Pulling cranks!

I like mono for trolling due to the stretch it has with a soft mouthed fish such as crappie, I feel like I boat more fish with it. I've used 10lb Big Game mono for several years and I've had no real issues at Green or Nolin but have switched to 12lb this year after moving to KY Lake and speaking with mrdux. There's a whole lot more wood in this lake than I'm accustomed to and so far I feel like I'm bringing more baits back to the boat after hanging up in a stakebed or brushpile when compared to the 10lb mono.

I do keep a hound dog lure retriever in the boat and will attempt to retrieve a snagged lure depending upon the situation and if I am fishing with others. I've got better than a 75% retrieval rate with it but it does take valuable time that guides can't risk while with a client.


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Do those crank baits leave much of a scent trail? Them hounds don't need much if they are any count!!!!


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For the guys using line counter reels how do you keep them accurate when your constantly cutting off line thanks

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Originally Posted by Mike1234

For the guys using line counter reels how do you keep them accurate when your constantly cutting off line thanks

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I try to keep my reels full of line. If I have to cut a large amount off a reel, I'll usually take that reel off the rod and replace it with one of the spares I keep in the boat for that very reason. Same applies for a serious backlash. An Okuma Magda15 reel will hold 300 yards (900feet) of line and we are only using maybe 150 feet. I will strip off enough line to be about 1/2 full on the spool then replace the line back to full spool. I will replace ALL the line at least once per season. The 1/2 left on the spool when I have to cut line off only serves as spool backing anyway but it will twist deep into the spool if allowed to.

I buy the Trilene Big Game solar at Ken's TBC in Lake City and a 4700 yard spool costs about $34. (Yes 4700 yards!). I figure for those prices, I can keep good line and accurate measures on the reels for clients.

I really think the line-counter numbers are mainly to make sure I have a semi-accurate accounting for how far back the bait should be running. I have checked the counters at times and they are close at best. There is no doubt the reel having too much or too little line on it will affect the accuracy but that accuracy doesn't have to be perfect, just consistent. I just want to know I am letting out the same amount of line each time after catching a fish on a particular bait according to the counter even though that counter may be less than perfectly accurate.

Every couple months I re calibrate my line to the reel counters. To do this you need a long measuring tape or knowing a preset distance. I take the tape and pull out 100 feet. Then walk back and set counter to 0. Take end of line and walk out to the 100 foot mark pulling the line out. Walk back and check to see if counter says 100 feet. Add or remove line until the line matches the marked distance.

If you do this to all your reels it will give you plenty of exercise. Lol. You can also use depth hunter line and just count out the distance as the line spools out. I use both for two reasons. First, the marked line is the only way I can accurately tell the amount of line out from the line tip to the waters surface. Second, if I have a reel counter malfunction on the water the marked line will allow me to accurately spool out line.

Bear in mind, this doesn't have to be done to catch fish. Many just put out lines and as one starts catching fish adjust other poles to it. However, if you are a little ocd and want to get the most out of the depth charts you can go to these lengths.

Finally, realize there isn't only one correct way. Do it how you want too while having fun doing it. If it isn't being fun, stop doing it.

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Originally Posted by bandchaser

Do those crank baits leave much of a scent trail? Them hounds don't need much if they are any count!!!!


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This little dude has more than earned his keep with crankbait prices soaring the way they have. He doesn't eat much either.

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I'm a little ocd so I like to be close as possible. Lol

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Originally Posted by Mike1234

I'm a little ocd so I like to be close as possible. Lol

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I know that little ocd guy ...

He lives in my brain too ...

:yikes

Rickie

I am using Wall Marshall camo 10# until it is gone. The lures follow me around and that is what counts. Hey, I won several big spools of it @ Grizzly Jigs. I am being frugal. Some call it being cheap.

I don't under stand why you say that you keep cutting your line off. I am on the 3rd year of the same line on my reels. I use braid for 2 year and then flop the line so I am using the other end for 2 years. I do use mono leaders and change them alot.