Thread: Having terrible luck, advice needed.

First, a couple of equipment notes:

1) I would use nothing heavier that 4# line, particularly with the size baits you're using.

2) For the trout magnets, I would use the 1/64 oz head.

For casting jigs like the TM, you can't beat the "do nothing" method, IMO. For a quick tutorial, read this and focus on the "how to" (the crappie slider is a great bait, but you don't have to fish it. The TM is awesome.)

http://www.crappie-slider.com/weedle..._slider_whyhow

Nice little bream!

If in bream fishing it's mostly going to be with #6 or #8 long long shank cricket hooks under a smallish slip bobber with a bit of weight about 8-10". If I'm board I'll toss out a small spinner and get a hit every now and then. But from my very limited experience I just catch more bream and nicer bream on the crickets.

Originally Posted by deathb4disco

First, a couple of equipment notes:

1) I would use nothing heavier that 4# line, particularly with the size baits you're using.

2) For the trout magnets, I would use the 1/64 oz head.

For casting jigs like the TM, you can't beat the "do nothing" method, IMO. For a quick tutorial, read this and focus on the "how to" (the crappie slider is a great bait, but you don't have to fish it. The TM is awesome.)

http://www.crappie-slider.com/weedle..._slider_whyhow

With 4lb line will it be able to reel in crappie to? If so I have no reason to stay with 6lb test. The 1/64oz head is the one that comes with the package? If not I will have to get some. So even for sunfish a slow steady retrieve works better then letting it sit? If so do I constantly slow reel or do I reel - let sit ect.

Originally Posted by lazi

Nice little bream!

If in bream fishing it's mostly going to be with #6 or #8 long long shank cricket hooks under a smallish slip bobber with a bit of weight about 8-10". If I'm board I'll toss out a small spinner and get a hit every now and then. But from my very limited experience I just catch more bream and nicer bream on the crickets.

I fish pretty much exclusively from the shore. I saw the #6 and #8 long shank hooks - what does it mean under a slip bobber with a bit of weight? I don't have any types of weights yet.. also what do you put on the hook then? Thanks for the advice thus far guys.

Plus try tipping your trout magnets with a wax worm. Even small grubs from your yard will work.

Originally Posted by adixon816

With 4lb line will it be able to reel in crappie to?

Absolutely.

Originally Posted by adixon816

The 1/64oz head is the one that comes with the package?

Yes.

Originally Posted by adixon816

So even for sunfish a slow steady retrieve works better then letting it sit? If so do I constantly slow reel or do I reel - let sit ect.

Do NOT let it sit. A slow retrieve is the way to go.

Originally Posted by adixon816

I fish pretty much exclusively from the shore. I saw the #6 and #8 long shank hooks - what does it mean under a slip bobber with a bit of weight? I don't have any types of weights yet.. also what do you put on the hook then? Thanks for the advice thus far guys.

If you're willing to try live bait, this article tells you everything you need to know. Do this and you WILL catch fish.

http://bankfisher.com/Patch/more%20bluegills%20LP.html

Whether you are fishing from shore or a boat, a small jig and soft plastic combo will work just about anywhere for bluegills, sunfish, and crappies. I use 4lb line on a variety of lengths of ultralight rods with Quantum Ultralight reels. Pretty much all I have used for the past 20 years or so. The Berkley Gulp minnows or fish fry, and the Berkley Power Wigglers work great, with my bait of choice being the Gulp minnows in Emerald Shiner color. I catch them from ice out until refreeze, in all types of depths, cover, and water clarity using the same method. Cast, let sink, retrieve. Here is one of my videos showing the jig and Gulp Minnow in use. http://youtu.be/uxakdaxoVn0 . Hope that helps you out a bit.

keep the bait moving a little....maybe use live bait at first to get your confidence up. Research the waters you are fishing. Ask other fishermen. Otherwise... enjoy your timer fishing and welcome to the site.

I haven't read any of the replies, so sorry if I reiterate something.

1. 4# line for that combo and way of fishing.
2. Smaller reel, it will lighten up your rod and make for an easier day of fishing. A size 30 pflueger is too big for the way you are fishing. You need a 20 or maybe a 25.
3. keep that bait moving! Don't just toss it out and let it sit, the fish will come up and look at it and then slowly taste it and spit it out. You need to keep jigging and moving that rig so the fish have to bite it and cannot just look at it.
4. Work it all the way back! Toss it out and then fish it all the way back to shore.
5. Buy some powerbait crappie nibbles and tip your jig with one of those, it will add some scent. Walmart has them. Chartreuse has been the best for me.