5 Fishing Gear Checks That Could Save Your Next Fish

I just lost two really nice fish back-to-back.

And the frustrating part?

I had already done the hard work.

I found the fish, made the right presentation, got the strikes… and still watched both of them get away.

The problem ended up being something embarrassingly simple that I should have caught before I ever made another cast.

That got me thinking about all the little gear checks we tend to overlook while fishing.

So here are 5 simple fishing gear checks you can knock out in about five minutes that could save your next big fish.

Featured Gear:

A few pieces of gear I use regularly for inshore fishing:

• Rod 1: Slot Machine Medium
• Rod 2: Slam Stick Medium
• Reel 1: Otis 2500
• Reel 2: BG MQ 2500
• Lure 1: Prawn XT OG (4.3″)
• Lure 2: Wake Mullet
• Lure 3: Moonwalker

Insiders can save 20% on eligible tackle at Fish Strong.

1. Check Your Leader And Knots

Your leader takes a beating throughout a fishing trip.

Snook can rough it up. Rocks, oysters, docks, and other structure can damage it. Even a small rough spot can create a weak point that eventually costs you a fish.

Run your fingers along the leader and feel for:

• Fraying
• Rough spots
• Nicks
• Abrasion

If anything feels questionable, cut that section off and retie.

You should also inspect the knot connecting your lure to your leader.

And don’t forget the connection between your braid and leader.

If the knot starts looking different, the tag end begins getting longer, or the nearby braid feels damaged, stop and retie it.

It takes a minute.

But losing a big fish over a bad knot will stick with you a lot longer.

2. Inspect Your Split Rings And Hardbait Hardware

Hardbaits have several small pieces of hardware that can fail if you never check them.

Start with the split rings.

Make sure they’re still round and haven’t started spreading apart or becoming misshapen.

If one looks damaged, replace it.

I’d rather put a lure away than keep fishing something I don’t trust.

While you’re checking the split rings, inspect the hook hangers too.

Give them a little wiggle and make sure nothing feels loose.

You don’t need to inspect this stuff every 15 minutes, but checking it before a trip, while tying on a lure, or while cleaning your gear afterward is a great habit.

3. Reset Your Drag Before Your Next Cast

Some anglers like adjusting their drag while fighting a fish.

I’m more of a set-it-and-forget-it guy.

But if you DO adjust yours during the fight, make sure you reset it before making another cast.

A drag that’s too loose can make it harder to drive the hook home.

Too tight and you can:

• Straighten hooks
• Break your leader
• Break your knot
• Snap your line

It only takes a second to check, especially after catching or losing a fish.

4. Inspect The First Few Feet Of Your Braid

Your leader isn’t the only thing that can get damaged.

Check the first few feet of braid above your leader connection.

Look and feel for:

• Rough sections
• Burrs
• Fraying
• Damage from structure

If anything looks questionable, cut that section off and retie your leader.

This is especially important if you’ve been fishing around docks, rocks, oysters, or other abrasive structure.

5. Check Your Hook Point

This is the one that got me.

A lot of anglers check whether their hook is sharp.

But there’s another problem to watch for.

The actual hook point can roll over or bend slightly.

That means your hook might still LOOK okay, but it won’t penetrate nearly as well.

I check mine by carefully running my finger along the hook point from different directions.

If I feel a burr, catch, or bent section, that hook needs attention.

That tiny rolled point was enough to cost me two good fish.

And I should have caught it sooner.

Final Thoughts

None of these checks are complicated.

And you definitely don’t need to inspect every single piece of gear after every cast.

But getting into the habit of checking your leader, knots, braid, drag, lure hardware, and hook points throughout the day can prevent a lot of unnecessary heartbreak.

Because once you’ve found the fish, made the right cast, and finally gotten that bite…

The last thing you want is a tiny gear problem ruining all that work.

What’s something you always check while you’re fishing that I missed? Let me know in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I check my fishing leader?

Check it regularly throughout the trip, especially after catching fish or fishing around docks, rocks, oysters, and other abrasive structure. If you feel roughness or see damage, cut the damaged section off and retie.

How often should I check split rings on fishing lures?

Split rings and lure hardware generally don’t need constant inspection. Checking them before a trip, when tying on the lure, or while cleaning your tackle afterward is usually enough.

Why do I keep losing fish on the hook set?

There are several possible reasons, including a dull or rolled hook point, improperly set drag, damaged knots, or weakened line or leader. Inspecting your gear can help eliminate those problems.

How can I tell if a fishing hook is damaged?

Check both the sharpness and the actual shape of the hook point. A hook point can roll or bend slightly and become much less effective even if the hook doesn’t look obviously damaged.

Should I retie my fishing knots every trip?

It’s a good habit. Knots and leader material can weaken from fish, structure, casting, and general wear. If anything looks or feels questionable, retie it before it costs you a fish.