Grandpa needs help w. pole rig!

Howdy, Foax! Hope this is a really basic problem with an easy answer, but its solution is well past my limited experience.

Haven’t fished for bluegill with a pole in more than 50 years, and am confronting the task of taking my grandson fishing. Our designated fishing area is a small tributary not 200 yards off a powerful Georgia river, itself no more than a few miles from the Atlantic, heavily influenced by tidal ranges, and packed with papermouths.

Because we’re fishing from a heavily-jungled shore, with tall marsh grasses and a thick overhead canopy, we’re using a 14’ telescoping rod with the standard ‘gill rig: 10# mono, a bobber, split shot, and a size 10 hook. Here’s the question at last: how can I set this rig up for a rapid changeover from the single hook, to a treble, to a small jig, etc., without reducing our ability to catch fish?

Now, you may fairly ask why I can’t just clip the old set off and tie on a new one. Well, it’s because my vision is failing and my fingers no longer have the agility they once did. If I could make a number of “leaders” at home and at leisure, with a quick-change setup I’d be in business.

Many thanks for your time and attention!

Best regards, Walt

A possibility might be the use of "snap hooks" as offered by Netcrafte. You could snap various styles of hook onto these small snaps without having to re-tie all the time. Not sure if this would work for you or not....just a thought.

i use hook snaps on all my fishing poles.i hate having to re tie lures n hooks on and the hook snaps help.i even use the small size on my flyrod

Purchase one of the colorful closed cell foam "noodles" that kids use for pool toys. They run $1.99 or less. If you can't find those, get a section of closed cell foam that is used to insulate 1/2" or 3/4" residential water lines.

Cut the foam cylinder into 6" or so sections. I use a serrated bread knife. Place the short cut-off section on a flat surface and score at 1/2" or so intervals about 1/4" deep while rolling the cylinder with your other hand.

Pre-tie all your "leaders" at home where good light is available. Starting at one end of a 6" cylinder, stick the leader hook into the foam and wrap the leader into the scored cut around the foam cylinder - the end of the leader will be gripped by the foam surrounding the cut. Continue the process until you run out of small foam cylinders, leader material, hooks or patience.

At the end of your main pole line, tie on a snap that fits your fingers and eyesight.

I carry an assortment of the foam cylinders with an array of pre-made rigs. I never tie anything while I am fishing unless I loose my snap at the end of my mainline.

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Originally Posted by Walt@CampSwampy

... how can I set this rig up for a rapid changeover from the single hook, to a treble, to a small jig, etc., without reducing our ability to catch fish?

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Here's another option to consider: don't complicate things by changing back and forth. IMO, it's completely unnecessary for what you're doing. I'd use just the single hook and live bait. If you can't catch fish with that, you might as well go home. ;)

All good suggestions, can't think of anything I would add. Simplicity is the key. That and maybe a stronger pair of cheap glasses just for tying. There are magnifying glasses you can clip on to your hat. To steady your hand, you will need to lean it against something.

Those hook snaps will work for you. I never quit bc the "ol tried n true" doesn't work. The snaps are small but better than tying if not possible.
pre- tied leaders made at home
and held the way Badger said makes it readily available and convenient. And it'll give you reason to ask the grandson for help. In my experience, most want to and feel a sense of accomplishment in their help. That's reward in itself. The trip is greater than the take.
Would love to be along for that ride.
I hope y'all tear into a few! Don't forget the camera!

Adam

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Originally Posted by deathb4disco

Here's another option to consider: don't complicate things by changing back and forth. IMO, it's completely unnecessary for what you're doing. I'd use just the single hook and live bait. If you can't catch fish with that, you might as well go home. ;)

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+1, simple is good

Thanx, Everyone, for your timely, considered, and very excellent replies! It'll be a pleasure not only to follow your guidance, but to tell friends & acquaintances where I got it!

With kindest regards, Walt

Welcome from Alabama Walt. Look on the main Crappie forum and you will find a stickie "Knots and rig drawings for beginners." There is a wealth of info there. My Bream and Shellcracker leader is always a double rig with a 1/32 jig on the bottom and a #8 hook on the top attached to a small snap swivel under a slip float.

I do the very same thing. You may want to make your leaders with a line wieght that is less than your main line. That way if you snag on something you just break off the leader and put on a new one. I fish with my 70 year old father in law and he to has allot of the same issue with sight and hand eye coordination. I am sure if you go this route you will have a great day fishing.

GOOD FISHING!