FISHINGSKILLS:
Cousteau Vision
Jika Rig
If you haven’t used the jika rig, you don’t know what you’re missing. The jika rig is a blend of Texas rig and drop shot rig. The rig is easy to build and fun to fish. Start by using split ring pliers to thread a wide-gap hook onto a No. 2 split ring. Then, attach a bell sinker to the split ring. Tie the split ring to the mainline and rig the hook with your favorite soft plastic. The jika is deadly when worked verti- cally in heavy structure or around dock posts or bridge pilings. Try one and you’ll be hooked. Brad Wiegmann
A FINE LINE
There is a fine line between catching and not catching. Many times, that line can be a difference in the diameter of the fishing line. While a few mil- limeters may not seem like much, spread out over the length of your fishing line there is a big dif- ference between eight and 12-pound test. While heavier pound test is usually thicker than a lighter line, one manufacturer’s 10-pound test might be significantly thicker than another brand. Thinner line casts farther, sinks faster and is harder for fish to see—this is good for bottomfishing or fool- ing wary fish in clear water. Thicker line is usually stronger and sinks slower, perfect for suspending lures. Experimenting with different brands, tests, colors and materials can make a big difference in the number of fish you catch. Brad Wiegmann
62 …KAYAK ANGLER SUMMER/FALL 2013
Impress your friends with some basic underwater photography. While this system won’t allow you to submerge your SLR camera, you will be able to dip the lens be- low water and snap pictures of your catch. Start with a large clear-plastic bag, a wide UV filter and marine tape. Trace the circum- ference of the filter on the side of the bag and cut out the center. Place the circle over the filter and tape the edge with marine tape. Put your camera in the bag and close the seal. Then put on a red beanie—you’re ready to go, Cousteau. Ben Duchesney
THE EYE’S HAVE IT THE EYE’S HAVE IT
Add some weight and flashy eyes to your weed- less soft plastic. Remove three or four beads off a bead-chain. Push the short section of chain through the head of a weedless soft plastic until there is one bead on each side of the head. Preda- tors often key in on the eyes of their prey and this modification encourages them to make that mis- take. Jerry McBride
GO WITH THE FLOW Fish rely on current to bring them food. More of- ten than not, you’ll find predators facing into the oncoming water waiting for a meal. A good rule of thumb is to go with the flow. Retrieving a bait with the current will put it in the strike zone. When fish- ing up-current, it is best to work out of a stationary
GO WITH THE FLOW
TREBLE TROUBLE
boat. Make a long up-current cast that crosses or passes prime feeding locations. Retrieve the bait fast enough to keep slack out of the line. Use a lure or weight that is just heavy enough to keep the bait in the strike zone. The bait should flow at the same speed as the current. Many times the fish will only have a split second to react to the passing meal, expect explosive strikes and drag- burning runs. Drew Haerer
TREBLE TROUBLE To prevent your plugs from tangling in the tackle box, twist-tie together the treble hooks on each lure. Jeff Herman
PHOTO: BEN DUCHESNEY
PHOTO: JEFF HERMAN
PHOTO: DREW HAERER
PHOTO: JERRY MCBRIDE
PHOTO: BRAD WIEGMANN
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