There are many relaxing activities that you can do in your spare time, including the highly-coveted task of fishing. The best thing about fishing is that you don’t have to worry about anything because it’s a pretty low-intensity activity. All you need to do is to set out to a body of water, bring out some chum, attach your chum to your fishing rod, swing your fishing rod, and wait for a fish to bite.
It sounds easy enough, correct? Not exactly. There are still preparations to make, especially in the case of beginners. One prep activity that any beginner fisher must do is to set up their fishing rod. There are many bases to cover in that area, such as choosing a fishing rod and setting it up for use.
How do you go about setting your fishing rod? Read on below.
Tying a Fishing Knot
You must first learn how to tie a fishing knot. It defeats the purpose of fishing if your knot goes loose and your catch swims away. There are many knots that you can use, but you don’t need to know them all. Below are some knots you can use.
#1: Clinch Knot
This knot is one of the most superficial knots you can use, and it certainly does the job of catching. The steps to tie this knot are:
- Go your line through the eye of the hook and wrap it at least 5 to 6 times around the line.
- Put the tag end through the loop, just above the hook’s eye.
- Hold the tag end and pull to the standing line.
- Pull the knot tight.
#2: Uni Knot
The uni knot is one of the more versatile knots because you can use it in almost any situation. The steps to tie this knot are:
- Make a loop.
- Grab the tag end and pass it around the standing line, and again through the loop you created, done at least 4 to 5 times.
- Moisten the knot and pull the tag end to tighten it up.
#3: Blood Knot
The blood knot is a knot that allows you to join two separate lines and have more reach in your line. The steps to tie this knot are:
- Get two lines and make an X formation with them.
- Turn the tag end around the standing line at least 4 to 5 times while pinching at the X
- Put the tag end through the X, and pinch it again.
- Turn the tag end 4 to 5 times around.
- Put the tag end through the gap via the opposite way as the other tag end.
- Moisten, tighten, and cut the excess string.
Choosing Your Sinker
A sinker is a vital part of your fishing rod because it adds weight to your hook, which allows it to stay underwater. A sinker’s shape is also essential because it can determine how a sinker would behave underwater. Below are the sinkers that you can use.
- Split shot sinkers: These sinkers can add weight to the line when required. Also, they aren’t reusable once fused to a line.
- Pyramid sinkers: These sinkers can sink to the bottom and dig into the sand faster than other sinkers.
- Walking sinkers: These sinkers can move your live bait, which makes for a more effective catch.
- Egg & diamond sinkers: These sinkers are durable and can bounce over rocks without breaking.
- Rubber core sinkers: These sinkers are very safe to use because they won’t damage your fishing line. Additionally, rubber core sinkers are easier to swap out if not needed.
- Sliding sinkers: These sinkers move along your line and are frequently used for drift fishing.
Choosing Your Fishing Rig
Your fishing rig is the combination of your hook, sinker, and swivel. In short, it’s like an overall setup of your rod. Below are the fishing rigs you can choose from.
#1: Running Sinker Rig
The running sinker rig is popular among fishers because it’s a versatile rig. This rig can be used in both freshwater fishing and ocean fishing. It’s also commonly used because it can catch various fish such as trout, cod, bream, snapper, flathead, and golden breach.
To make this rig, place a sinker on your mainline and a swivel, leaving a length of trace line that’s about 40 to 50 cm long before the hook. The sinker should also be relatively small.
The swivel is for joining the trace to the mainline and to stop the sinker from sliding down to the hook. The hook should also be big enough to hold the bait and the type of fish you want to catch.
#2: Paternoster Rig
Unlike freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing requires a more rigorous approach. For successful saltwater fishing, a paternoster rig must be used.
With this rig, a three-way swivel is used, and the bait sits higher than the sinker itself. The heaviness of the sinker allows the line to be cast further, which allows for better catches if your boat is at a distance from the fish.
#3: Quill Float and Bob Rig
The quill float and bob rig are commonly used when fishing in a spot that isn’t too deep. The bob is used to keep the line afloat.
Most people would recognise the red and white bob float, which is used in this scenario. The quill float uses plastic bands or an eyelet at the bottom to hook it up to the line. This rig is commonly used in freshwater fishing.
Conclusion
Fishing is a delightful activity, and anyone can take it up regardless of age. Aside from that, you should also know how to set up a fishing rod to make things easier for you. If you know how to do it, you can pass that knowledge along to others interested in fishing.
In setting up fishing rods, you can tie a knot yourself. However, it takes some time before you’re fully adapt to it, for which reason you can use a knot tying device. If you’re looking for a fishing knot tying device, you’re in luck because Hook-Eze has it for you!
We also offer other fishing equipment such as grippers, lures, and lines, to name a few. Contact us today to learn more!