Essential Tools and Tips for Catching Sand Dabs
INTRODUCTION
This article aims to provide you with the essential tools including tackle recommendations, terminal tackle required, and rigging tips to be successful in sand dab fishing.
Tackle recommendation
Even though sand dabs are not hard fighting game fish, they generally thrive in sandy bottoms that range anywhere from 200 to 500 feet of water that requires you to fish a heavier weight (generally 16oz to 32oz) that gets you vertically down to the bottom.
For this reason, it is ideal to utilize a heavy action rod that is rated 40-60lb or 50-80lb.
The RCE700 H-C and RCE700 XH-C rods by United Composite could serve nicely for this purpose.
Reel wise, we recommend something that is at least 4/0 size with high torque and lower gear ratio such as 4:3:1 which allows the angler to reel in a 1 to 2lb weight with ease.
Size 4 or 6 octopus style hooks would serve well but keep in mind that you will want about 8-10 of them tied up to your sand dab ganglion.
Don’t forget about your line. Odyssey 8 strand solid braid 65# to 80# would serve as perfect backing as the zero stretch allows for maximum sensitivity when fishing in deeper waters. Top it off with #50 monofilament leader line and you’ve completed your sand dab set up.
Rigging
You can either purchase a pre rigged sand dag ganglion at your local tackle shop or rig it yourself. If purchasing a pre rig ganglion, just tie on the ganglion to your main braided backing with a san diego knot and clip on your weight of choice at the bottom. If rigging it yourself utilize the dropper loop knot that allows for the loop to be about little short of 1 feet ensuring you space them apart adequately. Refer to the picture below on how to tie a dropper loop.
You will need to tie 8 to 10 of these depending on how many hooks you want to tie on. Once you’re done, tie on the weight of your choice depending on condition with a san diego knot.
Now you’re ready to embark on your sand dab trip! Don’t forget your 5 gallon bucket and load up on these delicious table fares! Don’t forget to take care of your crew when you go on these open party trips!
How to tie a knot between braided fishing line and leader
it is most important for the angler to choose a knot that they feel most confident tying with most efficiency and consistency. When you have to re-tie during a fishing trip on a hot bite, hands get shaky as adrenaline is rushing through your body. However, you need to get yourself back in action as quickly as possible.
Ultimate Guide to Braided Fishing Line – Braid vs. Mono: Which Line is Right for You?
Selecting an appropriate fishing line for a specific style of fishing is critical to an angler’s success. Popular options such as braided (braid) and monofilament (mono) lines, each have unique characteristics that cater to different fishing scenarios. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll break down the features of both lines, aiding anglers in understanding when to use each for optimal results.