ULTIMATE ANGLING - the Ultimate SA Fishing website
General Angling Topics => DIY Forum => Topic started by: John F on July 27, 2012, 06:29:16 AM
-
I'm starting this thread to post some simple, easy and (hopefully) useful DIY tips and tricks that will make your fishing experience a little more pleasant.
Eventually, not all of these will be my ideas (in such cases I'll dully acknowledge the source) or maybe some of these may have been put out there before without my knowledge.
In case there's a way to improve on these, I'd appreciate any input.
Hopefully some of these will help someone catch the elusive BIG ONE!
Enjoy!
-
Fine tunning the ballast of a topwater lure
When building a topwater lure (be it a popper, stickbait, plug, etc.), depending on the application and materials used, fine tuning the ballast and weight distribution to achieve the desired results can be a bit of a mission. After a bit of testing in the bathtub or whatever, the lure is painted, rigged and then found that it doesn't perform in saltwater quite exactly as expected! Damn! Back to the workshop! Well, a trick I use, especially to add the missing bit of weight, is tin solder wire. I wrap it a couple of times around the tail wire (or the belly swivel) and tight it with pliers. All done!
-
Removing vinyl stickers and decals
I had an old and rather large (25 cm) sticker on my vehicle. I wanted to remove it and didn't really wanted to scratch the paint. An easy way of doing it is using a heat gun or (better yet) the missus hairdryer. It softens the vinyl and it peals off quite easily. Wipe out any small portions of glue with a soapy rug and you're good to go!
-
Saving on heat shrink
When rigging offshore traces one often uses heat shrink to keep things snug and tight. These are wonderful inventions that came to replace the trusted electrical tape. However, I find it a bit expensive (for what they are) and sometimes a bit hard to find in tackle shops. What I do? Use them both. Wrap your trace with electrical tape making sure sure to go over at least half of the previous wrap and then finish off with a smaller piece of heat shrink just to keep it secured and prevent the electrical tape from coming off. It will last a long time and will save you a few bucks to spend on fuel!
-
Keeping your anchor hatch scratch-free
One of the few places that seldom gets inspected with regularity is the anchor hatch. Let's be honest. If you are not into bottom fishing how often do you actually use your anchor? Because of that, these hatches tend to be used and abused and end up looking terrible. The anchor is thrown inside and it dangles and drags scratching the gelcoat and fiberglass inside. I used a plastic crate that (very luckly) fits snugly inside MAXIMVS anchor hatch. This way the anchor is tightly stored and will not damage the gelcoat/fiberglass.
-
Keeping your tackle dry
Humidity is a killer for tackle (both reels, terminal tackle and tools) and once the basic washing is done (and the tackle looks dry) I bet everybody just packs their tackle and stores it away. The reels will still be damp inside for a week or so and there will always be a bit of humidity in your tackle box. Here's a trick to help keep things a bit dryer - Silica bags. Every electrical/electronic appliance (and even shoes!) come with silica bags these days. When packing your reels with the neoprene covers, keep at least one or two inside the reel covers. Put a lot more in your tackle box. Every now and then take the bags out and put then in the oven for about 30 minutes at 60o to extract the humidity. This will surely help maintain your tackle.
-
Thank John :happ: :+ cred:
-
Nice post mate. This should perhaps be a board on it's own. Tackle tips, boating tips etc etc.
:tkx:
-
Thanks! I suppose we should let it grow a bit more and then we could think about turning it into its own board?!
-
Thanks, JohnF. Great idea !!
-
Some very handy tips. (clap)
-
:tkx: for some very handy tips. It's so true what you're saying... We wash our tackle and after a couple of hours of drying we assume it's dry and pack it away. Will start collecting sillica bags. :hehe: :hehe: :hehe:
-
Grippin' with old carpet
Few things are more annoying than slippery tools when fishing. I used pieces of old carpet and wrapped it around pliers, gaffs, boat hook, etc. with 30-50 Lb old line. It gives me a great grip when fishing and it lasts a long time.
-
Nice post John F!!!!! (clap) (clap) (clap) :appr: :+ cred:
-
(clap) ... some interesting and handy tips Marcos. :tkx: .
