THE KIT YOU NEED FOR... SCRATCHING

RODS AND REELS

 Late January, February and March can be the most difficult of times to catch shore fish. It’s called the “scratching” season because you’re likely to be fishing for the odd bite or two from smaller fish left inshore while the bigger fish are offshore on spawning duty.

Here are some simple suggestions regarding tackle that can help you keep catching through this period.

MAINLINE AND SHOCKLEADER

Load the bigger fixed-spool reels with 20lb braid and add a 60lb braid shockleader to take the casting pressure. The thin diameter of the 20lb braid adds