For centuries, men strived to provide themselves a more beautiful and better fish catch. On that trip, they encountered many calamities, but they finally perfected the technique by which they would bring home beautiful and fresh fish. And all thanks to that fishing stringer. Below you can find out what a fish stringer is.
What Is a Fish Stringer?
Simply said, a fish stringer is a rope and metallic needle. That would be the simplest definition we could put together. However, if you want something more precisely explained, it is a line with a needle that is used to hold onto a fish by being placed in a river or lake to maintain its freshness. Of course, this technique was not devised yesterday.
For a long time, people have been using something very reminiscent of a stringer. Instead of twine or string, they would use horsehair, silk, or linen. Now that you know what a fish stringer is, it’s time to find out how it is used. But before we get to that point, you have to learn what kinds of stringers are on the market.
Types of Fish Stringer
Rope Stringers
These also can be named poly stringers, and are a regular setup and you can get one of these online or from building material stores. This kind is the most ideal for fishing, ie. storage of already hooked trout. Normally, these are used for huge fish that fancies fighting a lot. You can string just one fish per stringer in case you’re worried the fish is too strong.
If the fish are smaller and not as strong, you can string multiple fish in one line. Afterwards you can hang the stringer and submerge the fish in the water so that they can stay alive and fresh longer. This sort of stringer is very attractive and very effective. The next type of stringer you should be familiar with is a chain stringer.
Chain Stringer
Like the above, this stringer is a very popular and frequent choice among anglers. If you have the budget for a stringer, this is a good choice for you because it is budget-friendly. As the name suggests, the chain stringer is made from a chain. It holds many hooks spaced at a certain distance from each other.
You can string more fish on this chain to preserve their freshness, but it is not suitable for any larger prey. The chain can be detached and there is a chance that you will lose part of the catch. The next item is not a stringer, but works as an alternative to a stringer. In the fish basket, live fish is stored and it remains in the water.
Initially, fish baskets were made of reeds but they soon fell out of fashion as they can rot quickly and become unsuitable for storing fish. The situation is similar with metal baskets that rust after a while. Even plastic baskets are not the most ideal because they do not last long in water.
Lastly…
The most expensive and highest quality option is definitely the spring lock model. This stringer is made of stainless steel, so it will not rust. Also, the fish will not smell of metal.
Also Read: Best Fish Scale – Reviewed and Buying Guide
Fish Stringer Instructions (Step by Step) and How to String It
Now that I’ve shown you all the types of stringers, it’s time to explain how they are used. If you don’t have a stringer, Don’t worry. All you need is a rope and metal needles, and you can go ahead and make your own stringer. However, if you are not very skilled, I suggest you look for cheaper models on the market. This will save both your funds and time.
Steps to Keep in Mind
- When the fish is not too strong, it does not matter which stringer you choose, because they will all serve the purpose for which they are intended. If you want to take bigger and more serious prey home, you need to provide a more durable stringer. The spring lock stringers are the most reliable and best choice you can make.
- It is very important that you do not kill the fish. The fish must stay alive. It is necessary to prevent it from swimming away, so you need to attach it nicely to the stringer.
- The easiest and the most popular method of attaching a fish to a stringer is to use the needle and pierce a hole in the fish’s mouth. Then you have to pass the rope through this hole. Finish up by attaching the rope to a metal ring and ensure the fish is secured. This method is used on standard stringers.
- When you drill a hole in a fish’s mouth, make sure that it is not too close to the edge of your lips, because in a fight it can come off and run away from you.
- Another method is to thread the thread through the gills of the fish. This can be done by opening the fish’s mouth, put the needle inside and then you pass it through the gills. It’s simple, but effective. Your fish will be fresh for hours after you catch it if you use any of these techniques.
What’s the Way to Use a Fish Stringer on a Kayak?
Don’t worry friends, I’ll teach you how to attach a stringer to your kayak you’re fishing from. I will explain to you how to do it when it comes to kayak, but in fact the technique is no different when you use other types of boats. The key step is to find a metal ring that is attached at the opposite end of the needle and find a place on the boat or kayak to which you will attach it.
That way your hands won’t be busy holding the stringer and preventing the fish from escaping. This is very useful for all of you who go fishing alone without someone who could help you. It is very important to string the fish on a stringer as soon as you catch it. Only then will the fish really stay fresh.
Once the stringer is full it would be a good time to head home. If you want to take an even larger amount of fish home, place several stringers next to each other, but not too close to each other. It is necessary to leave the fish enough space to breathe in the water.
Why Should You Use a Stringer in the First Place?
In addition to what I have already mentioned to you as the purpose and advantage of a stringer, the following are the benefits if you use it when you go fishing. Many places have regulations on how many and which fish are allowed to be caught and taken home. It will be a little harder to follow if you only put the fish in a basket. Thanks to the stringer you can easily count and take note of how many fish you caught.
If you want to avoid paying large fines, study the rules of the place where you fish. Most specify exactly how many specific fish species may be on the stringer. For example, the regulation may be that only two trout are allowed to be strung on one stringer. If you sell fish, your customers will surely appreciate it if you allow them to buy fresh fish, which you can prove to them by selling it directly from the stringer.
Don’t let your day pass in vain. Don’t let your catch get lost. If you tie the fish to the stringer correctly and in time, it will not be able to escape. The stringer is also very useful in transporting fish. If the catch is not too big and too heavy, the fish can be proudly taken home by your younger assistant if you have one.
By using stringers, you also make things easier not only for yourself but also for the authorities who take care of the fish in a certain area. In this way, you enable the improvement of fishing in the relevant areas. In this way, we enable future generations to enjoy fishing in that place.
Also Read: How to Catch Striped Bass – for Your Effortless Work
Conclusion
No one can tell you that using a stringer is mandatory. It’s not. Nor can he tell you that it is overly necessary, because it is not. You can store the catch differently, but then there will be a difference in freshness. However, mastering this technique will definitely help you to be better at fishing.
You will also be more responsible towards nature, you will not break the regulations and you will enjoy the fact that your catch is safe and that you do not return home empty-handed. You may not get a fish stringer when you go fishing for the first time in your life, but over the years, as you gain experience, you will find that it is more than a useful gadget.
Be meticulous and provide yourself with the carefreeness of this device. And not only that, with such a string of fish you can get a top photo for your social networks. It is not a sin to brag about a good catch.