-
Fillet ID
Sometimes identifying your fillet after packing and storing it in the freezer for a few weeks is difficult. Sure, YFT is rosy and easy but whitish fleshed fish such as couta, wahoo, etc. may pose a problem. Permanent markers would do the trick for a short time, but it will eventually rub off. Here's a tip. Cut a small piece of skin of the fish and put it inside the plastic bag with your fillet. You should be able to ID the species a few weeks after and if you can't then... well... that fillet is wasted anyway!
PS: I read this a long time ago on a site I don't remember anymore. Works quite well.
-
Some excellent tips here JohnF. :tkx:
-
Keep your zippers lubed
Plastic and metallic zippers are commonly used these days in lures bags, rod tubes, and other tackle holders. Usually these are used and seldom lubricated or washed properly after a day's fishing, only to be found a few weeks later surrounded by a whitish salt ring and seized! To prevent this I use a few drops of a multi purpose lube oil (Q20) along the zipper from time to time. Run it a few times to spread the oil and the magic is done! No more seized zippers and it will last a long time!
(http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/data:image/jpeg;base64,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)
(http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/data:image/jpeg;base64,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)
-
Now you tell me. The zipper on my one rod tube broke last week. :-(
-
Thanks Marcos!!
Your tips and tricks are not so "small" as per the heading !
-
Keep your zippers lubed
Plastic and metallic zippers are commonly used these days in lures bags, rod tubes, and other tackle holders. Usually these are used and seldom lubricated or washed properly after a day's fishing, only to be found a few weeks later surrounded by a whitish salt ring and seized! To prevent this I use a few drops of a multi purpose lube oil (Q20) along the zipper from time to time. Run it a few times to spread the oil and the magic is done! No more seized zippers and it will last a long time!
(http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/data:image/jpeg;base64,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)
(http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/data:image/jpeg;base64,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)
The problem that I find with oil is that it also attracts sand on the beach - then you also have a problem with sticking zips - I wish I had a solution! I have thought of trying to replace zips with velcro where feasible
Talking about velcro - I have strips of velcro everywhere in my vehicle, my tackle bag etc - I find it very useful for binding rods together, trying on the roof rack, etc. The more you have of wide and narrow and of different lengths, the better - and they last for years and years
-
You have a valid point there Ziggy... fortunately for us offshore guys the sand is way down there! I guess for the R&S guys, whenever velcro strips are not feasible, it will be a matter of oiling up and wiping the excess so no sand gets stuck...
Sorry about your rod tube, Hermann :-(
Thanks, Pierre! Hope these will help someone out there! :-)
-
Talking about velcro - I have strips of velcro everywhere in my vehicle, my tackle bag etc - I find it very useful for binding rods together, trying on the roof rack, etc. The more you have of wide and narrow and of different lengths, the better - and they last for years and years
Ziggy, we found that sand can also have a negative effect on the effectivity of Velcro. However, the inventor of Velcro (and cable ties) should receive the Nobel Prize for Peace, Chemistry, Literature, etc, etc.
-
Excellent Marcos!!!
-
Marcos...
Please Sir, can we have some more ?
-
Hi guys,compliments to JohnF for very good tips and ideas.I have a tip that might help some of u(u guys might use the idea already,don't know)When spooling my :mp: with new line there's usually older line that needs to be taken of the reel,to take the line of quickly and neatly I use my drill(or cordless screwdriver),I take a socket and applicator to fit in drill,if u need to add a little insulation tape to the sockets' outside for it to fit tightly into a old line spools' round center hole then do so...flick the reels' ratchet over if you're alone(my reel is usually still on my rod) or else give reel to a friend to hold,then just push the drills' switch and watch the line peel off... :uarocks :tite
-
Thanks Homie for bringing this up...
@Nicky: thanks this tip has already been discussed here and I use it a lot. One thing I do when I run out of old line spools to put the line on the reel, is 0.5 L empty plastic bottles (water, soft drinks, etc). I drill a 6 mm hole in the bottom and cap of the bottle and then insert (with pressure) a 8 mm threaded galvanized rod with large washers and nuts. These keep the bottle snug while transferring the old line from the reel. Works really well!
