|
|
Lake Erie Charter Captain Dave Adams of D & D Charters answers questions and provides tips and insights into fishing the region.
If you would like to Ask the Captain a question, please click HERE.
December 8, 2002
Santa asks:
Capt. Dave,
I am over 200 years old and considered an expert in what children want. Each year I make millions of children happy by giving them one special gift. But there is this one child, Jed who wants to go fishing.
Here is what he said:
- Dear Santa,
Except for that broken window at Aunt Martha's last summer, I've been a good boy.
Last summer, my best friend, Vinnie went fishing at a place called Presque Isle Bay. He caught bass and perch. It sounded like fun. This year I would like to try fishing, but I`m not sure what I need to get started. Vinnie said I should start with the basics, so he helped me make this year's Christmas list.
Here is my list: fishing pole, fishing line, hooks, sinkers, and tackle box (I'm not fashion conscious about color, like my sister, Sarah - any color will do).
Thank you,
Jed
PS: Even though you and I both know, we won't tell Aunt Martha that I was the one who threw the baseball through the living room window and into her fish tank. She still thinks it was Vinnie. And, oh yeah, I'll need someone to take me. Are you or Mrs. Claus free this spring?
As you can see, Capt. Dave, I need help because I have never fished. Where I work, the North Pole, has no open water and my best friends, the Elves - as good as they are - have no interest in fishing either: they are consistently working or caring for the reindeer.
How am I going to grant this Christmas wish?
Sincerely,
Santa Claus.
Captain Dave's Response:
Dear Santa,
Jed sounds like a wonderful boy. With time running short, though, you might want to consider shopping for this gift. Because approximately $80.45 will get a child - or an adult - all the basics to start fishing. Much of what you need can be found online at FishUSA.com
Fishing is simple sport. Manufacturers of fishing equipment make four basic types of fishing gear: fly fishing, spinning (open-face reel), bait casting (level-wind reel), and spincasting (push-button). Reels
Don't be tempted by the push-button Snoopy and Barney fishing set-ups. For the beginner, the best type of fishing gear is spinning. With a little practice, an adult or five-year-old can easily learn to use spinning gear and continue to use it for years to come. Casting combos for beginners.
When looking at fishing poles you will see a wide variety of sizes and makes on display. Steelhead, bass, and perch, however, can all be caught on a graphite six-foot six-inch medium-action spinning pole. For the most part, quality is generally the same among manufactures, yet prices will range from $12 to $29. Price shop for this item. Rods
Competition among manufactures has kept the quality of spinning reels up and the prices low. They are generally rated as either ultra-light or medium-action with a top or bottom drag. The medium-action with either drag will do fine and should cost around $25. Some good names with a proven track records are Zebco, Shakespeare, Penn, Abu Garcia, and Shimano.
Once Jed begins to fish, he will learn two things. First, is how to stretch his arms in describing the length of a fish; then stretching his fishing line to the breaking point. Even though fishing line is complex science, start simple. Berkley Trilene XT or Stren in 8-pound test is a good starting point. A 400 yard spool can be purchased online for $5.95. Fishing Line and Leaders
Huck Finn used a safety pin. Jed, however, will need real hooks. Nothing fancy here, size 8 can be used for steelhead or perch and size 4 for just about everything else. $4.65 will be your investment for a 50 pack of Eagle Claw bait holder hooks. Shop for hooks
A weight (sinker in angler lingo) is used to get the bait to the fish. Purchase an assortment of slip weights between 1/4 ounce and 1 ounce and a small package of assorted split-shot weights. Total cost for both should not exceed $5. Weights and sinkers
A tackle box is a treasure box to the angler. It is never big enough, forever chaotic in appearance, and smelly, but it is part of the anglers' kingdom. This most-important item is a plastic box that will cost about $12.99. The size you buy will be replaced shortly after Christmas, just make sure it can hold the basics and stocking stuffers that you purchase. Tackle storage
The possibilities for stocking stuffers are endless. There is the stringer (to hold the fish), floats (bobbers), swivels, Berkley Power Bait, nail clippers (to cut line), or a gift certificate. Gift giving guide
You might want to consider the gift of fishing for other children as well. Fishing provides year-round outdoor recreation, requires no batteries, and unlike video games, it requires no rating system. In addition, fishing is the one sport that has no age, physical ability, or gender barrier.
Good Fishing,
Capt. Dave Adams
PS: Have you considered ice fishing? Give the Elves a day off and try it. The reindeer can help pull the gear and you all will have fun. Ice fishing supplies
Dave Adams is an author and professional charter captain who operates D & D Charters on the Pennsylvania waters of Lake Erie.
|
|
