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THE EQUIPMENT ADVANTAGE
By: Greg
Brush
Ask a hundred different salmon and steelhead
anglers why they fish and you will most likely get
a hundred different answers: the peacefulness, the
beauty of the surroundings, the 'back to nature'
experience, the camaraderie, the escape from
everyday hassles and obligations. Yes, these are a
few of the many reasons that we fish, but lets also
not forget the real reason for spending all those
hours on the water-CATCHING FISH! As relaxing and
fulfilling as the pursuit may be, I seriously doubt
that any of us would continue fishing if we never
sampled success.
Whether it is the challenge to out-fish our
buddies, out-smart the fish, or just become a
better angler than we were the day before, the
bottom line is that we all want to CATCH MORE FISH!
While there are hundreds of tricks and techniques
that will certainly improve our catch rate, one of
the most commonly overlooked yet easily improved
factors in success is what I call "the equipment
advantage!"
We've all seen him. In fact, a lot of us have
probably made fun of him at some time or other. I'm
talking about the fisherman who looks as if he
leapt straight from the pages of an Eddie Bauer
catalog. Mr. Slick is dressed in the latest garb
and outfitted with the highest level of gear that
money can buy. From his Bare neoprene waders to his
10X gore-tex jacket to his G.Loomis graphite rod
and Shimano reel, this fellow is lookin' good! His
custom-built Willie-Boat river sled is loaded to
the gills; outfitted with a top-of-the-line sonar,
separate kicker motor, padded bucket seats, and
every other conceivable option available. Why would
we make fun of him? Is it because we are a bit
jealous, or is it really because we feel
threatened? Whether we want to admit it or not, we
know that he has a distinct advantage over us!
It's true- all things being equal, the
better-equipped angler will nearly always out fish
the ill-equipped angler! If Mr. Slick and Mr.
Sloppy are fishing side-by-side, and have the same
level of knowledge, skill and experience, Mr. Slick
will usually come out on top. And if Mr. Sloppy
happened to be a superior fisherman to Mr. Slick,
you can bet that Mr. Slick's equipment advantage
would at least elevate him to a competitive
level.
THE PERFORMANCE FACTOR
The equipment advantage can give you three very
important benefits. The first, and most obvious, is
the performance factor. When one hears
"performance" we automatically think of speed!
True, a powerful motor can get you to the fishing
hole first, but a custom boat can produce more
salmon in many subtle ways. It drafts less water,
allowing up-stream passage during low water
conditions. It will generate more strikes by the
way it effortlessly backtrolls, tracking true
against the river's ever-changing current. Its rod
holders are strategically located and ample storage
compartments ensure the deck is clear to fight that
giant King Salmon.
The performance factor is more than just who has
the nicest boat. A powerful, high-performance
graphite rod may possibly be the single most
important equipment up-grade you can make. There
are many companies producing high quality salmon
and steelhead rods, but I personally feel that
G.Loomis rods are an investment in success and
worth every penny. They will allow you to cast
farther and more accurately. In the course of a
days fishing, the lightness of the ultra-high
modulus graphite will all but eliminate arm
fatigue, allowing you to focus on the task at hand.
Most importantly, their incredible sensitivity will
enable you to feel every bit of bottom structure,
differentiating between the tap of a rock and the
subtle take of a big native steelhead. And when you
do come back hard with that killer hook-set, you
know that durability is a given, and your rod will
perform as asked. The security of a rock-solid
warranty is another important benefit of purchasing
a top end rod.
Some think a fishing reel is nothing more than a
fancy line gathering devise. Think again. Shimano
reels are marvels of engineering genius. Machined
from aircraft grade components such as aluminum,
graphite and titanium, modern reels gain strength
without sacrificing lightness. These high quality
'fishing tools' have tolerances so close that they
could be considered works of art! Multiple ball
bearings provide the smoothness of a Rolls Royce
while dual spool tension adjustments and magnets
make backlashes a thing of the past. Recent
improvements in drag components and design allow
new reels to perform like nothing previously
available. This is the one aspect of your reel that
has the most chance of impacting your success.
Shimano drags are so silky smooth that one often
has to look down to see when a fish is taking line!
If you are still fishing "Grandpa's dinosaur," the
purchase of a high-quality reel should be near the
top of your priority list.
