Strip – The term used when fly fishing to describe taking in the line by hand as opposed to reeling it in.
Stop knot – A small, in-line knot used to regulate the depth of a sliding float or to prevent items of terminal tackle sliding on the line i.e. for trapping…
Star drag – A multi-armed lever situated below the handle on a multiplier reel and used to adjust the drag tension.
Spring tides – The tides that occur around the time of full and new moon when the effect of the gravitational pull is greatest. They have larger rises and falls than those at other times of the month. Has a substantial effect on both bait collection and fishing. The opposite of neap tides.
Spoon – An elongated, metal blade used as a lure for spinning. Normally fitted with a swivel at one end and a treble hook at the other.
Spool – The portion of the reel that holds the line. Also the how the line is supplied from the tackle shop.
Split shot – small non-lead weights used when float fishing. They have a cut in the side to half depth and are squeezed onto the line.
Split ring – A round or oval, metal, spiral ring used to attach swivels or hooks to lures.
Spinning reel – see Fixed spool.
Spinning – The technique of fishing with metal or plastic artificial lures.