Captain's corner

By BRENT GASKILL

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 8, 2000

Large fish can be caught with small hooks and light line. A common mistake is to use heavy tackle to land a heavy fish. The key is to lighten up. Match hook size with bait size, use leaders only heavy enough to combat abrasion and avoid swivels. This will allow your bait to swim and appear natural. Some situations require fine-tuning to maximize bites, but here are some guidelines for general fishing.

INSHORE: No. 1 hook for shrimp; 1/0-3/0 hook for whitebait or pinfish; leaders no heavier than 20-pound test.

OFFSHORE: 3/0-5/0 hook for live or dead bait; leaders 30-50-pound test.

Avoid using the prepackaged "ready rigs". They may seem convenient, but they are not effective. Instead, learn to tie terminal tackle. Ask questions at any tackle shop for local rigging styles or attend a free seminar.

- Brent Gaskill charters the Summer Vacation. Call (727) 867-1751.

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.

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