Mixed bag on the Rock

[thmyorke1]

Originally Posted by Jigman13

When one fails you'll understand lol... leader and barrel swivel is a better way to go.

Ill take ur word and do leaders

[Hookmanski]

Originally Posted by Jigman13

When one fails you'll understand lol... leader and barrel swivel is a better way to go.

as someone who's pretty bad at knots..... would you recommend a barrel swivel or tying the leader directly to the backing? I don't use braid currently, but I've been thinking about making the switch from all mono to braid with a leader. I haven't had many issues with mono, but the sensitivity of braid seems worth it.

Originally Posted by FASTEDDIE29

Sweet mixed bag my man! That lake is a gem! The Smallies should be going nuts there by next week with the temp drop. Get em’!!!

Thanks man! The smallies were already pretty active, can't wait to see what happens in a week or two

[NJSquatch]

Only time I use mono is for top water. Sensitivity with braid is amazing. You will love it using the Ned rig and Texas rigs. I always tie palomar knots with braid to terminal gear. Unit to uni for braid to leader.

[thmyorke1]

Originally Posted by NJSquatch

Only time I use mono is for top water. Sensitivity with braid is amazing. You will love it using the Ned rig and Texas rigs. I always tie palomar knots with braid to terminal gear. Unit to uni for braid to leader.

I frequently had problems with powerpro, the time I tried it out. Some terrible and seemingly random wind knots/birds nest with a spinning reel. I did notice better sensitivity although I cant say it's a major factor vs mono. What brand do you use?

[JDTuna]

Great work on the mixed bag. Sounds like an awesome day.

[Jigman13]

If using an inline spinner or something that spins, a barrel to leader is ideal to avoid line twists. Main line is always braid.

If using plugs, jigs, soft plastics, etc etc., I connect braid to leader (typically fluoro) via uni to uni. YouTube it. Practice it. Get it in your arsenal. I've never had one fail in sweet or salt water.

Re: braid types, I'm a firm believer in daiwa j braid x8--the new stuff. I've tried about 10 to 12 brands and I like the daiwa best for most of my freshwater applications. The key with avoiding the wind knots is to never auto flip the bail. Manually flip the bail always. This will noticeably decrease wind knots; and check your spool often as you're fishing. Just things to add to the routine.

I also do not use clips or snap swivels unless it's a TA clip and I'm plugging the beach or back back. Bucktails get tied direct. Freshwater--everything gets tied direct.

[thmyorke1]

Originally Posted by Jigman13

Re: braid types, I'm a firm believer in daiwa j braid x8--the new stuff. I've tried about 10 to 12 brands and I like the daiwa best for most of my freshwater applications. The key with avoiding the wind knots is to never auto flip the bail. Manually flip the bail always. This will noticeably decrease wind knots; and check your spool often as you're fishing. Just things to add to the routine.

Thanks ill have to try that j braid. I always flip manually too. Heard it's also better for the life of the reel

[Jigman13]

I think its j braid grand. It's good stuff. And the colors dont fade like other braids nor do I get the wispy wear as frequently

[NJSquatch]

Originally Posted by thmyorke1

Some terrible and seemingly random wind knots/birds nest with a spinning reel. What brand do you use?

what lb test braid are you using?

I find < 15# gets wind knots more easily. i run 15 - 30 on spinning gear. I haven't had a problem with powerpro or suffix 832 except for the color bleeding out. A quick couple of swipes with a sharpie fixes that problem.

[nate01]

One more tip...do NOT over-fill the spool with braid, that is the kiss of death for wind knots.