Nothing can really take the place of an educated thumb. The most important thing to do to prevent backlashes is to PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE... in time you'll get the "feel" of it.
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Q. Old Master, what are your all time favorite lures and
flies? You can pick 5 in each class.
A. Lures: metal jig head with white or bright yellow bucktail. Metal jigs like the A27
...hopkins... any popping plug that really pops with ease... sinking mirrow lure with a silver finish.
Flies: mickey finn... lefty deceiver (chartreuse and white)... popping plug with red and white bucktail or feathers... streamer fly with eyes of varying material and weights (lead, etc.)... royal wulff (dry), the bestest ever.
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Q. Old Master,
what do crayfish eat?
A. Crayfish stomach's are found to contain all kinds of nymphs, some
caddis grubs and, occasionally, small fish and worms.
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Q. Old Master,
what is the best way and best tackle use to catch Barracuda?
A. There are a great many ways to catch barracuda. The best way I
know is to troll a ballyhoo past the cuda... or toss a live pilcher
to the cuda. It will not be refused. If you're using lures, a surface
popper
or an 8 inch green or red rubber tube lure on a curved wire will give tantalizing
action. Rapala type lures are also good. They can be used trolled or cast to the
fish. Retrieve the tube lure FAST because the cuda will catch up to it.
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Q. Old Master,
where can I get information on the value of old
lures. A friend gave me a couple dozen old lures of various sizes and I want to be sure he hasn't given me lures of great value
unintentionally.
A. Old lures have value depending on the buyer's desire to own the
item. You may have a lure that seems worthless yet it may bring a fine price on the market.
Fresh water lures like the Jittebug, the Crazy
Crawler, the original Pikey Minnow or Hula Popper and many others have value to some angler collectors.
Value varies with the lure condition, the original box, etc. You never know the value until some one looks at it and makes an offer that may surprise you.
A few years ago I saw a Crazy Crawler, red and
white in perfect condition in the original box. I offered $5 and was refused. I wound
up paying $25 and was glad to add it to my collection. You never know.
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Q. Old Master,
I want to
shock worms up out the ground I'm very
knowledgeable in AC current.
A. I think "shocking" worms is an activity for
idiots... and you do not sound like one. Do it the old fashioned way.
Go on the lawn at night, take a flashlight, find the worms spread out on the
grass and then pounce on the unsuspecting thing before it can go back in its
hole. Then pull SLOWLY AND STEADILY until you have it. Put them into a dirty old can and you're in
business.
It's best if you sprinkle the lawn with a little bit of water an hour or so before you start
out. This is a very rewarding activity ..and much less involved than spreading electric volts.
I have done it with my kids for the past many years and believe me this technique is fun and it works.
There is one complication, the neighbors may call the cops and have you arrested as an intruder.
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Q. Old Master, what is the name for a
perch-like gamefish?
A. There are a few fish that look something like
perch. The walleyed pike is one. It has a yellow coloring and configuration.
The African tigerfish is another, although it gets much large than the perch.
In salt water the common "Sand Perch" and Snapper also look like the perch.
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Q. Old Master,
what is the difference between a spinning reel and a
baitcasting reel?
A. The main difference is this... the line comes off the bait casting reel because the spool turns
thus causing the line to run off the turning spool. With the spinning reel, the spool
does not turn. The line peels off of the spool and the spool remains
stationary.
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Q. Old Master, how do you
remove a hook quickly?
A. I debarb all of my hooks with pliers. This makes removal of the hooks much quicker and
easier. The best way to remove a normal barbed hooks is to grab the hook by the shaft near the curved
part. While holding the hook firmly, turn it so that the point of the hook faces the
ground. Keeping it in this position, give the hook a little shake and the fish will almost wiggle off the hook without you having to touch it.
In fish without teeth, put your thumb in its mouth and grab the lower jaw firmly.
With your other hand (or with pliers), work the hook back through the hole made by the hook.
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topics]
Q. Old Master,
should I use a stiff
rod or limp rod when I fish for small and large mouth bass?
A. You should use a limp rod because it makes for much easier casting for bass.
Of course, you have to be more careful when you strike a fish using a limp rod.
And you never have to strike too hard... just a series of short jerks will do the trick
fine. Also, with the new circle hooks you can set the hook by just raising the rod
without striking the fish.
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Q. Old Master,
I'm looking for catfish home-made
bait recipes.
