You’re Losing Fish Before You Even Hit the Water (Here’s Why)
- By: Tony Acevedo
- on
- Found In: Fishing Tips, Inshore Fishing, Tackle & Gear
Most anglers spend their prep time checking tides, weather, and maps.
While that’s important, small, overlooked gear issues are often what turn a trophy fish into “the one that got away.”
That’s what hurts the most. Not getting skunked, but knowing you had the fish and lost it because something simple wasn’t dialed in.
I made this video to show how simple gear checks eliminate preventable mistakes, so everything you do before the hook-up doesn’t go to waste.
Are you checking all of these before your next trip? Find out below.
Featured Gear:
- Rods: Slam Stick Spinning Rod 7’6 M Power Fast Action
- Reel: Otis 2500 Spinning Reel
- Lure: Moonwalker Topwater
- Hook: Hoss Helix Hooks
- Jig Head: Hoss Round Eye Jighead
- Mainline: Diawa J-Braid
- Leader: Ande Mono Leader
Key Takeaways
- Many first-fish break-offs come from overlooked gear issues, not bad luck
- Rod guides, leader condition, and drag settings fail quietly until they matter most
- Simple checks before each trip eliminate preventable weak points
- Having multiple rods rigged for different depths keeps your lure in the water longer
Pre-Trip Inshore Gear Checklist:
Final Thoughts
Preparation does not guarantee fish, but poor preparation almost guarantees missed opportunities.
A few minutes spent checking gear removes variables that have nothing to do with skill, timing, or location.
When the bite happens, your setup should be the last thing working against you.
IMPORTANT REMINDER
The 2 core benefits we promise to Insider Club members is to be able to find and catch fish easier than ever before while saving money on fishing equipment.
So I am including links to the quickest ways to achieve each:
1) Finding Fish System
2) Insider Club’s Group Discounts
Related categories:
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish ever trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
Qtip works like a charm. Found two guides that need replacing, thanks for the tip.
Awesome, glad it was helpful!
We done, Tony
Thanks Jan!
Why don’t you have a bait casting rod for the slam stick not all of us spinning set ups
It’s in the works!
Excellent tips, thanks Tony!
You’re welcome JD!
Great video, I’ve been just learning now on what different types of rods to bring. And I did have one rod I kept breaking on some of my cast found out. It was the eye on the tip of the rod. So now I will check everything great advice.
Thank you for the great feedback Jesse!
Great tips. Thanks
You’re welcome Jeffrey!
Love this, I’m printing it now!
Awesome, glad it can help!
Great reminder Tony… thanks again
You’re welcome Tom!
Tony — my preference is to bring an additional rod setup which is one with a poping cork. Having that pre-rigged can be a time saver when out on the water. I suppose it depends on where you fish but just goes to show the setups may be different based on where your are fishing. Thanks for the video and your suggestions
For sure! Definitely get set up for what works in your area.
Good Information. Haven’t thought it thru this much before. Checking all my rods this weekend. Thanks.
Good time to do it with this cold snap. You’re welcome Vance!