Fishing and Fuss Pots

[Scalem]

I was wondering how many other fishos have developed the same attention to detail as I have when it comes to fishing, and whether, collectively, all the things I habitually do, increase my success as a fisherman. From an outsiders' perspective, I could be considered to have become overly fussy, but I think there are areas where I could still learn from the experiences of other fishermen and tighten up on other aspects of the fishing game. What am I on about?

Here's some examples

• If my leader material is less than 1 meter in length, I tie on a new piece.
• If there are any abbrasions on the leader, which I look for every time I wind in, I cut out the abbrasion, and re- Tie
• I must change the colours/ patterns of plastics I am using at least 20 times in a session, seldom being satisfied that the one I am using is working the best - same goes for the weight of jighead, but to a lesser extreeme.
• If the jighead has lost its sharpness, I throw it away. I used to sit there with a little sharpening stone and try to get the tip sharp again, but if there is any doubt, I don't bother any more.
• I split 60 litres of fuel between 3 fuel containers, to evenly distribute the weight in the boat
• I ALWAYS fire the motor on the earmuffs the night before a trip, just to make sure it will work . Nothing worse than getting to the ramp only to find the batteries are flat.
• My premix 2S oil is mixed to the mililitre ratio. If the oil is not right on the measure line, I am not happy
• If the motor is not running properly, I can't relax while fishing, I am better off turning around and going home.

Too fussy? Anyone else like me?

Scalem

[jtpython]

WOW
Mate i think most of us are the same
Down to the last part of the rigs i check the rig each fish for weakness any abrasions i have rigs made up ready to replace even down to a point of the hook has to be right
Hmmmmmmm fussiness???? Maybe perfectionists
JT

[TonyM]

I wouldn't say fussy - sounds like you're just paying attention to detail which is what seems to make the biggest difference between catching and not catching fish.


Cheers
Tony

[gaintsquid]

I replace my jighead and plastic after every 2 or 3 casts, same with my leader, replace my spool of braid after every trip aswell.

[TonyM]

I replace my jighead and plastic after every 2 or 3 casts, same with my leader, replace my spool of braid after every trip aswell.

Now that's obsessive!

At least for me it would be - ouch that's gotta get expensive!

[bluefin59]

Scalem i am very similar it all has to be right , i dont think i am as pedantic as that but the night before i go i usually change leaders on mine and the wifes gear and if it gets scuffed while i am fishing i change it . The same with my jighead i put a new one on every time i go out [i usually give the misses my rejects i'v got to get the ball on my side of the court somehow] i also swap my placcies around a fair bit until i find something that is working . I also have a bad habit of checking my drag a couple of times a trip and i always fill my fuel tank even if we are only going on a short run . I find that consistantly looking at these things seems to get us the goods especially when i go on my placcie charter once a month i double check my terminal tackle and if i see a knot that is the least bit wrong or untidy i do it again until its right ...matt

[Scalem]

I replace my jighead and plastic after every 2 or 3 casts, same with my leader, replace my spool of braid after every trip aswell.

After every trip?????

Geez, let me introduce you to my favourite tackle store , they will give me even more discounts for introducing you!!

I thought of another that costs me money. If a plastic is not perfectly straight, I tend not to use them.

And .... I get wet each time I wash the trailer down, forcing fresh water up into the drain holes, particularly at the transom end.

Scalem

[johno r]

gaintsquid can i have your old braid that you replace after every trip ? I have braid that is still in use and over 2 years old and still goeing strong dont through it away

[tunaticer]

I simply make sure my leaders and knots are good, I change plastics seldom as I know the range that I have rigged up for a run will work if presented right. I take 3 rods with 3 different plastics, thats my range. I do have a few dozen others in the tackle box but never seem to need to reach for them.

My old dunger 2st outboard will and does happily convert almost any mixture of fuel into some form of disgusting smog and noise and still run happily so im not overly fussed with the mixture ratio as long as it is within 5% of the mixture ratio my motor and i am happy.

Biggest thing I have learned above anything else is the right presentation and controlling the drift. Unless that is worked out for the day buckleys has a better chance than me.

Some of my braids are 5 yrs old and still keeping good knot strenght and holding about the same breaking strains. I have cycled through a lot of "advised" brands and discarded them as they were not to my preferences tho.

Being pedantic or taking the extra initiative to get your target is worthwhile, but for me, my systems work and I do not put a great deal of effort into being perfect apart from knots leaders and lines.

Jack.

[RAT-KING]

I replace my jighead and plastic after every 2 or 3 casts, same with my leader, replace my spool of braid after every trip aswell.

Changing ur jig head every few casts ud spend more time tying knots than fishing!!!

Scalem most of wat ur saying is wat u should! do fishing with a fray in ur line is not on why spend all that time and money to hookup only to lose a good fish from lazyness!!!
But it sounds like a little bit of OCD but wat ever floats ur boat hey!!!!
Cheers Simon

[Horse]

I'm pretty relaxed about most things but get stressed about bait quality and presentation, boat position and a host of other on water factors. My gear does the job I expect it to but there is certainly no TLC apart from a quick rinse most times
Obviously frayed leaders are changed but I can go the whole day with the same leader and only change it when its too short. Jigs and placs are changed on a needs basis most times and I stick with stuff I have confidence in

[Scalem]

I'm pretty relaxed about most things but get stressed about bait quality and presentation, boat position and a host of other on water factors. My gear does the job I expect it to but there is certainly no TLC apart from a quick rinse most times

Until I found a good grease, I was taking the line guide bearing out after every trip, dowsing with Inox, repacking......

[wilcara]

Have you heard the word O-B-S-E-S-S-I-V-E ?

So, so many fishermen and their families suffer.... then go to FLY FISHERMEN - they are even SICKER!!!!!

Ahahahahahh hhhehehehh hahahhhhaaa....

[ronnien]

clean my reels every 6 months,like to have the boat so that i"m fishing onto the mark, the boat always gets washed down good, braid well......... a couple of my reels have braid that is 4yrs old & nothing wrong with it, leaders about every 5th trip they get changed if no nicks in them, hooks get me goin always making sure they are sharp,always wash & never leave the reels on the rods & every day as i walk past the boat i have to shake the fuel & make sure that there is no oil coming from behind the prop.

ron.

[BREEZE470]

I was recently diagnosed (sp) with Chronic Depression and Obessive Compulsive Disorder ...

FINALLY I have found an activity that allows me to both RELAX and feed my OCD

I too ensure everything (boat - inside & out, rods, reels, lifejackets etc.) are all washed down and dried out before packing it away. I make my hubby ensure the fuel mixtures are all ok, fuel is divided evenly to both tanks, the engine is started the night before and the morning of our boat outings.