If the video does not load, you can view it here: (Better Version) How to Spool Line onto your Reel - How to Prevent Fishing Line Twist

So we’ve redone it (due to massive popular demand). So now you can learn how to spool a spinning reel to prevent line twist in HD and with a visible fishing line.

*Make sure you watch this in HD*

Here at Thundermist Lure Company, we’ve been asked several times “How do I spool line onto my reel properly?”, and “How can I avoid fishing line twist”. So we’ve put together a short 4-minute video with 4 key tips on how to spool line onto your reel and preventing line twist.

Let know what you think about this by commenting below, or send us an email through our blog.

As always, good fishing!
Ivo

This time of the year the fishing pretty much sucks here in Long Island Sound. We are just beginning to hear about reports of false albacore coming into the area which is hopeful because the big striped bass are just not here yet. Big bluefish are still around so that’s really all the guys are fishing for now.

I took my best buddy, Jose and his 4 year old son, Aiden out. Fishing was slow….tide was dropping fast and we were almost at dead low which sucks for fishing here. The water has to be moving to be really productive as you know. So, I cast my 7’ medium action rod with the Python Darter up by some rocks and began a slow, steady retrieve.

All of a sudden, one of the most ferocious hits that I can remember occurred and the line on the Penn reel started to sing that magical song.

This fish hit so hard and ran so fast that I was sure it was a big bluefish. Then I felt his head shaking (the wonders of braid) and knew it was the right kind. He didn’t give up and fought for a good 5-8 minutes before Jose could snap this low quality photo with my Blackberry camera.

I revived this 22 incher and he swam away as aggressively as when I met him. He was nice treat on a slow day and I owe it all to Thundermist’s Python Darter. I will be sure to tell the guys at my boat club about this new lure and obviously my editors as well.

Keep up the good work and please tell Toronto to stop being a thorn in the Yankees side! Man, what a good series. I’m going to the Yankee game Monday night and I cant wait!

Thanks again Ivo.

- Matt W

“I gave the viper [spoon] a real try today for fluke, I put a strip of sea robin on it and with in no time I caught the first keeper on the boat. After the third keeper on the boat the rest of my charter asked if I had any more.

We had half an hour left to fish and landed one more keeper. Total fish on viper were four fluke one Blue fish and two sea robins.”

- Capt “A”, NJ

1) What is a Stinger Hook?

A stinger hook is simply an additional hook that you add to your existing rig. You can buy stinger hooks, or simply make them your self by tying a short leader line to a hook and then connecting it to your lure, jig, or live bait rig.

Your leader line can be monofilament, fluorocarbon, or wire. If you are targeting toothy fish, you will definitely want to use a wire line to your stinger hook.

Otherwise, a fluorocarbon leader to your stinger hook is a great way to go. It is less visible to fish and more abrasion resistant. Otherwise, monofilament will also work well for you.

2) Why use a Stinger Hook?

Many times, fish will “bite short”. If fish are not aggressive, they will tend to nip at the end of your bait or lure. You feel the hit, set the hook, and catch nothing.

With a stinger hook, it typically trails your bait rig or lure, so when the fish do hit short – they find themselves getting hooked.

Also, many times, those larger fish seem to hit more cautiously, so a stinger hook just may help hook you a real lunker!

3) Where to use a Stinger Hook

Generally, you do not use a stinger hook on crank baits, as it may impede on the action and it could also get you snagged very easily.

When using jigs, a stinger hook makes a nice addition – especially if you are using live bait or cut bait on your jig. In this case, the stinger hook will help secure your bait in place, and typically does not effect the action.

Live bait rigs are also very effective when accompanied by a stinger hook and when using spinner baits, I always use a stinger hook

With a spinner bait, you simple slide your stinger hook over the hook point and barb of the existing hook. When doing this, you can use a small piece of plastic tubing, which will help keep your stinger hook in place.

Using Stinger hooks is a very effective way to hook and land more fish, so next time you plan on going out on the water, give a stinger hook a try.

Until next time folks, good luck and good fishing!
Ivo

If the video doesn’t load, you can view it here: Three Quick Twister Tail Jigging Tips and a 5lb Smallmouth

This week we have a great short video for you where we give you three great tips on jigging while using a twister tail.

After that, watch as Phil lands himself a nice 5lb smallmouth bass while jigging!

Ivo

Just tried your viper silver sp2 with cisco bait this summer trolling for lake trout. Caught a 74 cm or 32 inch in northern Manitoba, Canada.

I had to release over size limit for the area.

One thing to note was it was Mid-July off-season for trout, September is when they bite.

- Brent Lannoo