What is the ONE fishing rule or practice you swear by? Carved in stone,never to be deviated from? Mine would have to be NEVER...EVER let someone else tie your knots. I've seen this happen too many times and it's resulted in lost fish! So what is yours?

1. Don't go without a hook file. EVER!
2. Any question about the leader? Change it.
3. Do you feel like you are going to catch a fish with your next cast? If you don't, you are right. Move or change tactics so you can be confident.
4. Always have a net in the boat big enough for the biggest fish in the river.
5. Somebody helped you learn how to catch fish. Make a point of sharing that knowledge with someone else at least once every day on the river.
6. Whenever possible, avoid return deadlines. If I tell my wife I'll be back when the fish stop biting", she knows it will be after dark.
7. A good fishing buddy is difficult to find. Learn to recognize the good ones and don't screw up the relationship.

I agree that making sure your knot is good and your line is not nicked up is the number one rule.

My pet peeve is to be organized and ready to fish before you get to the river. I make sure I'm dressed for fishing, have my vest all set up ( and on), and fishing pole all set up. All I need to do is get out, grab my pole and bait, and go fish.

Sorry, STEW, I must not know how to count.
(OSU alum)Hope I didn't screw up yer thread.

Snapset, great post! You didn't leave enough valid ones after that, so I will think of some silly little things that people often forget, and
could ruin the day without them.

- Wear pants
- Take a fishing rod (I actually forgot once -
never again).
- One word: eggs!
- Long rope (to hang yourself if you backlash more
than once - makes you more careful).
- High heel shoes (felt soled boots slip out from
under you on muddy slopes - I know! - and the
heels dig right in, that's what I've heard ).
- Bozo mask, to friggin fit right in at the Pacific City 'ramp hole',
and a lot of other crowded spots!
- Duct tape, to cover your license plate - and many other uses.

[ 11-15-2001: Message edited by: RT i ]

Always have plenty of leaders tied up in advance. When one has cold fingers is no time to have to tie them. Also agree with the "don't let anyone else tie your knots".

Never horse a fish after just losing the last one....Never horse on a losing streak.

the only good fishing partner is my dog spend the first 15 20 minutes on the rivers just taking a deep breath and getting to be onr with the river

Always pack out your trash! This one action,if done by everyone, would have the most positive effect on the resource and the overall quality of the fishing experience for everybody. Walk your talk, pack out your trash!

Always replace bent hooks. Ive lost too many fish on hooks Ive tried to "fix" after being bent.

Be observant, watch what others are using (especially if they are hooking up) and don't be afraid to ask questions. Seems to me like most fisherman are more than willing to share thier success and what they are using.

Be flexable, don't be afraid to try something different.

Good luck and tight lines, Jeff

I like to wash my hand's with joy soap before riggin up whether it's Steelhead fishin or salmon
fishin in the salt.I alway's wash up first,it has made a big differance in the past couple years.
Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

1. Never try to untangle a rats nest around your terminal gear. It can take years. I always cut the hardware out and re-tie (with your pre-tied leaders).

I agree,definitely bend your own knots. have confidence in your fishing spots and dont be lazy change your leaders if they get chafed.We usually use 25- 50 mono for leaders for our fishing., usual every 3 or 4 fish

ALWAYS re-tie the knot on your plug clips before every trip!

I lost a big steelie on the Hoh a couple of years ago and a pretty nice sized silver this past Sunday. What's worse is the damn fished jumped a half dozen time right in front of the boat and we could see and hear the plug rattling in his mouth.

Kev

[ 11-15-2001: Message edited by: Kev ]

I have a fresh mono fetish. I usually respool my 2000 spinning reel with new line every 3rd trip. Baitcaster probably every 6 to 8 trips or if lose more than say 20% of my spool.

I do this for a few reasons. I can't stand a level spool that is not fully loaded. Fresh line casts much nicer. Hidden abrasions deeper in the spool may not always be detected until a fish takes you there.

I've had people comment that my practice is a waste of money. The way I see it the money that I save buying bulk spools offsets the cost in the long run. I can go a long time with bulk spools of 8,10,12& 15 #.

And yes animal lovers, I always dispose of my spent line in a responsible manner.

FJ...out.

I cut my leader after catching a fish so I do not reuse it and I retie my knots after catching a fish on a plug.

Giz..

Release Natives!

(but not this much rain)

Ditto GutZ, if it's got an adipose fin, it goes back in the water, no exceptions If it was played hard, take the necessary time to revive the fish.