TIPS & TECHNIQUES
You'll be fishing with high quality, well maintained, spinning rods & reels, and conventional rods & reels.  Under some situations, both types of tackle are effective options.  I'll do my best to accommodate your preference and give you the best chance of landing that lunker, whether you prefer live bait or lure fishing.

Capt. Tim Simos has been fishing proficiently with lures since he was a teenager, even inventing a lure or two.  It is rumored that he employs successful techniques from the Northeast that no one else uses locally.  He carries a large selection of lures and live bait  aboard the Ranger.  So whether you prefer casting lures or dunking live bait, you'll be ready. 
Whether you are a novice or expert fisherman, here are some suggestions to improve your fishing game:

LURE FISHING TIPS/TECHNIQUES
While fishing with artificial lures, there are many things you can do to improve your catch rate.  Here are some quick tips to try the next time you are out on the water.

1. Select a lure with a similar size shape and color to the predominant baitfish.
2. Make sure that your tackle is balanced(rod, reel, line, hooks and split rings)
3. Check out the action of every lure next to the boat before you fish with it.
4. If the action is not to your liking, alter or tune it so it is.
5. Look around, assess the water and select the fish's probable location before casting.
6. Vary your retrieve, from stopped, to reeling as fast as you can work it.
7. Your retrieve should be based on the temp. of the water and it's clarity.
8. Imagine that you are a fish underwater, what retrieve would appeal to you?
9. Generally, the colder the water, the slower your retrieve should be.
10. Also, if the water is too warm(over 90) slow it down as there is not as much oxygen in the water.
11. The more hooks on your lure, the harder you should "set the hook".

LIVE BAIT FISHING TIPS/TECHNIQUES
Here are some tips to remember while fishing with live bait.

1. Assess the area and make sure your tackle can keep the fish out of snags.
2. Select the prime fish holding location and cast up current relative to it.
3. Do not retrieve your live bait as you would a lure.  Let it swim naturally.
4. Face your live bait.  Have your hips and shoulders square to where the bait is.
5. Your fishing rod should be pointed in the direction of the bait.
6. Try hooking your bait in different locations(mouth, anal fin etc.)
7. Hold/Feel your line between your fingers.
8. If possible actually watch the bait instead of your rod tip.
9. After a strike, let the fish turn away from you before "setting the hook".
10. Read up on proper hook setting techniques for the type of tackle/hooks you are using.
11. Reel down tight on the fish before lifting or swinging the rod with your hips.
12. NO BUBBA BASSIN HOOKSETS !  YOU'LL HOOK MORE FISH. See #9, 10 & #11
13. TIM'S #1 TIP – SHARPEN ALL HOOKS BEFORE THEY HIT THE WATER.

I would also like mention here that Capt. Tim has won an International knot tying contest sponsored by Sport Fishing Magazine.  If you would like to see how the knot is tied, links connecting you to this information are listed below:

http://www.sportfishingmag.com/techniques/tying-improved-fg-knot
http://www.sportfishingmag.com/videos-sf/featured-videos/improved-fg-knot