Fishing Too Heavy?

Hi all, I mainly fish with with my old Abu Garcia spincast spooled with 6lb line. Fished with it for several years. I like the rod and reel combo whether it be bluegill or crappie I usually catch fish. My wife fishes with 4lb and uses 2 poles, one on the bottom and one with a float and she usually outfishes me.

Problem is I don't want fishin to be work, I want a lazy day on the lake or pond. Sandy catches far more catfish than me, she loves to catch them, I don't.
I don't like dealing with the barbs and the slime but I would like to catch a few more fish. When we are catchings gills and bass my setup works as well as hers.
So am I fishing with too heavy a line, I like the 6lb but maybe the fish don't. I get snagged fairly often but am usually able to pull free. My eyes make it tough tying on new hooks.

I am not looking to slay them just want to add a little more fun to my fun.

Alan

Ketchn uses 6 lb line and slays them. I use 6 or 8 lb usually and catch as many or more than my buddy who uses 4 lb. So no I don't think that line is to heavy.

I rarely fish heavier than 4# line. I’ve landed carp and cats well over 10# on it.

For most freshwater fish, a light spinning outfit is hard to beat.

Since the heaviest line I use is 3# test…..most of the time I am using 1.8# test…..I do think it is too heavy. Of course on a forum you’ll get a million answers about this. The only drawback to using light lines are you will get very few jigs back if you get hung up, and no boat lifting fish with light lines. I have no issues at all landing large fish on these light lines.

Regards


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Again, what line should I use. Should I use 2 poles like my wife?
Also how do you like the any of the Hi Viz lines, I struggle to see my line.

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Originally Posted by funfishers

Again, what line should I use. Should I use 2 poles like my wife?
Also how do you like the any of the Hi Viz lines, I struggle to see my line.

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Stren Crappie mono is excellent. Try the 4# hi vis.

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Originally Posted by funfishers

Again, what line should I use. Should I use 2 poles like my wife?
Also how do you like the any of the Hi Viz lines, I struggle to see my line.

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I had to go to hi-vis lines quite a while back. When using lines with diameters as low as.090mm no way can I see the clear lines anymore. It hasn’t hurt my fishing any at all.

Regards


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I really do struggle to see which takes part of the fun from my fishing.
I don't like sitting there like a limp log.

Since the heaviest line I use is 3# test…..most of the time I am using 1.8# test…..I do think it is too heavy. Of course on a forum you’ll get a million answers about this. The only drawback to using light lines are you will get very few jigs back if you get hung up, and no boat lifting fish with light lines. I have no issues at all landing large fish on these light lines.

That is light line and I would like trying it if I had several rods set up but I don't.
I do appreciate your input and will keep that under consideration.

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Originally Posted by funfishers

That is light line and I would like trying it if I had several rods set up but I don't.
I do appreciate your input and will keep that under consideration.

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If you're using 6# line now, just drop down to 4#.

Dirty little secret: virtually every fishing line line sold in the US is stronger than what the label says. Your "6-pound" line will break at 8-9#.

She has twice the amount of bait out as you do. In two distinct places. She is covering the top and bottom of the water column. In order to match numbers a fella would stand a better chance if he matched technique.

Good point Jack. I should look at putting more work into my fishing.

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Originally Posted by funfishers

Again, what line should I use. Should I use 2 poles like my wife?
Also how do you like the any of the Hi Viz lines, I struggle to see my line.

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Funfishers, if I’m correct you are fishing with a spincast reel? My Daiwa silvercast came spooled with I believe was a 6lb test also and I didn’t have any complaints, it was catching me some nice catfishes without hiccups. However over times I realize the 6 pound would create such memories it looks like a string of mono spring thingy kids love letting loose over the stairs. Now that could be the spincast reel fault I won’t know but since switching to a #4 it rare has line management issues. As in hard to see, the line i got came in blue color as well and I never feel I catch less bluegills with it either. Hope that helps a little.
Attachment 406875
Attachment 406876


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4# test is plenty strong enough. It will cast better and you'll more natural presentation. Hivis is a great choice. I wouldn't blame catch rate one thing. Jig size, jig color, bait style, bait color, method and speed all play a part.
I also got a feeling your fishing too hard and too fast. Turn around watch your wife and enjoy the day.

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LV.Yes I am using a spincast which I recently put new 6lb on. I do like the 6lb but I also know that the twist will become a problem.
I so much like the 6lb because I feel like I can land most any fish I hook but if I can't hook it what's the use.
Maybe I will put 4lb on my unused Plueger, I am such a stubborn 1 rod guy and likely need to switch.
Thank you!

