Senior's Help, Technical Assistance

I thought maybe we seniors could help each other out with ways to overcome the aging thing???...... What do you use to help yourself??

I use a large magnifier light.

I use tweezers to pick up line and pull it through loops that are to small for my stiff fingers. They are 6" long and pointed, I bent then about 30 deg, 3/4" from the tip and glued 400 grit sand paper in the inside of the blade about 1/4" from the tip. This allows me to pick up hooks or beads easily.

I use a fly vice to hold my hooks while I tie (whip) line to them.
When possible I pre-tie my hooks to at least 12"- 18" of line and make a loop at the end for easy changing (I use a double thump knot) never had a problem.

On my main line I use a micro snap swivel to aid in quick changes of hooks, lures or jigs. When float fishing I use an extra swivel above my shot line to combat line twist and it works very well.

I pre-shot my shot line (this is a very big help) with a couple of diff weights that I think I may need that day.

When I tie my hooks, I tie in such a way as I can use roe bags or skein with a egg loop.

If I'm using plastic worms I will pre-tie the hook and tread the line up through the worm so it is ready to attach to the shot line.

In the field I use a magnifier that clips to the peek of my hat and a good strong light. I use hooks that are large enough for me to see and hold easily (#8 min).

Finally I work slower and enjoy the time.

If you have some ideas that would help I would appreciate.

Thank you and Good Fishing
Patrick

Go to the sewing store or section and get the little gadget used to thread needles, makes putting line on a hook real easy. They will go through a #8 or 10 hook with no problem. I googled "needle threader" Here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Needle_threader

Thanx Tailfin X 2 I also pre tie my lures at home where its nice & warm before hitting the ice. I gotta look for a magnifier to clip to my hat. Good idea! I have a couple cap lights, also a head lamp with elastic straps. Real handy when tieing down the boat/ putting gear away after dark.

Here's another for ya. My felt boot liners always want to slide down inside my boot while shoving my foot in. I took the felt liners to a shoe repair shop. Asked the guy to stitch on 1" wide nylon straps to form a big loop. Now I just hold the loop while putting on my boots. Works great!

my friend is not old ( 50 ) but refuses to wear his glasses therefore he takes forever to tie on a lure. his sollution: he makes me tie it for him! so bring a friend and get him to do it.

Sniperlee I was wondering how to say that. I get my son to help me or use any tools I can. Getting older sucks.

It's great to see a thread for those of us who still love to fish but time throws up a few blockers. I'd like to see this post continue for the guys who have bin there, done that but are open to new suggestions. Great topic. That's what grandsons are for.

Have a look at this, looks cool

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=playe...e&v=SXyh1RkKi9A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=playe...e&v=m9fwBkMQcV4

Not a bad item, but I think his size 12 hook is a "little big".

Another tip. Your fishing line wants to wiggle all over as U R tieing to a lure. I have small plastic spring clips (clamps) which i use to clamp the line to my work table. Now U can pull the line snug. Available at CTC. Get a bag full for 9.99. Also carry 1 or 2 with me in the boat.

I have a rack on the front of my ATV for my gas auger. Sometimes the auger leaks a small amount of gas/oil as I'm driving & it sprays on my floater suit. My suit is now stained. Bought a new suit that I don't want stained like the the other one. Now I put a a plastic bag over the auger head when driving the ATV.

I hope these tips help.

I'll add other tips as I prepare my gear for ice fishing.

Don't work. I'm sure when I get my friend to tie my line, he doesn't do it properly and I keep losing fish so as he can have bragging rights.

wormdunker: I think they have the magnifiers at Bass Pro or Cabela's

I love it!........some great tips guys.When i was 40,i could see.Now in the fifties i cannot see a darn thing. I was going to print this and save it for later reference.........But.......won't be able to read it.
Cheers Chris

Can't remember if I replied to this thread.......sucks getting old.

Always bring back up glasses.

Starting to use a heavier Florocarbon Leader, this way I can feel it better and makes handling it easier.

Great topic.

"D"