-
Closest to the bone, sweeter is the meat
I'm sure we have all heard this and to a certain point I agree! When filleting fish (couta, dorado, etc), I have seen people throw away the remains (head and bones). [I don't eat any animal's heads, but I know a lot of people that will kill for a rubberlips head for example! It is boiled with a pintch of salt and at least here it is said to be the best remedy for the good old babalaze. Anyway, I keep the heads for a selected few]. But this tip is about the bones with all the meat around (no one can completely remove all the meat when filleting a fish!). That's the best part! One can use it to prepare a nice fish soup (watch one for the bones!) or, as my missus loves it, as a stater - a quick stir fry on olive oil with lemon. Better yet chuck it on the braai. Give it a try!
-
Canned tuna & sardine oil
With the fishing being tough these days, I use all the tricks to get that extra advantage to score. This is one of those "secrets". It's an automatic gesture. You pop the clip of the tuna or sardine can and throw away the oil. DON'T! Put it in a jar and keep it in your bait freezer. Next time you go fishing, dip you bait in this for that extra scent and flavour! I actually inject the oil into my dead bait's belly... and it gets slowly released as the bait swims... give it a try! It has already been paid for!
-
Hi Marcos
A prosperous 2013 to you and all members. I find your tips superb and will certainly meet with you within the next few weeks.
Best wishes to all
Eddie
-
Thanks Eddie!
-
Outriggers’ halyard anti-slip clip
Sometimes when trolling with outriggers and using relatively large/heavy lures or going across the wind, the release-clip and halyard slip down along the outrigger changing the entry angle of the line, the lure position and the spread. To keep it snug and in position, I use a “longline” clip. A small piece of 8 mm cord attaches the clip to the base of the gunnel of the boat and when the release clip is in the right position along the outrigger I attach the longline clip to both strings of the halyard. Problem solved!
-
Outriggers’ halyard anti-slip clip
Sometimes when trolling with outriggers and using relatively large/heavy lures or going across the wind, the release-clip and halyard slip down along the outrigger changing the entry angle of the line, the lure position and the spread. To keep it snug and in position, I use a “longline” clip. A small piece of 8 mm cord attaches the clip to the base of the gunnel of the boat and when the release clip is in the right position along the outrigger I attach the longline clip to both strings of the halyard. Problem solved!
Marcos had the same problem with the out riggers and your idea is just the answer... only thing can you show by means of pic what a "longline clip" is or what the clip looks like. And your tips are awesome..... used about three of them already so keep them coming. :+ cred:
-
Hey Mike,
Thanks! Here's a pic. If still unclear how it works, I'll snap a few pics at the club today.
-
As always Marcos some awesome tips, with regards to the halyard slip, this is a great device and I am so glad I added this to my fishing machine! If you can, try get hold of these they are fantastic.
http://www.gotomop.com/Products.htm (http://www.gotomop.com/Products.htm)
-
Closest to the bone, sweeter is the meat
I'm sure we have all heard this and to a certain point I agree! When filleting fish (couta, dorado, etc), I have seen people throw away the remains (head and bones). [I don't eat any animal's heads, but I know a lot of people that will kill for a rubberlips head for example! It is boiled with a pintch of salt and at least here it is said to be the best remedy for the good old babalaze. Anyway, I keep the heads for a selected few]. But this tip is about the bones with all the meat around (no one can completely remove all the meat when filleting a fish!). That's the best part! One can use it to prepare a nice fish soup (watch one for the bones!) or, as my missus loves it, as a stater - a quick stir fry on olive oil with lemon. Give it a try!
On this note, with all your gamefish as well remove the fillets as normal and remove the head if you wish, we leave it on but some folks get a little put of by it. So now your left with a skeleton with tail attached, sprinkle over your favourite spice or just bast with lemon butter, and while you are waiting for the braai to get to the right temp, chuck this onto the grid and cook very quickly over the high heat, use the tail as a handle to turn it then whip it of and serve as finger snack so the guys can pick the meat of the bones while waiting for the main event.
-
Thanks shag!!! The "skeleton" on the braai with a few cold ones sounds awesome!
-
Although I store my tackle in plastic tupperwares I find that fishing from a kayak the salt water still gets in and its not too long before the hooks and trace wire start to rust. Also with limited space, traces that are jammed together in the containers start to tangle. To prevent all this I seal each trace/plastic lure individually in plastic using one of those old Magic Line heat sealers and plastic bags. When I want to change the lure or trace, I place the lure/trace that has been used in the salt water into another container and when I get home, I wash them off in fresh water, dry them and re-seal them.
-
Great one Parasite! NOW I know why the home exec bought that sealer! I should thank her for her generosity!
