For as long as I've been fishing, I've always kept it pretty simple. Hook, weight, bobber if needed. But I see a lot of posts about rigs where people have swivels and beads and clevises. What are the point of these?

For example, I see people posting pictures of their Carolina rig with all of these extra pieces. When I do a "Carolina rig," I just put a heavy weight above my bait hook so that my bait floats.

Please explain to me the benefit of using beads and swivels instead of just tying everything onto the main line.

Thanks.

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by Mojo8852

Do Wels and other large catfish species really attack humans?

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by HooskerDooss1

I need a little help with a line problem I've been experiencing. I'm just getting back into fishing and haven't touched a rod and line in almost 20 years.

I am currently using an ugly stick GX2 (6ft. Stick and spinner combo) with 12lbs monofilament line. After boning up on my knot tying, I wound about 75-100 yards of line onto my spool. I went out last weekend for the first time with the new gear and had problems almost immediately with tangled line. My casts were always short, and the line did not seem to be coming off the spool right.

To make matters worse, my line would start bunching up and spinning on itself. My buddy saw my casts and was perplexed. I would then spend a good bit of time untangling everything and rewinding my spool. I would get a couple of good casts before it would happen again. I know I need to work on my casting technique, but what do I do about the constant rats' nests I keep getting on my line?

It's not tying itself in knots but rather rolling up on itself.

Appreciate the help!

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by Jackrs1123

I have a 7’ med/heavy Ugly Stik catfish rod with an Okuma Avenger 6000, I’m going after Channel catfish that are usually under 10lbs but I never know when a monster will find it, anyway I’m planning on spooling up with 15lb green mono berkley big game as my main line, and probably 30lb berkley big game clear mono as my leader, is this a good setup?

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by PineQuail141

How do you know when to change your line? I see that my line (4lb fluorocarbon) starts to get kinky/wavy from being on the spool. Does this mean it needs to be changed? If not, how will I know?

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by jeraco7212

This is probably a stupid a question, but I have a zebco 33 max laying around with 20lb line on it. Could I put that reel on a 5’6 pole ?

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by NickMick112

Just spooled my first spinning reel. After reading and watching so many videos about it, I was nervous to not under or over fill. In the event that I determine that I didn’t put enough on, can I tie a knot and add to my line? Would the knot cause problems going through the guides?

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by mungoarry

How often do you lose baits? I tend to lose a couple every time I go fishing. Usually I hit some underwater snag (I'm not fishing clear waters) or it just pops off when casting after I've been using it a couple hours.

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by BayOfLaz

I’m wondering how sensitive lures are, meaning is it ok to store them in a plastic bait case like a Plano 3700? I’ve seen guys with those soft cases for spoons that you stick them on. Also, if anyone has a lure case they like please let me know! Thanks!

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by KingMil7

So what's the rule for line poundage? For example 65lb main how strong should the leader be at the max?

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by InterviewLatt222

I am torn, because I like both the Ned and little crank baits like rebel craws and bandits. As you know, you cannot throw crank baits with an extra fast tip. I’m leaning toward the Ned setup, a 6’3” MLXF walleye tournament but it sort of sucks to not be able to have both options.

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by PonderosaChf1

I’ve heard people say spinnerbaits. Do you find this to be true? If so, what size/color do you find to be most effective? I’ve heard light colors are best in stained water and I’ve also heard dark.

Do you find them more or less effective than chatterbaits?

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by FunkDoc1452

Mine is a 2-3” swim bait, catches me more than anything.

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by Ponderra1

I was recommended hip boot waders for when I launch my boat. I always have to get pretty deep in the water and push the boat off the bunks by hand. I'm gonna try spraying some silicon spray in the bunks to slicken them up. Reading and watching videos I can't tell if you can wear sneakers inside waders.

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by broadd122

So I’ve picked up some cheap braid as the options were $50 plus. Just curious as the what the difference in price reflects? Like surely 50lb braid is 50lb braid. Thanks.

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by BurntToast112