3 Tips for Securing Bass Fishing Baits and Rigs

It’s perhaps something that not a lot of anglers give great thought to — but they should. Moving to another spot means stowing rods, but just laying them on the deck of your bass boat and fastening the rod strap isn’t enough. Properly securing your baits not only prevents tangles, but can add years to the life of your expensive rods and reels. Rig Wraps offer a handy option, but also consider these points:

1. Hook Placement

Most rods feature keepers on the blank for tucking hooks. If you don’t like the placement and opt for hanging your hook in a lower guide, stick it under the guide foot — never in the eye. Chipping or scratching an eye insert leaves nicks that can damage line.

2. Say “No” to Salt

Securing hooks on the reel face is a common option, but note that salt-impregnated baits will leach into your reel. Salt corrosion happens quickly, so whether it’s a Texas rig or a jig with a plastic trailer, keep salty baits tethered elsewhere.

3. Weight Control

Dropshot and other weighted rigs can damage rod blanks when left unrestrained. To tame the constant banging, secure the hook to a keeper, and then tuck the weight under a rubber band wrapped around your rod handle.

With Carolina rigs, secure your hook on the reel handle, reel the line snug and twist the line around the rod to remove all slack. Tuck the taut line behind one of the rod’s eyes to keep it from loosening. With proper management, you’ll avoid mishaps and keep your baits ready for the next spot.

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Source: BY DAVID A. BROWN. Originally published on Outdoor Life