-
Those stinking booties...
Diving or fishing booties, Rocky sandals, or any fishing footware can be a source of major problems with the missus due to its distinctive odor after a day's fishing. Here's a tip from Capt. Ken Roy. Put a couple of charcoal briquettes inside. No stinky boots the next day.
-
Great Carlos! Will try that with the hatch in the kayak! Always smells of old bait.
-
Those stinking booties...
Diving or fishing booties, Rocky sandals, or any fishing footware can be a source of major problems with the missus due to its distinctive odor after a day's fishing. Here's a tip from Capt. Ken Roy. Put a couple of charcoal briquettes inside. No stinky boots the next day.
Don't braai with the briquettes afterwards... :hehe:
-
Great Carlos! Will try that with the hatch in the kayak! Always smells of old bait.
FAIL! (bat
-
Great Carlos! Will try that with the hatch in the kayak! Always smells of old bait.
FAIL! (bat
Sincere apologie Marcos!!!!! sry sry sry sry
Not quite awake yet it seems. duh
-
Lol, no worries Pierre!
-
Although I store my tackle in plastic tupperwares I find that fishing from a kayak the salt water still gets in and its not too long before the hooks and trace wire start to rust. Also with limited space, traces that are jammed together in the containers start to tangle. To prevent all this I seal each trace/plastic lure individually in plastic using one of those old Magic Line heat sealers and plastic bags. When I want to change the lure or trace, I place the lure/trace that has been used in the salt water into another container and when I get home, I wash them off in fresh water, dry them and re-seal them.
For my Tigger fish :tgr: traces etc I use ordinary plastic bank bags
-
My anchor hatch is an akward shape and I could not fit a plastic crate inside to prevent the anchor from scratching up the inside.
I got a punctured tractor tube from a tyre repair shop and cut a section from it. This left me with a piece of tube that was open on both ends. I "stitched" one end closed with cable ties and this gave me what is essentially a huge oversized sock made of rubber. Then I turned it inside out so that the cable ties is now on the inside and not able to scratch anything. Also I punched a few smallish holes through the rubber to allow drainage. Pop in your anchor with cable and rope attached and Bob's you uncle.
As I have to travel a minimum of 400 kms to the coast to fish its a comfort to know that there is a layer of rubber between the steel and fibreglass.
-
Great Carlos! Will try that with the hatch in the kayak! Always smells of old bait.
FAIL! (bat
WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA !!!!!!!!!!!
We can see whats on Pierre's mind !
:hyst: :hyst: :hyst: :hyst: :hyst: :hyst:
-
Although I store my tackle in plastic tupperwares I find that fishing from a kayak the salt water still gets in and its not too long before the hooks and trace wire start to rust. Also with limited space, traces that are jammed together in the containers start to tangle. To prevent all this I seal each trace/plastic lure individually in plastic using one of those old Magic Line heat sealers and plastic bags. When I want to change the lure or trace, I place the lure/trace that has been used in the salt water into another container and when I get home, I wash them off in fresh water, dry them and re-seal them.
For my Tigger fish :tgr: traces etc I use ordinary plastic bank bags
:corrct: All the lures and traces I use get put in my bait cooler box once I take them of the line (the bonus is if I need them again they've got a bait smell), once I get home the whole cooler box and contents (less bait of course) gets a warm water bath in the outside basin and hung up to dry.
"Clippy" Tupperware = fisherman's friend!!
-
Keep your live bait frisky
When using live bait (especially in the summer or when drifting or on anchor), put a frozen 500 ml plastic bottle of coke or an ice pack inside the tank. Cold water has a higher amount of dissolved oxygen and will cool the water. This will help maintain the bait alive and frisky for longer.
-
Maintaining lure squirts
Lure squirts these days are mostly made of some sort of plastic (PVC, nylon, etc.) and impregnated with oils and additives. With the exposure to the elements (saltwater, UV radiation, etc.), they may start losing their brightness and elasticity and start getting brittle or deform. To help maintain my expensive lures, I follow this advice from Peter Pakula: once washed with fresh water (never use detergents!) and thoroughly dry, I spray them with a good silicon spray. This keeps them shiny and flexible for a long time.
