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What kind of rigs do y'all use this time of year when bottom fishing? I've been using:
main line -> barrel sinker -> swivel -> leader -> hook
But I'm not exactly happy with it. Does anyone use a rig with weight on the bottom? Guess you would have to drag this around what about snags?
Looking for better rig ideas for this time of year!
I use typical drop shot rig, 6 pound test with 1/4 oz. lead on bottom and hook above 12 to 16 inches on a loop about 2 to 6 inches. If you are moving faster use heavier weight. I use mostly a circle hook or a gold #2 hook. Yep you'll snag once in a while but that's fishing. You can use a swivel if you like to stop twisted line. If your over brush put your hook higher over the lead and when you feel the brush with your lead move your line up and down into the top of the brush and be ready for the tap.
It's not the best explanation but I hope you will understand.:highfive I don't drag this on the bottom I lift it up and down and bounce it. If your dragging the bottom then you will hang up for sure. :twocents
BigDawgg that sounds good! With 1/4 oz weight doesn't it take forever to get to the bottom when fishing 25 ft plus?
Yeah, but the slow fall works to your advantage too! Go 1/2 or 3/4 oz. if you like. I use 1.5 or 2 oz. in 50 foot during the cold water temps of 40-45* on Wylie just to stay down around bottom. With the TM at .5 and the wind sometimes pushes the boat a little fast and you need to stay down deep. I think keeping the angle of line at 45* is okay but higher your not down deep enough. I use bass casting weights with the swivel that makes it easy to change out. If I'm holding the rod I just bounce it on the bottom. Good luck to you. It works for me and it's not hard to fish this way, it's just slow pace fishing. :highfive
Run your favorite jig and a hook and minnow set up on a double rig and see what happens.!:biggrin
I'm actually going to switch to a drop shot this winter myself.
I use a 1/2 oz sinker tied to the end of the line. I use 1 hook about 12-18 inches above the sinker, then another hook 12-18 inches above the sinker. I set different depths with each rod but I never let one stay on the bottom, at least 2 cranks. I do get in brush sometimes but that's just how it goes.
Ok going to try the drop shot rig using Huckabee Knot. I have 12-15lb test on my reels as I usually use a light leader (6lb) under a barrel swivel. Think the leader is still needed or do you just tie it on the main line?
I've always done main -> splitshot -> #2 hook but all of my UL have 4-6# test so no need for a leader. After reading this I'm going to try the dropshot method because it seems much faster to change weights without hurting the integry of the main line with pinching the splitshot to it.