If you are not losing fishing tackle than you probably don't fish enough. This past 2008 Minnesota Fishing Opener at the Eddy's Jetty on Mille Lake on my very first cast of the new season I backlashed which cut my line at the spool, and sent the Purple Perch Husky Jerk, that was so productive last year, hurling into the darkness never to be seen again. I had not dialed in my reel so it was ready to cast. Easy come, easy go!
I have bought a number of reels off Ebay this spring and of coarse was eager to try them out ASAP. One particular reel came with what looked to me like 30lb braid. Instead of putting new line on I left the braid there. The reel performed just fine and I caught several fish. However on two occasions I backlashed which the knot tied to a spinnerbait could not take and so two productive spinnerbaits went to the bottom of the lake. I am not using that reel again until I get some line on there that I have a clue about.
Fortunately, not all lost baits are lost forever. This first week of open season I found that a watermelon Bass Pro Shops Monsoor Swim Jig with a green grub tail was something that the Pike around here dig. Along with several hammer handles I caught one around 30inches. I have been fishing from shore and certain areas of the shore I am fishing are lined with Cattails. Wouldn't you know it, I got my swim jig caught into a cattail and my line was not strong enough to get it back and broke. The jig was stuck out over the water in the cattails. I was bummed but determined to get this productive lure back.
The next day I returned to the spot with chest waders and high hopes that I would find the lure and be able to get it before I sank to deep. I didn't have to wade in far and the lure was visible. I inched in just a little more and retrieved my "lost jig." Since that recovery I have nearly lost the jig twice more. Easy come, easy go, sometimes comes back.
Written for the Fishers of Men Club Twin Cities Newsletter.
