This month we talk with Capt. Chuck Jones, of Salty Siren Fishing. Capt. Chuck runs the 26’ Chesapeake by Composite Yachts Salty Siren out of multiple ports through the Upper, Middle, and Lower Bay depending on where the fish are, for light tackle fishing fun. The topic of the day: critical fishing tackle and gear.
Q: What's this we hear about a KISS gear management method?
A: When it comes to tackle I use the Keep It Stupid Simple method and try not to get bogged down with a million varieties. This is easier said than done, I know. I have a tackle shelf at home that stores a variety of lures and tackle based on the season and targets. I keep all my jigs, spoons, topwater, and jerkbaits in small 10” x 7” Plano boxes. There are one- to two-ounce jigheads in one for the winter, and half-ounce to one-ounce jigheads in another box for spring fishing. I don't have a huge variety of soft plastics, either, and they are mainly chartreuse, pearl and smokey shad for low light.
Q: What else do you have hidden away in that tackle box?
A: Since I have an open boat in a slip I carry my tackle with me. I use a tackle backpack with soft plastics up top and four Plano boxes below. The odd stuff in the pockets are as follows: Aveeno sunscreen, number 44 and number 70 tactical angler clips, 25-pound fluorocarbon leader, 40-pound mono leader, a fish de-hooker, fish grips (for customers that don’t like to handle fish), a hand towel, an extra set of fishing pliers, Loctite super glue, Fujinon stabilizing binoculars, lens wipes, a handheld VHF radio, bloodworm Fishbites, Sabiki rigs, half-ounce sinkers, and finally all my credentials. If I can't make a day happen with that, it just wasn't meant to be.
Q: Tell us about some critical “gear” that isn't in that box. What else do you consider must-haves for a day of fishing or to prep for a day of fishing?
A: Before I go out on the water I am constantly checking the weather forecast between my Weather Channel app, the Windy app, the Windfinder Pro app, and even an occasional check on the NOAA marine weather site to keep them all honest. Unfortunately, sometimes all four get the weather wrong… I am also constantly checking my Navionics app for currents, as well as scouting for new spots on Google Earth.
Thanks for the insight, Capt. Chuck! You can learn more about Salty Siren Fishing or contact Capt. Chuck at saltysirenfishing.com, or by calling or texting (410) 353-0589.