Tandem-rig fishing

Because I have no appreciable shakedown experience on multiple bait/same rod fishing, I was wondering from the more experienced anglers their theory. The no-brainer factor of multiple baits(size, color etc.) should equal more fish is not really what I'm seeking. Things like lead bait vs. trailing bait(ie.-prey vs. predator positioning), shape/weight(smaller-sized lead bait vs. larger-sized trail bait), percentage of fish(1st bait 2nd bait)...in summary, is it worthwhile? Multiple knots, twice the chance of hangups, twice the downtime to re-rig etc.

Thanks in advance to those willing to share their thoughts
u2s

I run tandem when fishing over 12' depths. I vary the weights of heads to create depth separation with heaviest combinations in middle of spread. Get way too many tangles fishing shallow lakes like Monroe for my likings. When fishing tandem jigs with different weights the heavier jig on top works best.

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I like to use tandem Doug, actually have went from 2 poles to 4....use a 3way swivel to avoid tangles, rig main line "in-line" w/longer lead bout 18" long & heavier jig, but mainly run (2) 1/16 oz jigs, will have the upper side take off lead about 6"-8" long.... advantages= 8 different colors on 4 poles along with curly, paddle, skirt, tube, ect... types... Don't do it myself, but can pre-rig & rap on swim noodle...:fish for faster change out, also if 1 jig hangs up or Mr. Gar steals 1, you can keep fishing w/ the remaining jig.

Ive done it different ways but like mike said, I usually use the heavier on the bottom and up to a weightless offering on the top. I’ve used dropper loops, 3 way, and double tie to a swivel(in a pinch) with different length on the second offering. What works best for me is a 6” dropper or a 3 way if a longer leader is desired. Lately I use a 3 way with a split ring and duo lock snap on one leg and add 1/2oz to troll with shorter Lines and quicker turns. I use a 3 to 5 foot leader on this. 1/16 on the bottom and a 1/32 does good and doesn’t tangle much when the second jig is about half the length of the first. One I used in deep water in TN had an eight on the bottom and a weightless wooly bugger on a 6” dropper. It generated a lot of surprise fish. Crappie would be on the jig and another crappie or LMB or spotted bass would hit the bugger with abandon. Great fun. It’s worth playing with and decide if it works for you.

thanks for your input guys, any credence in last hook(long leader) outproducing the 1st? Up north, when using umbrella rigs for Stripers, the larger profile jig would generally follow the "school" of small profile baits. Some states limit the number of hooks in an umbrella rig to just one(typically the last bait).
u2s

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Originally Posted by Speck Detector

I like to use tandem Doug, actually have went from 2 poles to 4....use a 3way swivel to avoid tangles, rig main line "in-line" w/longer lead bout 18" long & heavier jig, but mainly run (2) 1/16 oz jigs, will have the upper side take off lead about 6"-8" long.... advantages= 8 different colors on 4 poles along with curly, paddle, skirt, tube, ect... types... Don't do it myself, but can pre-rig & rap on swim noodle...:fish for faster change out, also if 1 jig hangs up or Mr. Gar steals 1, you can keep fishing w/ the remaining jig.

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Jeff- do you stay with same mono size on leaders vs. mainline or do you lighten up to facillitate better snag break offs?
u2s

Not a fan of double hook ups....I do like a teaser hook....offers two baits together....
Dab of silicone on the eye of a long shank hook....hook that one on to my jig hook....second bait runs right behind the first one....
Use to buy these at gander....called STINGERS...the eye of the second hook had a red rubber stuff on it that kept it on the jig hook....never been able to find any since

Doug, the production rates vary from day to day. Size has dictated catch rates sometimes for me too, with the smaller lighter bait outdoing-one day and the reverse the next. They are dumb fish, after all. No rhyme or reason. Once again, trying different tricks and seeing what’s hot that day. When I use two jigs I use the same size hook on both, just my thought there.

I run double hook rigs when spider rigging in deeper water. Loop knot with jig above 18-24" above a snap swivel, 12-18" leader with minnow hook tied to the eyelet of the snap swivel. I snap a 1/2-1ounce weight depending on how fast I'm fishing onto the snap swivel and fish 10 rods off the front this way. I started out with the jig on the bottom but found that I got a lot more snags that way. I went to the snap swivels so I can take the weight off when travelling any distance or trailering, as it seriously reduces the amount of tangles caused by the weight bouncing around.

You will see some days they eat the jigs more, some days they eat the minnow more, some days they change their mind halfway through, some days they eat everything, and some days they don't eat any of it. I've got fishing figured out about as well as I do women.

That last line was cold. I know that feeling though.

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Originally Posted by up2specks

Jeff- do you stay with same mono size on leaders vs. mainline or do you lighten up to facillitate better snag break offs?
u2s

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Hopefully this pic is good enough... keep everything 4 lb. Hi-Vis test Doug....& for the root of your inquires I find it's not the trailer/teaser or size jig that see's most action, but rather the color/type. Have had 10 poles out & same jig catch 4 or more fish in a row without touching the other 9 poles, I look at it as more options=better odd's:dono

Jeff- Thanks for your pic and analogy. Personally, I too love hi-vis on main lines for separation/fish play location, but, if you haven't assessed it=Camo leaders rule!
u2s

Always troll two jigs nothing fancy, top jig (lead jig) heavier then trailing jig, loop knot, 4lb test. Normally only troll six rods. Trolling just holds me over till the jig bite starts. What Jeff said about color is key. Different lakes different colors, not sur why but it makes a difference. Probably has to do with the forage base they are feeding on.

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Originally Posted by skeetbum

That last line was cold. I know that feeling though.

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:biggrin