A fit young man and his pretty girlfriend were fishing a little inlet on Chautauqua Lake. My wife and I caught a bucketful of perch quickly, but noticed they’d only landed one or two. How was that possible? Simply cast a piece of worm out and wait for a hit, generally less than 30 seconds.
I am a little reticent about giving advice to other fishermen. Few receive corrections of any type, fishing or otherwise, no matter how well meant, with good humor. Giving advice is often interpreted as a sign of your showing off or “superiority” on any matter and taken in that light is resented.
Especially if their girls are present. I wandered nonchalantly over to check out their equipment. The man reeled in and I gasped! Their saltwater spinning rods were set up with 20-pound test monofilament with a one-ounce sinker fastened to a snap swivel of tarpon strength.
Above the industrial strength swivel was a very large 2/0 single hook even the largest perch would be challenged to fit into his mouth. Above the hook was, of all things, a yellow and red stick bobber. It was impossible for even 10 bobbers that size to have held that gigantic sinker up! A tentative offer to help them was rejected by the bristling boyfriend.
A shame really; they could have had a successful outing by simply changing their sinker and hook size. It’s important to match your equipment to your quarry. A light action rod or UL is best for panfish and trout.
Match it with the correct line and hook size and you’.