Alan

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Originally Posted by catchNgrease

4# test is plenty strong enough. It will cast better and you'll more natural presentation. Hivis is a great choice. I wouldn't blame catch rate one thing. Jig size, jig color, bait style, bait color, method and speed all play a part.
I also got a feeling your fishing too hard and too fast. Turn around watch your wife and enjoy the day.

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I have no doubt your are right catchN, many things for me to try before my catchn days are over.
I thank you!

Alan

No, don't be too hard on yourself, Alan! I haven't fished second rod since the days of surf chasing saltwater Bay Area....no need i'm not looking to feed my family off of my fishing hobby, the day job does that lol. I have no patient for Bait-N-Wait type of fishing as well (so catfish is also off the menu.) Now when time and weather permit I love catching what's bite as long as i can feel and set the hook....I did that at California piers and people think i'm nuts catching these "bait stealers," but they never have thought i did it on purpose with number 10 or smaller hooks...;) Cheers!

It very very much depends on where you are fishing. I've fished areas where the fish were extremely stupid and caught plenty on a cane pole with 20# line. I've also fished areas where the fish wouldn't touch a bait on 6lb line but would eat on 3lb and 4lb..

Same for crappie fishing, I've seen areas where jigging with 8-10# line worked just fine.. and I've seen areas where if you used 6# you didnt get a bite, the 4lb reel with the same jig caught fish after fish.

The weight (diameter) of the line greatly impacts the way your bait or lure acts in the water.

Another situation is those pre-tied snelled hooks on 15lb line. I've taken people fishing before that used those and could not buy a bite while I am catching fish after fish, eventually I ask to rig their rod up to what I have and they agree.. Then its fish after fish with just 4lb line straight to the hook and nothing else changed. Usually I'll just use their hook and cut that thick line off and re-tie it.

I dont have a single bluegill rod with more than 4lb line, other than a couple old school cane poles. I have crappie rods with 4, 6, 8, and 10 for different situations.. mostly dealing with brush. I use 2lb or 4lb for bluegills and catch plenty of fish. I find 6lb too difficult to cast light rigs with, less forgiving in terms of memory and tangles, and like I said earlier the 4lb and less has a better action in the water.

Guess I’m different from most but I don’t think there is anything wrong with the 6#. I consider 6# a good overall line size. I use and prefer it over 4#. I think a lot has to do with how you fish as well. I used to use 2# and 4# and still have those on a couple rods but mostly I use the 6 or 8. I’m also jigging in trees and brush and everything I can for them and like to be able to pull them out of cover. I do cast with them also but I’m not looking to cast 70’ either. The lighter line I use if I’m casting in open water. I usually carry 2 rods with me but usually use only one rod.

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Originally Posted by Kevin22

It very very much depends on where you are fishing. I've fished areas where the fish were extremely stupid and caught plenty on a cane pole with 20# line. I've also fished areas where the fish wouldn't touch a bait on 6lb line but would eat on 3lb and 4lb..

Same for crappie fishing, I've seen areas where jigging with 8-10# line worked just fine.. and I've seen areas where if you used 6# you didnt get a bite, the 4lb reel with the same jig caught fish after fish.

The weight (diameter) of the line greatly impacts the way your bait or lure acts in the water.

Another situation is those pre-tied snelled hooks on 15lb line. I've taken people fishing before that used those and could not buy a bite while I am catching fish after fish, eventually I ask to rig their rod up to what I have and they agree.. Then its fish after fish with just 4lb line straight to the hook and nothing else changed. Usually I'll just use their hook and cut that thick line off and re-tie it.

I dont have a single bluegill rod with more than 4lb line, other than a couple old school cane poles. I have crappie rods with 4, 6, 8, and 10 for different situations.. mostly dealing with brush. I use 2lb or 4lb for bluegills and catch plenty of fish. I find 6lb too difficult to cast light rigs with, less forgiving in terms of memory and tangles, and like I said earlier the 4lb and less has a better action in the water.

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Thank you and to all, as I said I just want a little more fun in my fishing, We never keep fish.
Consensus says I should try 4lb, I won't give up on my beloved rod and reel with 6lb but I will put some 4lb on my Plueglar and give that a try.

Alan

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Originally Posted by funfishers

Good point Jack. I should look at putting more work into my fishing.

