Thread: Bandit bite is on

Originally Posted by smokercraft

mrdux
what size weight do you use on your dropper rods finally got my hi techs and thinking about using a couple dropper rods off the sides of boat

I'm using a 5 oz weight on a large snap swivel. The weight is about 3 inches long with a ring in the top where the snap attaches. I tie my leader to the Bandit onto the top of the brass swivel. I use a leader that is about 4 feet long to the crank. The rods I use for the dropper are medium action 7 foot bass baitcasters. No need for a line counter when the weight is only 5-8 feet below the boat. I use 100s on my droppers. I run a Lowrance 510C locator on my console next to my 898. It shows up the weight of the dropper and lets me adjust the depth according to how deep the tops of the baitballs are. The 100 will run a couple of feet below the weight.

BTW, the 788DI is working great.

Originally Posted by mrdux

I'm using a 5 oz weight on a large snap swivel. The weight is about 3 inches long with a ring in the top where the snap attaches. I tie my leader to the Bandit onto the top of the brass swivel. I use a leader that is about 4 feet long to the crank. The rods I use for the dropper are medium action 7 foot bass baitcasters. No need for a line counter when the weight is only 5-8 feet below the boat. I use 100s on my droppers. I run a Lowrance 510C locator on my console next to my 898. It shows up the weight of the dropper and lets me adjust the depth according to how deep the tops of the baitballs are. The 100 will run a couple of feet below the weight.

BTW, the 788DI is working great.

Neat little unit...

Rickie

Sounds like you got your unit tuned up Doug. Didn't even have to take it in. Just a little coffee!!

Ain't that the truth Buddy a little coffee will get you a lot of help
I think I owe a 5 lbs can of Folgers

Mrdux went out this morning and it took me a couple of hours to find the depth and speed but once I found it I had a good time. Caught 5 all over 13" and lost three more and caught a few bass. I only used four rods so over all it was great. I will add two more rods next time as I get the feel for it. Thanks again.

Originally Posted by callen

Mrdux went out this morning and it took me a couple of hours to find the depth and speed but once I found it I had a good time. Caught 5 all over 13" and lost three more and caught a few bass. I only used four rods so over all it was great. I will add two more rods next time as I get the feel for it. Thanks again.

Congrats on a good start. I try to run around 1.7mph with my Terrova or Yamaha with the trolling plate. That seems to be an the ideal speed for max depth on the Bandits and lets them run true. The hardest thing for folks to get the knack of is never stop the boat or make tight turns. If we hang up, try to pull it loose or break it off. If we hook a fish (this includes 8 pound bass or 15 pound drum/catfish) let it pop to the top and S--L--O--W--L--Y reel it to the boat with the rod held up high and the fish's head up out of the water. Reel them too fast and they will tumble and come loose, not holding their heads up lets them tangle the other lines. You're going to lose some fish and some baits, get used to it. Good luck with it.

1.7 or 1.8 mph is where I started to get bites too. I pulled them in to turn, the lake was rough and a slow turn was difficult with the waves and wind. I did not let the fish come up first and did get minor tangles a few times thanks for the advice I will do that next time.

You guys do know that there are titanium split rings (lure saver split rings) that can be used on cranks (replacing the regular split rings) ... that are supposed to allow the hook to pop off, when snagged, but the bait & split ring stay on. (well, most of the time, anyway)

Here's some info on them :

Fishing Lure Retriever -Ultimate luresaver

Ultimate SmartLink Titanium Rings

... cp