The performance factor doesn't stop at the rod
and reel. Did you spend the extra money for
Gamakatsu hooks? Modern premium hooks that are so
sharp that they are "sticky" have the potential to
instantly double your hook-ups! Are you fishing a
high quality brand-name line, or did you cut
corners and buy a no-name generic? Don't forget:
your fishing line is actually the only thing that
physically connects you to that trophy fish! Even
the smallest of terminal tackle has a bearing on
the outcome-anyone who has ever had a simple barrel
swivel fail while fighting a big King Salmon will
never forget it!
THE COMFORT FACTOR
In my opinion, the second benefit the equipment
advantage can give you is a "no brainer." If you
are going to enjoy any outdoor activity, it is
paramount that you are properly dressed. This
ensures both safety and comfort. Letting a
first-time fisherman shake and shiver in the front
of a drift boat on a cold, drizzly day is downright
dangerous, and you can bet your favorite
wiggle-wart he or she won't be back! However,
Thermax long johns, layered clothing, insulated
waterproof boots, and quality raingear will give
that beginner a fair chance at actually enjoying
the trip.
Even veterans can benefit from being properly
outfitted. Who's more likely to hook a fish on a
blustery day? Mr. Sloppy, dressed in his favorite
Levi's, dime store hip boots and cotton sweatshirt,
can think of nothing else but getting in front of a
warm fire with a hot cup of cocoa in hand.
Meanwhile, Mr. Slick, outfitted with the latest in
outdoor apparel, stays warm and dry. He is focused
in his pursuit, and methodically works the water.
He is even able to brave the elements longer,
staying out for an extra hour or two, and possibly
hooking that "fish of a lifetime!"
THE CONFIDENCE FACTOR
The third benefit the equipment advantage can
give you is not quite so obvious, yet it has the
potential to 'make or break' a salmon or steelhead
fisherman. The equipment advantage is the quickest
and easiest way to raise ones confidence, and this
confidence factor can elevate you to a new level of
fisherman. An angler with a positive attitude is an
amazingly effective weapon.
As you begin your day on the water, you know
that you have the very finest equipment available.
You have utilized the latest in technology to its
fullest. Your rod and reel is 'state of the art'
and your tackle is of the best quality found. Your
clothing ensures that you will remain comfortable,
enabling you to concentrate on your ultimate goal.
Every loose end is covered. You are unstoppable:
deep-down inside you know that it's only a matter
of time before you are able to shout, "fish
on!"
On the other hand, a poorly equipped angler is
doomed from the start. He knows he cut corners in
his terminal tackle. Last years bargain mono is dry
and brittle, and he spends a third of his time
picking "birds nests" from his old Phlueger reel.
He wonders if his out-dated glass rod will even
allow him to feel the delicate take of a steelhead.
As he stands shivering in the cold glacial river,
underdressed and ill prepared for a day outdoors,
he realizes he isn't having much fun anymore, and
he counts the hours until he is done fishing. His
confidence wanes and his self-doubt spreads like a
disease. Attitude is everything, and it is quickly
evident that the only "hooking up" this poor chap
will do is with a root-wad on the bottom of the
river!
BUY THE BEST EQUIPMENT YOU CAN
AFFORD!
At this point, it should be pretty clear that
cutting corners on your equipment will ultimately
be reflected in the number of fish you hook and
land. Plain and simple, fishing garbage gear will
cost you fish! Pay attention to detail, eliminate
every controllable variable, and most importantly,
buy the very best equipment that you can
afford.
As technology rockets forward at break-neck
speed, most of us "average Joes" will quickly come
to realize that constantly upgrading our fishing
equipment is just not economically feasible. So
where do you draw the line? Before parting with my
hard earned cash, I like to ask myself one simple
question: "does this purchase have the potential to
either enhance my equipments performance or raise
my confidence level?" If the answer is a resounding
"yes," then I think its money well spent. Without a
doubt, the equipment advantage is one of the
fastest and easiest ways to improve your salmon and
steelhead success rate!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Born and raised in scenic Northern California,
Greg Brush learned salmon and steelhead basics on
the many beautiful rivers of the north coast. Now a
veteran fishing guide with 12 years of full time
guiding experience on Alaska's famous Kenai and
Kasilof Rivers, Greg resides year round in
Soldotna, Alaska.
Naturally, two of the state's premier salmon
rivers can generate considerable fishing pressure.
Always looking for an edge, Greg learned long ago
the value of "the equipment advantage." With plenty
of competition from many talented fishermen, he has
utilized modern technology in his equipment to help
him produce consistent catches and satisfied
clients.
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