There are dozens of different methods for rigging a fishing line for sport on ponds, lakes and rivers. Traditional rigs like the "Carolina" and "Texas" rigs are quick to master. But there are general tips for preparing fishing lined that are just as important to know.
Knots
Because nylon lines are so prevalent these days, the typical knots we learned to tie in school or Scouting won't work as well with fine, slippery nylon filaments. Tying a knot badly can mean the difference between landing that big catch, or losing him at the side of the boat because your knot finally gave out. Practice tying a really secure knot: start with a traditional shoe-tying loop and twist--- then wrap the free hand part of the line around the line that is attached to the pole, three times---before threading the end of the line through the "wraps" and then through the loop. Pull the loops and wraps closed and trim off any extra line with clippers.
Fishing Line
The smallest nick or stress in a lightweight nylon fishing line can snap under the stress of a fighting 8 lb. trophy bass. Learn to inspect your line visually, and feel it with your thumb as you reel line back in, to detect any line faults. Cut out any line that you don't trust: better safe than really sorry.
Hooks
Hooks, with their barbed ends, are painful and tedious to disengage from human flesh. Secure all lures and lines when they aren't in the water. Space fishing partners out so an errant cast won't snag a scalp. Get out of the line of fire if someone is pulling at a fishing line to undo a snag: when the hook finally gives, it will shoot straight back towards the fishing party with frightening speed.
Weights
Sinkers and weights are important for proper "presentation" of certain baits. Learn how much weight to add to certain lures and baits to make them behave in an attractive fashion. For example, use a slipping bullet-shaped weight at the head of plastic worm and hook rig to give the lure sufficient weight to cast, and to make the plastic worm appear to float above the bottom. Use a small shot sinker to make a bobber line "stand up" straight in the water.
Easy Come, Easy Go
The reality that all experienced fishermen know is that you're bound to loose lures. Overhead tree branches, underwater stumps and rocks can grab a lure and insist on keeping it. In some cases, you must be prepared to "cut bait" and let the lure go. It does not make sense for beginning fishermen to buy expensive lures: you can lose $40 worth of expensive lures in one afternoon of frustration. Start with reasonably or "bargain" priced lures, matched with a great rod and reel.
Keeping It Real
"Tackle" and "rigging" isn't everything. You can catch a trophy fish on nothing but a length of line and a hook--as long as you're using the bait the fish is hungry for and you present the bait in a natural manner. Learn how to present lures and baits in a way that will convince the fish he's not being stalked. This takes study of fish behaviors and an awareness of nature. How crayfish scuttle, how frogs swim, how worms float, how minnows flash--this knowledge is the most important "rigging" you can use while fishing.
References
- "Roland Martin's 101 Bass-Catching Secrets"; Roland Martin; 2008
- "The Complete Book of Fishing Knots"; Geoffrey Budworth; 1999
- "Baits, Rigs, and Tackle"; Vic Dunaway; 2002
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