May marks the beginning of that prime season when fish in Kansas are either spawning or nearly spawning. In these situations, fish move to the shallow waters where angling is easier. Here are five tips to help you get back on the water in the heat of the summer.
Tune your baitcaster
Although not as difficult as casting a fly rod, baitcasters can cause major headaches if improperly tuned. These reels consist of three major tuning components; the centrifugal brake, a spool tension knob and drag. For the sake of setting up your reel disregard the drag.
First tighten the spool tension knob until the spool cannot move laterally in the reel. Then, set the centrifugal brake to its maximum setting and cast your average bait. Start with the reel tight and back the centrifugal brake settings down until reaching the desired casting distance.
B.A.S.S. Elite series pro Britt Meyer explains: http://www.bassmaster.com/video/tuning-your-baitcaster
Check your line
Line is the only connection between an angler and fish. In this sense, line is as important to a fisherman as tires are to a motorist. Settling for worn line can cause backlash, tangles and the loss of fish.Line should be changed at least yearly. More active anglers should consider spooling new line two to three times a season after line begins to show excessive memory, the coils that won’t leave line. To prevent damage to line store rods in a room temperature environment. Heat damages the strength of many lines on the market today. Damaged line may be the number one cause of lost fish among amateur anglers.
Do a bit of homework
Check the fishing reports or talk to fellow anglers about the latest conditions on lakes you frequent. The more informed you can become, the more fish you’ll catch. Don’t settle for that same old spot unless it fits the conditions. If people are catching fish in a place you don’t often fish, give it a try. Experiments make better anglers.
Match bait to forage
If fishing artificial baits, it is vitally important to match your baits with the forage of the waterway. In Kansas most lakes main bait fish is the Shad. Knowing this, anglers should choose shad patterned crankbaits in most situations to mimic what fish are feeding on. In Kansas, stick to shad, crawfish and bluegill patterns for the best results.
Try something new
The internet is a dangerous resource both for fish and pocketbooks. Search the web for the latest trends in baits and tackle. Many baits are designed to catch more fisherman than fish, but many more new baits offer a new presentation to fish. You don’t have to buy cutting edge baits. Pick a classic that you’ve never tried. Learn how to fish a buzzbait or a chatterbait. If you’re a finesse fisherman, try crankbaits. If you like cranking, texas-rig a plastic worm. Never be afraid to try something new. You may discover a new go to bait.
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