A. There are as many cat fish baits as there are catfish
anglers. Over the years I've been given at least 2 dozen recipes that are guaranteed to work on catfsih.
One of the best is still the lowly bundle of wriggly worms on a hook and fished off the bottom.
Corn meal balls and chunks of perch belly have also worked pretty good.
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Q. Old Master, are
bass hard fish to
catch?
A. Bass are not hard to a catch if you take the time to learn about the better baits to use.
The best bait for catching bass in small creeks is small shiners fished near the bottom.
The best lure too use is a small spinner, either a CPC or a Mepps. They can be
bought at any tackle shop.
P.S. - The best time to go bass fishing in
freshwater would be the hours just before dark when the waters are still and the bass are
looking for something to eat. Daybreak is always excellent but who wants to get up so early?
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Q. Old Master,
what's the best way to
catch brim?
A. The best way to catch brim is to use a small spinner like the Mepps spinner or the
CPC spinner. Cast it out, let it sink for a second or two and then wind slow and
steady.
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Q. Old Master,
my spinning reels were made for
6-10 lb line. Can I spool it with 4 lb and will it affect anything?
A. There's no reason why you can't use 4 lb test line BUT this fine line tends to get caught up in reels that were not just designed for thicker
lines. The 6 lb test is just as sporting. I would stick to this
line. It's just as challenging as 4 lb. What are you trying to prove with the 4 lb
line?
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Q. Old Master,
what's the best way to get rid of the
white coating that builds up on your plastic lures?
A. Use Ajax and a plastic scotch pad that is normally used for dish and pan cleaning.
Use the Ajax powder, not the liquid.
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Q. Old Master,
what are the best times to fish
small ponds and what is the best bait that you recommend?
A. The best time to fish small ponds is early in the morning or just before
dark. Best bait is a popping bug (fly rod) or a small mepps spinning lure.
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Q. Old Master,
how do you put on a new line so it does not get all
coiled up?
A. The best thing to do is to put the line on the reel carefully then get out on the water and run the line out behind the boat while moving pretty fast.
This will uncoil and straighten out the line. You should run the line out behind the boat after each days
fishing. This will keep the line straight and supple.
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Q. Old Master,
how do you cast with a
baitcasting reel? I have a Browning baitcasting reel and the ratio is
5:1. I don't even know what the ratio is for. Thanks for answering my question.
A. The ratio 5-1 mere tells you the rate of retrieve
A 2-1 ratio winds in line slower than 5-1 ratio. This is important when using a lure that requires a fast retrieve.
When using bait the ratio doesn't matter.
Regarding learning
how to cast, get a friend to show you how to use your thumb on the spool so that the spool does not overrun and cause
backlash. The proper way cast is to be sure to clamp the thumb against the
spool slowly and firmly, stopping the cast BEFORE the lure hits the water.
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Q. Old Master,
where can a person purchase commercial grade
bait tanks and supplies for a bait
store?
A. Best thing to do is to contact one of the nicer tackle places in you
area or even outside your area. They'll get the information for you.
Some of the tackle merchants are not nice so be wary.
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Q. Old Master,
can a person that is using two fishing poles let the other person hold one while he casts out the
other pole? The person holding the 1st poles doesn't have
license.
A. Nope, it's illegal.
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Q. Old Master, what is
Bone Fishing?
A. The Bonefish is famous for its strength and speed.
Found in shallow flats, usually in southern waters all over th world, it is sought after because it's very hard to catch.
It, therefore, is quite a trophy. The usual size of this species is 4-6 pounds
and occasioanlly you'll hear of a 15 pounder.
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Q. Old Master, is the
"swing tip" a thing of the past?
A. Definitely "yes".
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Q. Old Master, in fly fishing, what is the difference between a
reel and a spool?
A. The reel is the case that holds the spool. The spool holds the
line. The spool is fitted into the reel case. Broadly speaking, the "reel"
is commonly referred to as the case and the spool together.
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Q. Old Master,
I'd like to know how to keep night crawlers,
what do they eat and how do they live?
A. The best way to keep night crawlers alive is to keep
them in a roomy container with grass and a small amount of earth. Don't put them packed tight with earth.
Keep them in a cool place, a refrigerator is a good place if you have a liberal minded
wife. If not, get an igloo type cooler, put a small piece of ice in a sealed plastic bag
(like a zip lock bag). Change the ice cubes every day.
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