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Sometimes catching fish comes down to the smallest details. And when landing that powerful king salmon relies on a slim piece of monofilament, it pays to make sure your gear is in tip-top shape.

When the bite is off or just a bit slower than you'd like, give these tips a try.

Replace old fishing line.

Stretching line and abrasions with a rough surface causes monofilament to splinter and weaken over time. In addition, salt water and UV rays are very damaging to line (even when it's not sunny) so make sure to replace leaders at the beginning of every fishing adventure.

Quick tip: Not sure if your line needs replacing? Run your fingers along the length of the line. If you feel nicks or roughness - replace it!

Make sure that hooks are sharp.

A sharp hook should stick to your fingernail rather than slide across it.

Quick tip: Carry a file in your gear box for sharpening on the fly.

Check salmon leaders regularly, especially if you've been catching fish.

Abrasions in the monofilament will undoubtedly form from rubbing against teeth, hook-outs, swim steps and the like. Replace leaders whenever abrasions are found.

Quick tip: Salmon leaders are sold in quick-replace packets. Have a few on hand so you don't miss the bite!

Keep frozen herring bait cool.

It's best kept in a small cooler with ice so bait will stay firm and fresh with the scales intact. One side of a herring has a better scale appearance than the other side. When fishing strips, use the "brighter" side of the herring for better flash and presentation.

Quick tip: Salt your herring heavily the night before your fishing excursion. This will firm up the bait so it lasts longer in the water.