-
Tape-measure dispenser
These days, a tape-measure is a must in any angler's tackle box, be it offshore, R & S or even freshwater. Sometimes the scales are not so handy to weight a nice fish or for some other reason Mr. Murphy decides the fish must not be weighted. In most of the occasions, the tape-measure must be close by and simple enough to store and operate so a fish can be measured quickly and returned to the water. I've been carrying on the boat, a taylor's tape-measure for a while now. It had a metal part on the tip, which I have removed because it was rusting, but the tape itself is made of plastic. So, it will not rust and it is flexible, thus it's easy to use and store. Here's a little trick to easily store these tapes. Saw it on the Saltwatersportsman mag and decided to give it a try. Small pieces of velcro were super-glued to an old spool of appropriate width and to the extremities of the tape, keeping it tightly wraped. It works great and keeps the tackle box tidy and organized.
-
Cool. I've always used the fabric tapes but it's such a mission to keep tidy.
-
Cool. I've always used the fabric tapes but it's such a mission to keep tidy.
I have the same problem, great tip, Marcos! (clap)
-
Great thread, thanks Marcos.
-
Keeping your tackle dry
Humidity is a killer for tackle (both reels, terminal tackle and tools) and once the basic washing is done (and the tackle looks dry) I bet everybody just packs their tackle and stores it away. The reels will still be damp inside for a week or so and there will always be a bit of humidity in your tackle box. Here's a trick to help keep things a bit dryer - Silica bags. Every electrical/electronic appliance (and even shoes!) come with silica bags these days. When packing your reels with the neoprene covers, keep at least one or two inside the reel covers. Put a lot more in your tackle box. Every now and then take the bags out and put then in the oven for about 30 minutes at 60o to extract the humidity. This will surely help maintain your tackle.
Take one charcoal bricket and put it in a old sock, make a knot and put in your tackle box. Charcoal does the same as Silica bags, just last much longer. Just my 2c
-
Take one charcoal bricket and put it in a old sock, make a knot and put in your tackle box. Charcoal does the same as Silica bags, just last much longer. Just my 2c
:tkx:
-
Storing and transporting sabikis
All those that use sabikis to catch live bait have to go through a bit of suffering to transport and store them. The tinny, sharp hooks and fine diameter monofilament turn sabikis into tangling artifacts that can drive anyone crazy, especially when fishing! I've been making and using my own sabikis for a few years now and have been using a system that makes it easy to transport and keep them neatly stored on the boat. I use +/- 5cm sections of pool noodles, with a slit along it. The weight is snugged in the slit and the monofilament is wrapped around the noodle. Each hook is stuck into the noodle. I store them either separately or in small groups of 3 inside ziplock bags. All these go into a large plastic ice-cream container and into the tackle hatch on the boat. Once these are used, they get stored and everybody's happy!
-
Great idea John! That tip is worth a :+ cred:
-
The cork-pin: Unblocking the cooling-water pilot hole
Every now and then, the motor's cooling-water pilot hole will be clogged up. Be it, salt crystals or sand/mud particles sometimes it happens after a launch and one is faced with a jammed pilot hole. Most of the times it is quite simple to unblock. A thin, long and hardy object is enough to clean it. However, such objects are rarely kept on the boat. Here's my solution. A 8-9 cm long piece of 1.5 mm s/s wire and a wine cork. The wire is inserted into the cork and about 5 cm is left sticking out. I keep two on the boat. It floats, so there's a small chance of loosing it if falls overboard and I painted it in red (other good colors are scuba-yellow or pink). If needed a safety lanyard can also be used.
-
Nice!! :+ cred:
-
Wax it!
The next time you replace the line on your spinning reel, clean the lip of the spool and then apply a small amount of car wax to the lip. Allow it to dry, and then buff it out. The line will glide smoothly over the lip, with less friction, adding considerable distance to your cast and causing less wear and tear on the line.
Tip by Gary Tiller, published on Salt Walter Sportsman mag.
-
Wax it!
The next time you replace the line on your spinning reel, clean the lip of the spool and then apply a small amount of car wax to the lip. Allow it to dry, and then buff it out. The line will glide smoothly over the lip, with less friction, adding considerable distance to your cast and causing less wear and tear on the line.
Tip by Gary Tiller, published on Salt Walter Sportsman mag.
Damn! This tip is a day too late! Yesterday I replaced line on my BG10 and BG15......
