Thread: Having terrible luck, advice needed.

Originally Posted by deathb4disco

If you're getting a new reel, you might also consider a new rod. I've caught a lot of fish on short (4.5' - 5') rods, but longer rods will help you to hook fish (particularly when fishing from shore.)

Consider a 6 or 7-footer.

I have a 6.6 and 7 foot rod - ugly sticks. Both are medium action. Would they work with a Pfleuger 20 or do I need a different kind? I thought the smaller rod would make it easier guess not.

Originally Posted by adixon816

I have a 6.6 and 7 foot rod - ugly sticks. Both are medium action.

That's really overkill for the small baits you're fishing and the fish you'll be catching. The 4.5-footer will work, so don't feel like you have to have a longer rod. It will help on the hook set, though.

I use rods from 4.5 foot to 7.5 foot, depending on the situation. I also use three poles without rods from time to time, one 12 foot, one 16 foot, and one 20 foot, also depending on the situation. If you are using very light lures, 1/64, 1/80, or 1/100 ounce, a longer rod will generally give you longer casting abilities if you are not using bobbers. Just don't get too stiff of a rod once you start getting into crappies because they are extremely easy to rip a hook through their lip. Where you can set the hook with a bluegill/sunfish, I have found it better to just easy the rod tip up or back on a crappie. Either way, it sounds like you are on the right track with a lot of great advice. That's exactly why I have loved being a member of this sight for the past 7 years. Most people are more than willing to offer whatever help they can, and will rarely offer anything but constructive criticism.

You are fine with that little rod. It will work just fine for the style of fishing you are doing. A size 20 pflueger trion would be a great choice! 4# line and you will be set! If you want, you could even switch to the shimano sienna 500fd, that is an equally good reel at the same price point.

Once you get into a 6-7' rod, you will want a size 25 pflueger or a 1000 size shimano.

I like to use these lures above for gill. Just cast it out and retrieve slowly the stop...it will float to the top then do it again. If they are real active just a steady slow retrieve will get all ya want.

You can also use these popping bugs with a inline casting float.

not sure if drop shotting is legal were your at? but it work here in Michigan. how i drop shot is i tie a hook on like a size 8 eagle claw bait holder the kind with the two barbs on the back of it . by tieing it on i pull the line threw the eye of the hook and leaving a long tag end i tie a double surgeons loop knot in it with barely any loop the hook is very close to the main line. on the tag i tie in a weight like 1/2 ounce or 3/8 etc... on the hook i cover it in wax worms not just one like 5-8 waxies then from there i try to find key locations like rock pile island points were they spawn under the water. i dont want to get in to the argument if it right or wrong but do check the local reg be fore you try it! i know it is not legal in places some states like new York lead over x amount is illegal so if that tell you keep a eye on the laws but it is a new technique so keep in mind and very effective. by the way i would use that medium rod with 4 lb test on it with this set up or 6 lb test it is over kill but what is not with small fish lol's by the way blue gills and bream are spawning right now and they tend to go for rock piles.. right near drop offs like up to 12 foot down but have caught them as far as 30 foot down there are the bigger fish... of like 10 -12 inches.. most of the time people fish to shallows and all they catch are the dink's or Baby fish which is no fun for some one that wants to try to catch and earn and put in the time and effort to catch some thing will not fish shallow . the reason people fish the dink's they keep kids entertained .

also your tight lineing them agianst the rod tip after you cast it out you will feel them strike the waxies on the hook that or use a rod holder like a sand spike and a bell liek a cow bell to alert you there bitting. when they do set the hook asap.. before your hook is cleaned off... by the way if you do try the drop shot method check local reg's

Looking at the lack of leaves on the trees, I would say the fish may not be up shallow yet.

Keep at it and you will get plenty soon enough.

Originally Posted by MonteSS

Looking at the lack of leaves on the trees, I would say the fish may not be up shallow yet.

Keep at it and you will get plenty soon enough.

Wanted to update everyone. Since switching to a slow or varying retrieve my catch rate has gone up significantly. I am having luck with gulp minnows, trout magnets, and various top water lures. I'm using a plfueger 20 on a 5ft quantum rod. I also have a 5'6 shimano sojourn with a pflueger 20 with 15lb braid for playing in the lillies. I'm catching crappie, sunnies, and bass. Any other lures/jigs that can be recommended? What about casting further with an ultralight any tips for that?