I recently received my first paddlefish tag to go snagging in October. It is the first time I have ever done this so wanted to be prepared.
From what I gather, it looks like I need the following:
A couple heavier duty rod / reels (like a catfish rod)
A decent lb test (would 40lbs be too much? I see several sites recommending 100lbs)
Several decently heavy drop weights
Large, treble hooks.
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by dmeighball
Having moved to New Mexico, I miss the chance to snag for spoonbill. If fishing from shore, you will need:
1 - A heavy duty rod, like a trolling rod.
2 - A reel that matches.
3 - Heavy line. Recommend 60# minimum. I have used line as heavy as 120#. After casting for hours, remove the line and reverse it on the reel placing the worn line on the bottom.
4 - 3'0' or 4'0' treble hooks.
5 - 6oz or 8oz sinkers
Depending on your law on how many hooks that can be used at a time, tie a sinker on the end of the line followed as many as 3 hooks spaced about two feet apart above the sinker. This is very important: after attaching the hooks, hook the line around the treble part of the hooks so that when you hold the rig horizontal, the points of the hooks are pointed horizontal also.
How to use this rig. Cast out, quickly reel in he slack, pull hard, reel in the slack, pull hard, reel in the slack until the hooks have been retrieved. Repeat. Be prepared for a hard days work. If in a boat, while trolling, mostly across the current, pull relax, pull relax, repeat.
GOOD LUCK
FS Digest wrote:
I recently received my first paddlefish tag to go snagging in October. It is the first time I have ever done this so wanted to be prepared.
From what I gather, it looks like I need the following:
A couple heavier duty rod / reels (like a catfish rod)
A decent lb test (would 40lbs be too much? I see several sites recommending 100lbs)
Several decently heavy drop weights
Large, treble hooks.
--
by dmeighball
You never mentioned where you were going snagging. OLDGUNDOC, has told you right about equipment. An excellent reel would be an Ambassador Garcia 7000 spooled with 60 lb or better mono, no braid. You will need the mono's stretch & shock absorbing qualities. Trilene big game is good. Get whatever rod you can find that you think will work. The longer the better if you're bank casting. Here in NE Oklahoma there's lots of spoonbill snagging going on. There is generally good baitshops nearby that carry everything you will need. Also, that baitshop has the hooks you need & can show you how to properly tie the hook to keep it straight. You will probably appreciate a good lesson as it's not real difficult but must be tied correctly. Good luck, I hope you get a big one. It's a lot of work.
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