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Depends. If you enjoy the way you are doing it then enjoy. I like to shoot docks that is one of the most enjoyable ways to catch crappie for me. Because I enjoy it. That is the way I fish most of the time. At times there are much more productive methods for catching crappie. But to me they are not as enjoyable. I also like to set up the lights at night and catch them that way. That tends to be more productive. Yet the investment in time and the work involved to make that happen makes it something I don't donas often. I will run jugs for catfish at least once a year. That can be a lot of work also. It puts fillets in the freezer. Which is the point of those trips. Strike a balance on what makes ya happy. The surest way for me to stop liking something is to make it into work

It all depends on what you are comfortable with. I have tried a lot of lines from Varivas, Subline and others. I keep coming back to Trout SOS. 2# on the Super Ultralights and 4# on the Light power rods. Since all my lighter rods are JDM I probably wouldn't go with 6# USDM lines.

If you're so inclined, try braid. You get very light line and plenty of strength. Even a 10# braided line is thinner than your 6# mono.

My desire for lighter line came from casting distance, never use live bait. Also find it easier to tie knots with hi vis. I’ve used many lines less than 6lb and like two kinds very well. BPS offshore angler tight lines, inexpensive and a very good personality including low line memory which may help reduce your pigs tail effect. I’ve used it in 4 thru 10 pound with equal success. The best overall is Stren Crappie hi vis, which I’ve used in two and four pound. If you have confidence in your six pound line, by all means. I’ve used a couple of line brands that had terrible memory issues and they got a quick trip to the recycle pile. You’re wife is one upping you with two rods so don’t compete with her, sounds like she’s having fun though. When I want to up my catch, I downsize my bait and catch fish that have sometimes shut down on the bigger stuff. Good luck with it all, all good comments so far.

My desire for lighter line came from casting distance, never use live bait. Also find it easier to tie knots with hi vis. I’ve used many lines less than 6lb and like two kinds very well. BPS offshore angler tight lines, inexpensive and a very good personality including low line memory which may help reduce your pigs tail effect. I’ve used it in 4 thru 10 pound with equal success. The best overall is Stren Crappie hi vis, which I’ve used in two and four pound. If you have confidence in your six pound line, by all means continue using it. I’ve used a couple of line brands that had terrible memory issues and they got a quick trip to the recycle pile. You’re wife is one upping you with two rods so don’t compete with her, sounds like she’s having fun though. When I want to up my catch, I downsize my bait and catch fish that have sometimes shut down on the bigger stuff. Good luck with it all, all good comments so far.

Switch rods with her for a bit and will tell you if it’s technique or equipment related. I use 20 lb braid on my dipping rods and 10 lb braid on my casting rod. I didn’t see you comment on this but what rod are you using? This will make a difference too.

Switch rods with her for a bit and will tell you if it’s technique or equipment related. I use 20 lb braid on my dipping rods and 10 lb braid on my casting rod. I didn’t see you comment on this but what rod are you using? This will make a difference too.

My first question for the OP is , what is your water clarity?
I fish heavy cover with fairly stained water with visibility between 2-4 ft. I have no problem catching crappie and gills on 10 lb hi vis mono mono.
I get a lot of bass and catfish that will quickly pop lighter line.
Also recently started using braid sometimes with a mono leader.



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Originally Posted by SuperDave336

Ketchn uses 6 lb line and slays them. I use 6 or 8 lb usually and catch as many or more than my buddy who uses 4 lb. So no I don't think that line is to heavy.

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interesting question here , I just went to 4 lb clear on a very nice set up , to use in really clear water last week in Arkansas , seemed to work well , I used it yesterday on some pretty large crappie here in Texas and it performed very well .
will cast further for sure and is pretty fun to use with the drag set light .
it will out fish 6 with a small jig for sure and had enough game to get them to the net and even boat flipped a few as well .
it is more difficult to see though when you tie on a new jig

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Originally Posted by skeetbum

My desire for lighter line came from casting distance, never use live bait. Also find it easier to tie knots with hi vis. I’ve used many lines less than 6lb and like two kinds very well. BPS offshore angler tight lines, inexpensive and a very good personality including low line memory which may help reduce your pigs tail effect. I’ve used it in 4 thru 10 pound with equal success. The best overall is Stren Crappie hi vis, which I’ve used in two and four pound. If you have confidence in your six pound line, by all means continue using it. I’ve used a couple of line brands that had terrible memory issues and they got a quick trip to the recycle pile. You’re wife is one upping you with two rods so don’t compete with her, sounds like she’s having fun though. When I want to up my catch, I downsize my bait and catch fish that have sometimes shut down on the bigger stuff. Good luck with it all, all good comments so far.

