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[FAQ] Fishing FAQ 0.5 (3 of 7) Beginner's Guide

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John Kim

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Jun 3, 1995, 3:00:00 AM6/3/95
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The Fishing FAQ v0.5 (Preliminary)
Beginner's Guide
11 April 1995

Covering the groups
-------------------
rec.outdoors.fishing
rec.outdoors.fishing.fly
rec.outdoors.fishing.saltwater
alt.fishing

Copyright 1995 John H. Kim <jo...@mit.edu> and contributing authors.

This FAQ is a compilation of the fishing experiences of myself and various
contributors. It is a free service and no guarantee is implied in any way
about its accuracy or correctness. Use this information at your own risk.
Neither I nor any contributors are responsible for any damages caused by
use of this information. Any preferences given for one brand over another
should be taken as opinion and not as fact or an endorsement. This FAQ is
freely distributable for noncommercial purposes. The latest version is
available via ftp at:

ftp://tuna.mit.edu/d/pub/fishing/faq/*
___________________________________________________________________________


Q2 A beginner's guide to purchasing fishing gear
-------------------------------------------------

Q2.1 What/How . . . flyfishing . . . ?
-------------------------------------------------------
Check the flyfishing FAQ and newsgroup because I don't have a clue about
flyfishing. :-) It's at:

ftp://ftp.geo.mtu.edu/pub/fishing/flyfish-faq/faq-1.basics


Q2.2 Questions about reels
---------------------------
A reel is a device that holds fishing line. The reel lets line out when
you cast, and lets you turn a handle to wind it back in. It also lets
the fish take out line without breaking the line. It and the rod are the
two primary pieces of fishing tackle.


Q2.2a What types of fishing reels are there?
---------------------------------------------
There are four widely used types of reels. Fly, spinning, conventional,
and spincast. For information on these specific types of reels, see
section Q3.1.


Q2.2b What size/type reel should I get?
----------------------------------------
For the type of reel, read section 3.1. To determine what size reel you
want, you must know what type of fish you plan to catch. Post asking
what size reel is good for the type of fish you want to catch. Chances
are a dozen other fishermen after the same type of fish will be more than
happy to give you advice. If you don't know what type of fish you can
catch in your area, ask that too.

Most reels have line weight and capacity printed on them. You can use this
to guide your decision. Try to avoid putting on line that's heavier or
lighter than what's labeled on the reel. If the line is too heavy, you
won't be able to set the drag tight enough and you'll be underutilizing
your line, as well as reducing your line capacity. If it's too light the
line can squeeze through the small holes in the reel and get tangled in the
gears.


Q2.2c What does the drag do?
-----------------------------
The drag is what keeps the fish from breaking the line. When the fish
pulls too hard, the drag lets the spool turn, allowing line to slip out
rather than break. You can tighten or loosen the drag (usually via a
knob, wheel, or lever) to make it harder or easier to pull line out.


Q2.2d What does the gear ratio do?
-----------------------------------
The reel's gear ratio determines how many wraps of line go onto the spool
for each turn of the handle you make. That is, a 4:1 gear ratio means
one turn of the handle will put four wraps of line onto the spool.

Certain types of fishing benefit from high gear ratios, while others are
better off with low ratios. Generally, if you're fishing lures or
something that needs to move quickly a higher gear ratio (4:1, 6:1) is
better. If you're after big (100+ lb) fish a low ratio (2:1) is better.


Q2.2e Does it matter how many ball bearings my reel has?
---------------------------------------------------------
Ball bearings help make the action of the reel smoother by reducing
friction. The more ball bearings the better, but there is a trade-off
between additional smoothness and cost. A 3 bearing reel may feel
significantly smoother than a 2 bearing reel for $15 extra, while a 6
bearing reel might be indistinguishable from a 5 bearing reel and still
cost $15 more. Try before you buy.


Q2.2f What does this little switch do?
---------------------------------------
Most reels have an anti-reverse switch. On spinning reels it's usually a
small lever on the bottom of the reel. On conventional reels it's usually
a slider bar. This switch engages the anti-reverse dog. Flip it one way
and you can turn the handle backwards. Flip it the other way and you
can't. You will almost never need to crank the reel backwards so keep it
flipped the other way.


Q2.3 Questions about rods
--------------------------
The fishing rod serves three main purposes. It helps you cast your bait
or lure to the fish by. It gives you leverage when you set the hook.
And it acts as a shock absorber to protect the line and keep the fish
hooked.


Q2.3a What's the difference between a fiberglass rod and a graphite rod?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Generally, fiberglass is heavier, cheaper, more flexible, less sensitive,
and more resistant to damage. Graphite is (surprise!) lighter, more
expensive, stiffer, more sensitive, and more brittle. There are also
many different types of fiberglass and graphite - too many to go into
here. If you need to know more, post. Also, graphite is an electrical
conductor if that's something you need to worry about.


Q2.3b What rod should I get?
-----------------------------
It depends on the type of fishing and your reel. Most rods have a line
and lure weight stamped on them. You're best off matching these with
your reel and the bait/lure you expect to use. This is also a good
question to post since people who do the type of fishing you want to do
will be able to recommend far better than this FAQ.

You want to avoid 2-piece rods if at all possible - they change the bend
of the rod making them more likely to break. There are also several rod
manufacturers who offer lifetime guarantees - if it breaks, they'll
replace it.

There are different rods for different reels. Spinning rods have an
enlarged first guide to better control the line. Conventional rods have
smaller guides and tend to have more of them. Saltwater trolling rods
usually have roller guides to reduce friction.


Q2.3c Does it matter how many or what type of guides are on the rod?
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes. On a 5 - 6 foot rod, 5 guides is probably the minimum. You'll want
more on longer rods. On a spinning rod you want the spool and first
guide to be roughly the same size or bigger than the reel's spool, and
the two should more or less line up [has anybody heard differently?].
On a conventional rod you want enough guides so that when the rod is
bent, the line doesn't touch the rod.

Try to avoid rods with metal (chrome, stainless steel) guides. Go for
the ceramic ones (usually thinner and colored light or dark grey). The
ceramic is harder and won't scratch up the line as much. If you're deep
sea fishing, you may want to get roller guides. These turn so the line
never really rubs over anything.


Q2.3d Do I want a rod grip made of cork or that foamy stuff?
------------------------------------------------------------
It's mostly personal preference. Some people think cork's sensitivity is
more valuable than the comfort of Hypalon (the foamy stuff) . The
exception is big game fishing - Hypalon is almost required unless you
like hand cramps and blisters.


Q2.3e Do I want a rod with a trigger?
--------------------------------------
Some conventional rods have a trigger you can put your forefinger around
when casting. Some people like it because it feels more secure and
lets you feel small vibrations (caused by nibbling fish). Others think
it gets in the way. It serves no other purpose so try it in the store to
see if you like it.


S2.4 Questions about tackle
----------------------------
Tackle refers to the fishing gear the fish sees. There are so many types
and kinds you'll have to ask someone to help you make a purchase. As
always you can post your questions. Beware: Most fishing tackle is
designed to catch the fisherman's eye, not fish.


Q2.4.1 Questions about line
----------------------------
Sometimes called monofilament because that's what it is (or used to be).
Spools of line will have the strength (lb. test), diameter, and length
written on them. Fishing line is some of the strongest stuff out there
for its diameter. Don't try to substitute something else. In fact you
may find fishing line useful for other things, like sewing tears in a
backpack, or hanging Christmas cards.

You can buy a spool with enough line to fill your spool, or have a tackle
shop fill it. When a tackle shop fills the reel, it may cost a bit more
but there is no wasted line that winds up in the water or in a landfill.

ALWAYS throw away line in the garbage can. The stuff is incredibly non-
biodegradable and easily entangles animals, usually killing them. The
fewer reasons animal rights types have to condemn our sport, the less
we'll have to suffer their attacks. Many tackle shops will take old line
to be recycled.


