Guys, going on a 5 day trip in mid July and I am already working on my tackle box. Last year I took an assortment of lead weights but never once needed them. When and how are lead weights used. I fly out from TN and reducing the weight is always welcomed.

wieghts are cheap.
just get them here at the landings ,before departure time.

wieghts can be used, DROPPERLOOP, SLIDER BAITS, ETC.

its good to have a few , JUST IN CASE.

SOMETIMES the fish are deep, and having a wieght on can bring the bait to depth.

Louie, could you explain how the "slider baits" are rigged? Is the weight above a swivel or ring? How much weight?

On a five day you may not use them, but I'd have a couple 16 - 24 ounce weights in case you have the opportunity to go deep for grouper or other bottom dwellers. On a five day, you'll definately fish bait and likely toss a lot of iron (at least that's my routine). If you get into a feeding school of tuna, something for the surface can be a blast, so having a couple poppers is a fun way to go.

Mark, I am going to ask what may appear to be an amazingly simple question. You talk about the use of Iron. On my 5 day trip, I caught one lone yellowtail on a Tady iron. I slung the lure out and simply reeled it in slowly and the YT were fighting for it. The other dozen or so times I attempted to catch fish with it, nothing. Everyone was hooking up on livebait so I joined them.

Could you give a very simple tutorial on how iron is used both on the cast and on the drop aka yo yo? You guys have sold me a box full of these things and I am embarrassed that I don't really know how to use them PROPERLY.

While fishing live bait can be darn productive, there's something special about enticing a fish to hit an artificial. It can be less productive at times, but the guys that are good seem to outcatch the bait guys and often land the larger fish. Of course situations and conditions can play a part and change the outcome. One big advantage is covering the water column better, covering more water, and of course not wasting time at the bait tank.

There's surface iron fishing and deeper yoyo style fishing. I'm not great at either, but there are some things I try to do that often work for me. In both styles of fishing, experiment with different retrieves until you get bit. Then repeat the sucessful formula. On the vertical - heavy iron - I drop my jig overboard, wind in the face or if I'm working the other side of the boat cast it out in the direction the drift is heading. I try to maintain good feel for the lure as it's dropping. If it stops, you're bit. If I hit bottom I give a few cranks up and let the lure drop back down, repeating several times. If nothing hits, I continue that process as I bring the lure back up for another toss. Sometimes the fish (often yellowtail) are hanging on the bottom, sometimes they're suspended mid-depth. In these times iron will outfish bait.

For surface iron, you've got to experiment with the retrieve speed. There is a specific speed the particular jig swims best, offers the most action, and gets bit best. You simply have to cast the sucker way out and try different things. I usually also do a countdown, allowing the jig do sink for 5-10 seconds prior to retrieve. A Tady C will swim well for anyone, a 45 requires a bit of skill to be dialed in. There's nothing like a surface explosion.

With iron fishing, you do need to set the hook, but you also don't want to horse a fish too much. I've lost my share by pulling too darn hard and not being patient. Lactic acid will build up with the fish, they will tire. So, relax, let the rod do it's thing and load up and let the reel's drag do it's part to poop out the fish.

I'm no pro at this, Tom at the warehouse can outfish me on iron or plastics anytime. So, feel free to give him a call for more info. Just note that when it's close to UPS's pick up he can be a bit pressed for time. But, he loves to talk iron.

Outhouse,
Is this the 5 day you mentioned in your previous post , the Sokioga-Stries trip? If so is there a possibility of getting a berth or is it strickly private? Please let me know as I am vary interested in going and sharing the adventure with you. It would be my first 5 dayer.


The link below could be helpful for you.
http://www.excelsportfishing.com/suggested_tackle.htm

Thankx
Walt

Walt, yes that is the trip. This is open to the public, but you need to check with the Excel office to check on openings. Last year, I would guess 2/3rds of the boat were regulars and the other 1/3rds were newbies like myself. These guys are really good guys. On this trip, we had a plastic surgeon, a neuro surgeon, an oral surgeon, a couple of general dentists, a couple of internists, a pharmacist, etc...

Although they were all very educated, they were just good ol' guys. They took me under their wings and made me feel like one of the regulars. I enjoyed the group so much, I left my deposit for this year when I got off the boat. The crew seems to really like this group as well. Jason Fleck, the captain, said it was one of the trips he and his crew look forward to each year.

Chark,

I couldn't agree more! I love to catch fish using artificials...but with a caveat: if there is a chance of catching tuna I will generally cease all other activities and opt for that.

I have not been on a lot of five day trips, maybe four or so, and it was only on the last one that my son used weight on a dropper loop.

I honestly think I could do a five day trip taking all I need in a 99 cent plastic tackle box. Hooks, hooks, more hooks, and still more hooks, half dozen Tadys, a couple yo-yo models, a pair of pliers, and I'd be good to fish all week!!! BTW, I might take a few weights, but not many!


Bent Poles and Taut Lines,

Tommy