The increasingly precise regulation of inshore sport fish, together with stabilization of habitat quality, is resulting in fairly strong populations of most species. This, of course, is a great thing, but the intense angling pressure these fish receive is resulting in fewer large specimens of most types.

As a result, it becomes more important to make the most of every chance at a trophy fish. There may be one or two chances at a bruiser on most days.

Tackle care and maintenance is a good place to start. You don't need the most expensive reel, but keep it in good condition. Sand is a reel killer. Also, before a trip, test and lube the drag, bail, and handle of each reel. Check the last 20-30 feet of line for frays. If you're spooled with mono, make sure line twist hasn't set in. Don't fish knots that were tied the previous trip. Invariably they lose strength.

One crucial skill for an angler is tying good knots. Get a diagram and learn a few basics, such as the Bimini twist, Albright special, Uni-knot and improved clinch. Any time your line or leader looks worn, or after fighting any big fish, re-tie. It pays off. You might get by on average-size fish without paying attention to these details, but super-size fish put strain on your tackle. Be prepared, and you'll land more than your share.

-- Capt. Archie Giannella charters out of Tampa on The Noble Neil and can be reached at (813) 251-5512 or by e-mail at CaptArchie@mindspring.com.

Back to Sports

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright

From the Times sports desk

Darrell Fry
Mr. McDaniel: In a class by himself

Devil Rays, baseball
Rays get glimpse of tomorrow today

Alvarez ready, and thankful

Area camps

Bucs
Starting TE Moore is let go

Golf
Bauer ready for big leagues

Revived Genuity hosts world-class field

Divots

Strange wants to keep same Ryder Cup teams

Colleges
Gators cold going into postseason

Terps thrash Seminoles

Parimutuels
Top colt gets new jockey for derby run

Lightning
Ciger skips game, practice

Motorsports
Fast start has Busch ready for trip home

Local
All-Stars out to keep streak alive

Clearwater gets title shot

Ninth Annual Senior Soccer Challenge

Panther secures state berth

Around the county

County: It's too cold to play

Clearwater breaks open close game

Youth no problem vs. Bears

Outdoors
Daily fishing report

From the wire

From the state sports wire Jacksonville's Spicer placed on IR after leg surgery
FIU-Western Kentucky game postponed because of Jeanne
Brown anxious to face old team for first time
Dolphins' desperate defense readies for Roethlisberger
Former Sarasota lineman sheds tough-guy image with Michigan
Rothstein rejoins Heat as assistant
No. 16 Florida has history on its side against Kentucky
FSU and Clemson QBs both off to slow starts