Q2.4.1a What does pounds test mean?
------------------------------------
A 4 pound test line will break under 4 pounds of load. A 10 pound test
line will break under 10 pounds of load. A 15 pound test line... You
get the picture. Sunlight (actually ultraviolet light) will weaken line
so keep it in a dark place when not in use. Avoid leaving it in your car
as heat degrades it too.


Q2.4.1b What brand line should I get?
--------------------------------------
Line is pretty simple. Avoid the cheap K-mart stuff. Stick with name
brands and you'll usually be safe. Match the pounds test to your rod and
reel.


Q2.4.1c But my friend said [brand X] is the best?
--------------------------------------------------
Line brands are like a religion. Everyone has their favorite line,
almost always based solely on personal experience. The differences
between the major brands is slight and won't matter much to the beginner.
As you gain more experience you may develop a preference for certain
lines.


Q2.4.1d What color line should I get?
-------------------------------------
Clear. The fluorescent lines have been known to spook fish (despite
manufacturer's claims). Green/low visibility tends to be hard to see,
especially at night. Pink is OK too, but most lines don't come in pink.
Later when you've developed a sense of how entice fish to bite, you may
prefer some of the other colors.


Q2.4.1e What about this copolymer/braided/Spectra/Spiderwire/Kevlar stuff?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copolymer lines are made of two different materials. They try to combine
the best features of both materials. Spectra and Kevlar use new materials
that are stronger than monofilament. You're probably better off avoiding
them until you gain experience. They have less stretch than monofilament
making them less forgiving when fighting a fish.


Q2.4.1f Why is stretch important?
----------------------------------
A stretchy line will absorb most of your mistakes rather than break. The
trade-off is that you lose sensitivity and hooksetting power.


Q2.4.2a How do the size numbers on hooks work?
-----------------------------------------------
The larger the number, the smaller the hook. Size 10 will fit on your
fingertip. Size 1 is about 1/2" from shank to tip. Hooks larger than
size 1 are followed by a "/0", read "aught" although many people
mistakenly say "odd." Just to confuse you, /0 hooks get bigger as the
number increases. i.e. 4, 3, 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0 is a sorted list
from small to large.

Try to avoid chrome hooks. Those don't dissolve as quickly should a
fish break the line. Bronze is best.


Q2.4.3a What's a sinker for?
-----------------------------
Most baits float or sink very slowly. A sinker lets it get down to the
fish, if that's where they are. Almost all sinkers are made of lead so
try to avoid biting them.


Q2.4.4a What's a bobber for?
-----------------------------
Now that you've put on a sinker, your bait gets down to the fish, and
keeps going, right to the bottom. A bobber lets you place the bait at
a certain depth. There are other methods, but the bobber is the easiest.
It also gives you a visual que by bobbing if a fish bites. Hence the
name.


Q2.4.5a Hot pink!? How does something so unnaturally colored catch fish?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The "hot" or "neon" colors are fluorescent. They absorb stray UV light
and convert it into visible colors. That is why they appear lit up -
they are brighter than your brain expects given the lighting.

Water absorbs colors, starting with red. Once you're about 30 feet deep
only green, blue, and ultraviolet remain. A neon colored lure will take
this UV light and convert it into visible light, making it brighter and
easier for the fish to spot.

Most fish are colorblind or sensitive to just a few colors so the actual
color of the lure seems to make little difference. Brightness, patterns,
motion/vibrations, smell, and eyespots seem to be the main attractants.


Q2.4.5e What's the best bait for .... ?
----------------------------------------
Post. Then sit back and watch the fireworks fly.


Q2.4.6 What are some reputable brand names?
-----------------------------------------
[I'm going to take a survey one of these days]
___________________________________________________________________________

[The FAQ is under construction. Contributions and corrctions are welcome]

Some quoted articles may have been edited to correct spelling or improve
clarity.


_______________________________________________________________________
|\ ______________________________________________________________________\
| | |
| | John H. Kim "Just try telling the IRS you don't feel like |
| | jo...@mit.edu 'contributing' this year come April" - Bob Dole |
| | jo...@uni.uiuc.edu on Bill Clinton's avoidance of the word "taxes." |
\|_______________________________________________________________________|


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