-
Drilling through lead
Drilling through lead either to enlarge a pre-existing hole or to open a new one, can be a pain in the neck. Normal metal bits, given their coiled threads, just get stuck into the soft lead and break. This is how I went around this problem. Got hold of a +/- 10 cm long piece of S/S wire (1.8 mm) and flattened the tip with a hammer. Then, used a grinder to sharpen the tip like a spear. All done! This bit will drill through lead with a bit of extra pressure, but will not get stuck!
-
Thanks John F!! I will definitely give the S/S drill a test.
-
Keep your zippers lubed
Plastic and metallic zippers are commonly used these days in lures bags, rod tubes, and other tackle holders. Usually these are used and seldom lubricated or washed properly after a day's fishing, only to be found a few weeks later surrounded by a whitish salt ring and seized! To prevent this I use a few drops of a multi purpose lube oil (Q20) along the zipper from time to time. Run it a few times to spread the oil and the magic is done! No more seized zippers and it will last a long time!
I prepared for our upcoming trip I found the zippers on my tackle bag seized up and I sprayed it with Q20 it didn't help getting it loose. Eventually I made a paste from Bicarbonate of Soda and water and scrubbed it with an old tooth brush. I then soaked it in warm soapy water for a while and gently worked them loose. :yipee:
Now I will treat them so that they do not get stuck again.
Thanks for the tips, Marcos.
-
Glad you managed to save your zippers, Hermann. I'm usually not so patient and end up ruining it all.
One product that might help removing the salt deposits is Salt-Away. It is used to flush outboards. Only one drop diluted in about 20 ml of water should be enough to get rid of the salt.
-
:tkx: I will give it a try. The other solution is to fish more often. :hnthnt: :hnthnt:
-
Gelcoat still tacky? Wax it!
Sometimes (for various reasons) one needs to apply gelcoat on the boat. Despite following the correct hardner:gelcoat mix ratio, and after the curing time, the gelcoat still feels sticky. Here's a cheap and easy solution: apply liquid wax with a brush. Let it sit for a couple of hours and then wash it down with soapy water.
Job's done!
-
Gelcoat still tacky? Wax it!
Sometimes (for various reasons) one needs to apply gelcoat on the boat. Despite following the correct hardner:gelcoat mix ratio, and after the curing time, the gelcoat still feels sticky. Here's a cheap and easy solution: apply liquid wax with a brush. Let it sit for a couple of hours and then wash it down with soapy water.
Job's done!
Good tip!
Gel coat cures properly in the absence of oxygin. Some types of gel coat already has wax mixed in. After applying the gel coat, the wax migrates to the surface thus excluding air and seals the resin from the air, which has the same result as per the tip above.
-
Gelcoat still tacky? Wax it!
Sometimes (for various reasons) one needs to apply gelcoat on the boat. Despite following the correct hardner:gelcoat mix ratio, and after the curing time, the gelcoat still feels sticky. Here's a cheap and easy solution: apply liquid wax with a brush. Let it sit for a couple of hours and then wash it down with soapy water.
Job's done!
I guess I need to have some work done on my fishing hatches
-
Anti chaffing with old copper wire
Sometimes one runs out of chafe tubing. Here's a cheap and good alternative I've been using for a long time. Leftovers of copper wire. Strip them and use the covering tube. They come in different sizes and colours and work well. Cut the ends an angle and voila job's done.
-
Icy water
I was recently offered this 10 L water container with a tap at the bottom. Apparently they are available from selected petrol stations in SA. I fill half of it with drinking water and freeze it laying down with the tap on top. When it's time to go fishing I just fill the empty space with water, keep it in the cooler box and voila.... ice cold water for the rest of the day, with the added bonus of having other drinks in the cooler kept cold without any extra ice.
-
Cool idea... Literally w;k
-
Icy water
I was recently offered this 10 L water container with a tap at the bottom. Apparently they are available from selected petrol stations in SA. I fill half of it with drinking water and freeze it laying down with the tap on top. When it's time to go fishing I just fill the empty space with water, keep it in the cooler box and voila.... ice cold water for the rest of the day, with the added bonus of having other drinks in the cooler kept cold without any extra ice.
