Money Saving Ideas for your Summer Fishing Trip

It’s summertime, which means it’s time for the annual fishing excursion! Here are 6 handy fishing tips that will make your time outside a bit safer, more economical, and more enjoyable: • The next time you go worm hunting, try “The Chainsaw Technique.” Start by driving a wooden stake 8 to 12 inches deep in loamy soil. Place the bottom of a running chainsaw on the end of the stake – preferably with the chain removed or disengaged. As the chainsaw vibrates the wooden stake, the worms will rise to the surface. • Once you have your worms, you need someplace to keep them. For that, save an empty tube-style potato chip canister and two plastic snap-on lids. Use a can opener to remove the canister’s bottom, snap a lid on one end, put some loamy soil in the can, add your worms, and snap the other lid on the other end. Set the can upright and the worms will migrate to the bottom of the container. Simply open the bottom of the container whenever you need bait. • If you fish with a spinning reel, you know that monofilament has “memory.” Memory is what makes fishing line get coiled and spring off your reel when you open the bail. You can fix this by removing the spool and line and soaking it in warm water for about 10 minutes. This will soften the line, relax the coil, and help make it more manageable and less likely to come off the reel and get tangled. • If you’re looking for a handy cutting tool, get a card-shaped letter opener from an office supply or discount store. They are great for cutting fishing line – including braided line – and they fit inside a shirt pocket so they are always within easy reach. • The next time you drop your rod and reel overboard, remember this tip. First, throw out a weighted marker buoy to mark the spot where you lost your gear. Tie some heavy fishing line on to a metal fish stringer, open the stringer’s snaps and drag it across the bottom in the area around the buoy. The prongs of the snaps will eventually snag your gear. • Lemon-shaped juice containers make great floats for the big baits used when fishing for stripers or catfish. Simply loosen the cap, wrap your line around the screw threads, and replace the cap. The container is very buoyant, and its size and bright yellow color stand out on the water. Before you head out on your next adventure, you’ll need to gear up. When you do, don’t pay retail. These online merchants offer great deals on the stuff you’ll need: Bass Pro Shops • FREE Shipping on your ENTIRE order with any shoes, boots, or clothing purchase (expires 6/30/12) • Shop Bass Pro Shops’ Outlet Store and Rebates page for great deals REI • Free Shipping on orders over $50 (expires 12/31/12) • Sign up to get REI Gearmail and save 15% • Shop REI Outlet’s "Deal of the Day" for deep discounts

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