"Money Saving Tips for the Angler"

Posted January 2003

1. Kids have a tendency to wind their split shot, hook or lure right through the tip-top of their rod. This can cause damage to the guides and is a hassle to straighten out for them. I solved this problem with my granddaughter very simply. I place an 8mm plastic bead on the line, then a barrel swivel, a leader of 12 to 18 inches and then the hook or lure. The bead keeps her from reeling up too far and the swivel prevents line-twist hassles too.

2. If you like to use a length of rubber for securing your bullet weight or Mojo weight to your line to prevent it from sliding, but you're tired of the hassles and storage problems of rubber bands, try this trick… The next time you're in Wal-Mart, go to the toy department and purchase a "Koosh Ball". The strands of rubber are perfect for this job, are always handy, they come in many different colors and will give you something to do if the fish aren't biting.

3. You can make a very effective and inexpensive "culling" device for under $3.00. Go to the craft department of Wal-Mart and purchase the desired quantity of 3/4 inch Styrofoam balls. Stop by the infants department and purchase a pack of "Diaper Pins" too. Paint the balls different colors ( be SURE to use latex paint ) then tie a large knot in one end of the line, run the line through the ball and attach the pin to the other end.

4. Before bolting your spare tire to your trailer, apply some anti-seize compound to the bolt threads, then screw on the nuts and tighten. This will make the job of changing a flat much easier and prevent you breaking a bolt, stripping a nut or losing your temper.

5. When you remove the drain plug from your boat, attach it to the steering wheel or ignition key with a bread tie. This will create a handy reminder and may save you LOTS of money by not sinking your boat.

6. Paint the top of your positive battery terminals with blaze orange paint. Now, when you return home from a fishing trip, tired and hungry, you won't mistakenly attach your battery charge leads to the wrong terminals.

7. To aid in hooking-up your boat, and to prevent damage to your license plate, cut a piece of 2 X 6 board the same length as your license plate. Place the board in front of the plate and back-up until the trailer hitch touches the wood block. The hitch ball should be in perfect position and your license plate none the worse for the experience. If the 2 X 6 is too thick, use a piece of 1 X 6. If it is too thin, add a piece of 1 X 6.

8. If you keep your boat outdoors, or even in a shelter, you will have problems with bugs, bees, and even mice building nests in the lower unit. To prevent this… Slip and old pillow case over the lower unit and secure with a bungi cord or rope. The cloth material works better than plastic and will allow air to circulate and water to drain.

9. If you often walk on you trailer frame to facilitate loading or unloading your boat… Place a few of the non-slip disc designed for use in the bathtub on the frame where you will step. These will prevent you from slipping and possible injury to yourself.

10. To keep your trailer lights working properly… Use a .22 caliber brass gun cleaning brush to clean the female side and light emory cloth to clean the male prongs.