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Got to agree with the STREN crappie. I really like it. VERY difficult to find the 2 lb this year, and I was suspicious that what was being advertised on the net was old stock. I’m using 2lb Gamma this year and while I like it, I’ll be on the lookout for Stren early next year.
Bob

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Originally Posted by skeetbum

When I want to up my catch, I downsize my bait and catch fish that have sometimes shut down on the bigger stuff.

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That has been the key to success here lately as well. Smaller baits gets them when they just look at the larger baits. So many minnows an all you can eat buffet. They can usually eat a tiny morsel swimming by easier than the larger meal.

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Originally Posted by Ketchn

interesting question here , I just went to 4 lb clear on a very nice set up , to use in really clear water last week in Arkansas , seemed to work well , I used it yesterday on some pretty large crappie here in Texas and it performed very well .
will cast further for sure and is pretty fun to use with the drag set light .
it will out fish 6 with a small jig for sure and had enough game to get them to the net and even boat flipped a few as well .
it is more difficult to see though when you tie on a new jig

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So having said that are you going to switch to using 4# line now as your main line or just certain rods and setups?

I have a pflueglar triton, I believe is the model and I have used it very little. In my early attempts using it I was getting a lot of wind twist and also line under the spool so I put it away.
I want to put 4# on it, properly spooled and have a 2nd combo. I doubt that I will ever use 2 rods at a time but at least will have a 2nd choice.

I also like to add that sometimes going smaller not necessary a good thing. As we speak I am strictly a bank, shore fisherman and abrasion is an issue at time. Your rod guides play a big part in that. I used to fish these inexpensive rods from overseas sold by Amazon and good rods from BassPro but with all metal guides and they would destroy mono line fast with each and every cast until they snap at the weakest link on a hard cast. Thinking it’s the lines fault I tried many brands, from Stren, Berkeley, Spiderwire, and Kastking. I now own rods with excellent guides from Fuji and have less problems with line going down to #2. But remember folks OP fishing with a spincast reel, I’m no expert just happen to own couple of them and enjoy playing with them time to time. All is said could be mute point, hopefully more spincast users can chime in and profess what the perfect line they use. Good read everyone!


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A little late to the party, but anyone who've read my posts see the photo results and numbers of fish based on what I'm going to recommend.

First off, I use spincast and spinning reels. Both are on-board my boat - 2 of each. Both cast braid line using light jigs (1/32 oz - 3/32 oz ball head jigs) a long distance with soft plastics added for weight and action.

Why braid? 8# test has a diameter of 4# which allows best lure action at a distance. Forget line-caution by fish when it comes to line. Fish focus on the lure/bait. Braid has zero stretch so hook sets are just a matter of fish starting the hook set regardless the distance, which can be as much a 40' or more depending on wind direction. This brand has many colors to chose from (though green is the only one I use). BTW, I don't need to see the line but do need to feel it as I make a retrieve whether horizontal or vertical. Also unlike mono or fluorocarbon, braid doesn't twist. The only brand braid line I use is this one:
Attachment 406997
Excellent price but it needs to be changed once annually. I wind line on to the top half of the spool only. No point wasting line. Double uni-knot works best.

A light action and medium action rods (not necessarily ultralight) allows me to play large fish without breakoffs. (Of course once fish wrap your line around pad stems, may as well cut the line if caught deep.) As far as lure size and jig weight, some days fish will bite a range of both/ some days smaller and lighter.
Fish depth and cover (if any) determine what you cast and how you retrieve it, but slower gets it done!

You can buy clip-on magnifiers to tie on line, sold on Amazon for $9. Reading glasses also very inexpensive. (Uni-knot not hard to tie when you can see it!)

The above is one angler's choices - maybe not shared by many that do well on their recommendations. But a friend and a relative I introduced to the above have excellent catch rates whereas before - so so. Just don't be surprised when you have 60 fish days and four species to boot!

I went to 2 lb for a while last year on an extreme light rod and reel , it was just not tough enough for me and also let jigs slip right off the jig eyelet in a few cases .
this 4 is really stout for 4 , its zebco omniflex clear , might keep it on my lightest rod for that there "fine" touch that is sometimes required
beyond that the jury is still out on it , probably won't use it docks much.