OldBassGuy Loc: Temecula, CA

I have lost quite a few fish, some large after solid hook ups. Fight them for some nice runs and then they go into the weeds and I end up losing them. Any tricks from you pros out there to get them out. I mainly fish with 6-8 lb test and afraid to force them out. I have tried to open the spool and hopefully let them swim out, no luck.

I know if I switch to braid, my success would go up but would have fewer hook ups.

So please, send me an answer.

Thanks

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Can't say i have run into that problem OBG. Running under docks that i could answer. So i am going to watch this one with you.

But i am curious as to why you feel you would have fewer hook ups with braid?

OldBassGuy Loc: Temecula, CA

[quote=plumbob]Can't say i have run into that problem OBG. Running under docks that i could answer. So i am going to watch this one with you.

But i am curious as to why you feel you would have fewer hook ups with braid?[/q

A majority of my fish have been caught on 6lb test. This would include numerous 7+lbs and my PB of 8.8lb. To be honest, I don't think I have ever fished straight braid. I mainly fish senkos with no weights unless drop shotting. I feel by doing so, I usually catch more fish than most people on our lakes. Not bragging, just in talking to a lot of fishermen when at the docks after a morning of catching. But I am seriously thinking about getting a rig of straight braid with about 15-17 lb test, and fishing the same technique. Was just looking for some good advice.

Thanks Plum

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

[quote=OldBassGuy][quote=plumbob]Can't say i have run into that problem OBG. Running under docks that i could answer. So i am going to watch this one with you.

But i am curious as to why you feel you would have fewer hook ups with braid?[/q

A majority of my fish have been caught on 6lb test. This would include numerous 7+lbs and my PB of 8.8lb. To be honest, I don't think I have ever fished straight braid. I mainly fish senkos with no weights unless drop shotting. I feel by doing so, I usually catch more fish than most people on our lakes. Not bragging, just in talking to a lot of fishermen when at the docks after a morning of catching. But I am seriously thinking about getting a rig of straight braid with about 15-17 lb test, and fishing the same technique. Was just looking for some good advice.

Thanks Plum[/quote]

OBG, i go straight braid for top water lures only. I figure the movement on top mask the line visibility. But for below surface i put on a 3' - 4' 20lb fluoro leader to my 12lb braid. That has been working for me, however like i mentioned weeds have not been a issue for me.

Ben Bragg Loc: Dayton Ohio

Happens a lot. Especially in pads and hydrilla.
Only way I’ve found is to go in after em
I’ve spent plenty of time on my belly on the front deck, arm in water up to armpit . I’ve actually jumped in the lake a few times.
Grab the bass and pull it and the weeds up to where you can work with it
That is , if it stays hooked up that long.

bobber22 Loc: Ocala, Florida

I fish bass in Florida and use the same gear in the Gulf. Thats 30# braid and 20# fluro leader. I catch as many bass as the guys fishing 10# mono.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

I like fish to Ben, but that sounds over and above the call to eat.

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

My son and I were fishing at the Strip Pits two years ago and found a small, shallow pit with big bass. Here’s a picture of the pit, and as you can see, there is lots of vegetation and trees in the water.

After catching three or four in the 3-5lb. range, I hooked another big one but couldn’t keep it out of the moss. I was using 10# mono, but after tugging and pulling for a few minutes, she was not budging. Finally my son came running around to see what all the hollering was about, and said he was going in after it. I convinced him to wait, and after about five minutes (which seemed like forever) on a slack line, I saw the line start to move out. I reeled up most of the slack and suddenly my bobber came out from under the moss. I quickly tightened up the line and horsed her on in. I was so excited that I forgot to take a picture, (I know) but it was 18-1/2” and weighed almost 5#. Hope to fish that pit again this fall. I WON’T forget to take pics again!!

OldBassGuy Loc: Temecula, CA

That is one solution to wait it out. If I were by myself, might of tried that.
Way to go Randy!

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

If you're worried about spooking the fish with the braid, add a fluoro leader of similar lb test OBG. On my spinning rods I use Nanofil, with a matching 2-5ft fluoro leader. I run 12lb on the heavy rod, and 8lb on the lighter rod.

OldBassGuy Loc: Temecula, CA

Have done that with my 6 & 8 lb fluror.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

No pics? And you want us to believe that? Your helpers are watching Santa.

Bassmatter Loc: Rohnert Park Ca.

A few I have got out! And a few more I have lost! When you find the answer to the question please let me no the answer! Lost the most powerful thing I ever felt on my fresh water pole yesterday! In the weeds! That one is going to hurt for a while!! Hope all is good with you O.B.G, good luck and be safe!!

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

[quote=OldBassGuy][quote=plumbob]Can't say i have run into that problem OBG. Running under docks that i could answer. So i am going to watch this one with you.

But i am curious as to why you feel you would have fewer hook ups with braid?[/q

A majority of my fish have been caught on 6lb test. This would include numerous 7+lbs and my PB of 8.8lb. To be honest, I don't think I have ever fished straight braid. I mainly fish senkos with no weights unless drop shotting. I feel by doing so, I usually catch more fish than most people on our lakes. Not bragging, just in talking to a lot of fishermen when at the docks after a morning of catching. But I am seriously thinking about getting a rig of straight braid with about 15-17 lb test, and fishing the same technique. Was just looking for some good advice.

Thanks Plum[/quote]

If you are going to 15, why not 30. There is not that much difference in dia. The extra strength would sure help when in the weeds. You could add 2 ft. of 20 floro if the water is very clear. With the rig you are using, the action comes from the stick worm itself below the hook, so the stiffer line is not an issue.

OldBassGuy Loc: Temecula, CA

Would you go with a bait caster instead of a spinning reel?