Lekker idea!! :tkx:
-
Spooling bucket
I recently had to re-spool my x2 Okuma Makaira 50W ii reels with 80 Lb dacron. To spool with the necessary tension (not having access to a proper spooling machine), I used the water bucket method. Drilled two holes to keep the iron rod in place. The two old tennis balls act as drag washers and provide the necessary tension, which is adjusted using washers and nuts. Two other iron rods prevent the balls from turning. Filled the bucket with water (both for weight and to dissipate the heat generated). Black magic harness on and voila... all spooled tightly, on my own. No need to annoy the missus or wait on your lazy-a$$ crew!!!! It works very well. WARNING: This is thirsty work!!!!! :hehe:
-
That is so cunning bud... (clap)
-
Thanks John F I always enjoy these posts :rck"
-
Broken rods can be re-used
Sometimes rods break, for whatever the reason or even for no reason at all! Don't throw it away. There a lot of things one can do with a broken rod that can't be fixed (talking specifically about offshore use). I have recently salvaged two rods (one from a friend that threw it away and the other that was found in Ponta full of barnacles)... inserted roller tips and use one as a kite rod and the other as a teaser rod to manage Bwana's flasher teaser (http://www.ultimateangling.co.za/index.php?topic=13781.0). Other uses include turning them into shorter gaffs, camera sticks for the GoPro, center rigger or flag pole.
-
Gelcoat still tacky? Wax it!
Sometimes (for various reasons) one needs to apply gelcoat on the boat. Despite following the correct hardner:gelcoat mix ratio, and after the curing time, the gelcoat still feels sticky. Here's a cheap and easy solution: apply liquid wax with a brush. Let it sit for a couple of hours and then wash it down with soapy water.
Job's done!
Just as a matter of interest Gelcoat is made for molds if you need to do brush on repair work ask for Flow Coat it has wax added, if you can't get at a boat shop check with swimming pool suppliers or try get styrene wax which you mix with Gelcoat to make flowcoat.
To save time on small patch work use a piece of flat plastic rubbed with wax and tape it in place over the gelcoat repair it'll help it cure and flattens the gelcoat out saving you time as there is less sanding afterwards.
-
Not sure if this has been mentioned before on this topic, but rock and surf fishing involves preparing bait. preparing bait leaves slimy, slippery , bloody residue on your hands which dirties your tackle and interferes with your casting. Using a car chamois, obtainable at a low cost, place it in your water bucket. When wet, it strips bait residue and mess off your hands like nothing else, much better than a towel, T shirt or - shudder - your shirt and shorts. Before casting, wring out the chamois and, once dry, use it to dry your hands ...for some reason it really dries out your hands and allows you to grip your rod and control your reel very well and eliminates slippage and mess. Once at home, it does get a little funky if not cleaned- just leave it in a bucket with water and diluted bleach overnight - good as new! :brnz:
-
It certainly wasn't mentioned before... thanks! Your tip doesn't sound very practical for offshore use, however I'm sure the R&S gang will make good use of it.
-
Bringing back the shine on rusted S/S tools
Every saltwater angler worth its salt, knows that all s/s tools (be it knifes, pliers, etc.) will rust... it actually starts were it reads "Stainless" :hehe:
The rust spots accumulate and suddenly the tool looks terrible and ends up in the dust bin. My diving knives were almost going in that direction. Luckly, I don't have a diving shop nearby. So I made a plan. Used vinegar (synthetic, the cheapest I could find). Submersed my knives in a bottle of water for 24 h. Used steel wool to scratch the rust away. Some stubborn stains required extra time in the vinegar.
Job's done and tools are ready to work for a few more years. And I saved some cash for fuel or extra tackle :hyst:
-
Thanks for sharing
-
"Humidity is a killer for tackle (both reels, terminal tackle and tools) and once the basic washing is done (and the tackle looks dry) I bet everybody just packs their tackle and stores it away. The reels will still be damp inside for a week or so and there will always be a bit of humidity in your tackle box. Here's a trick to help keep things a bit dryer - Silica bags. Every electrical/electronic appliance (and even shoes!) come with silica bags these days. When packing your reels with the neoprene covers, keep at least one or two inside the reel covers. Put a lot more in your tackle box. Every now and then take the bags out and put then in the oven for about 30 minutes at 60o to extract the humidity. This will surely help maintain your tackle."
Two cents worth .Kitty litter is pure silica and is available quiet cheap from your pet stores or Builders.Add a hand full to a old sock and place in tackle bag.
Thanks again John :happ: :+ cred: