Smallie4130

Here ya go: By George Welcome Let's get technical, as there are in fact reasons, not just some lame holdover from days past that put the handles where they are. What will move the fish during retrieval is placed to the strong hand! A baitcast is designed to be used as a winch, so it is the reel that retrieves the fish. Hence if you are right handed the handle is in your right hand. A spinning reel is designed to pick up unloaded or loose line, not retrieve the fish. Hence it is the rod that does the retrieval, so it is the rod that is in your strong hand. If you are right handed then the pole goes to the right hand. 8-) That statement makes it seem like the rod is non existent in a baitcaster setup. I would contend that if the hand is just a crank for a winch, then you dont need a specific hand. I think I could winch about as hard with my left as with right so I would still rather have the rod in my dominant hand for feeling the fish and lure. Admittedly, I fish a spinning setup for lmb and smb. But because of that I would also hardly agree that the reel only picks up loose line and I pull the fish in with the rod. Its a mixture of both. I know it isnt your quote so Im not attacking you Just sounds like someone fishing for a reason.

Thanks man. My reel came in today and I got it all put together and strung up with some Suffix 50lb braid. Just been out getting used to it, casting 2 and 3 oz weights. I'm loving it so far and I think, despite the weather, were going to hunt some big cats tonight. I've actually managed to not backlash it yet which Im happy about. Any suggestions on setting my drag correctly? The book recommends 1/3rd the test(around 15lbs at 50lb test right?) and using a scale. I dont really have the ability to do this. I could always just set it a bit loose and dial it in once I get a fish on but thats not ideal.

I got that but isnt it kind of a suggestion? Like 14lb mono diameter would work best with that reel? Thats a serious question, not being a smartass. I bought some 50lb Suffix braid that was 12lb mono dia, the next size was 65 I think and that was 17lb equivalent. I hope it wont be a problem using 12lb dia line on the largest c3. Anyone else have any experience with the Offshore Angler rods or the C3?

I went with the larger model because of the bait clicker. We have some monster cats in the James and Ive always liked using them.

The reel is rated at 14lbs so I should go with something like 60lb test? Ive read about putting monofilament on the spool first to prevent slipping. Should I do this? Best knot for line to line? Sorry for the newbness but its my first baitcaster.

So I want to buy a setup to get my share of striper this year and also to have something decent for some saltwater fishing and catfishing from time to time. After looking around I think Ive decided on an Abu Garcia C3 6501 and this rod, http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_44411_151002000_151000000_151002000_151-2-0, in the 1-4oz model. Is that a pretty good setup to learn on? I dont need anything too fancy. Ive seen everyone suggest suffix or powerpro braided line. What test should I be getting? Would it hurt to run high test, like 50lb?

It depends, usually some 10lb test trilene. My only concern with the MH is casting those original floaters, crickhoppers, and other small baits I fish. Thats what I fished right before this. The MLF actually works great in lakes and during the summers when the water is really low, its just that right now the current is really strong and the MLF rod seems to bend a bit much and I dont feel like my hooksets are as strong.

I've been fishing for a long time and usually just buy something 7' thats MF or MLF. But after reading manufacturers websites it seems they recommend shorter rods or faster actions for the type of fishing I usually do. I fish alot of rivers and creeks for smallmouth, largemouth, bream, etc. and mostly use soft plastics. Flukes, senkos, crawdads, lizards. But I also use crank baits like rapalas and topwater lures like zara spooks and puppies, poppers alot. This last year I bought an MLF 7' St. Croix premier and it seems like when Im fishing soft plastics in the rivers, especially when the current is going good, that when I get a hit its hard setting the hook. Like maybe I dont have enough backbone in the rod? I feel like going back to a MF 7 footer might be the best but some people are telling me I should get an MHF and possibly a shorter rod. Any thoughts on what would suit the type of fishing Im doing best. Im usually in my kayak if that makes any difference.

Hello all. I'm moving to Portland this summer from Virginia and would like to get some information on the fishing out there. As the name suggests I fish mainly rivers for smallmouth and largemouth here in Virginia. I'm usually on my kayak also. First off, is fishing from a kayak in the Columbia or Willamette even feasible? I'm used to smaller rivers (other than the James) and I know the ones around Portland are much larger. Secondly, I have heard lots of good things about fishing for other species. Any information on what else I could learn to fish in the area would be greatly appreciated. I'm not opposed to getting a motorized boat if necessary but I would prefer to save my money. Thanks for everything and I hope to see you all very soon. In fact, Ill be there next week talking to the hospitals in the area about jobs.

Thanks for the input. Mine will spend most of its time in a kayak as well.

I bought a St. Croix triumph last year, 7' MLF, and I really havent been that happy with it mainly when fishing faster moving rivers. Another thing that drives me absolutely crazy is that when popping a lure or "walking the dog" the line will constantly get stuck behind the extra large wrap around piece of the last eyelet. So Im constantly having to reach out to the end of the rod and untangle it. So first off, is this just bad technique on my part or the rod? It didnt happen nearly as much previously but I also purchased a Pflueger Supreme reel at the same time and have no clue if that could somehow effect it. Now for the main question, what is the consensus on the spinning Shimano Crucial rods? They have a nice 7' MF at my local store for 140 bucks and I noticed that the tip has a very minimal wrap around. It also feels great in my hand. But I was also wondering about the mechanism that secures the reel. Instead of the normal threaded style, you turn the top cork piece and it makes a ratcheting noise. I noticed that the nicer Shimano rods did not have this feature making me wonder if its a gimmick. Thanks for any input and also, if you think that there is something better for 140 or less (never thought I would even spend that much) please let me know. I mainly fish rivers, small creeks, and occasionally lakes for largemouth and smallmouth using mostly soft plastics and crankbaits.

Nice Simon. Ill be back home for school on the 16th and we should get up. Ive never been out at pochahontas and Ill take you out on the appo if youre interested.

haha, Ive heard about that but Ive seen hundreds of snakes over the years and they always take off in the opposite direction like any other snake. Maybe its just to keep you guys away from the fish I actually went out last saturday for the first time since my kayak got a hole in it. I ghetto rigged it up with lots of duct tape and hot glue and she held all day. After screwing around at Belle Island all summer it was an amazing feeling to finally catch some nice fish. Hit only 3 fish but they were 2, 2.5, and my PB(that Ive weighed) of right near 3lbs.

I found a Quantum "worm wallet" at Dicks or Walmart that has been pretty good for my soft plastics. It has about 10-12 baggies made from PVC that fit in like a binder. It was only 5 or 6 dollars

Thanks for the info basspro, really helpful. We never went the day I posted on here because it kind of rained and then looked like it was about to pour all day. Im kinda glad I didnt now, with all this new info Im sure the trip will be more productive. Link, I get off work at 330 every day and could meet up with you if you want. Dont know if youre trying to go later in the day.

Thanks guys, I think were going to head out there this afternoon/evening. Ended up going to pumphouse yesterday and caught a couple small lmb.

Im thinking of heading out there today and was wondering if anyone could help me out with some spots to check out there. I went once to swim with friends but I didnt see any great looking fishing spots where I was, just alot of people swimming around. Also, if anyone wants to go, let me know. I searched and saw that some people said you have to wade out there. Just wondering so I can dress accordingly. I know the water level should be super low right now.

Ill be living back in colonial heights (where my kayak stays) in about 3 weeks and I will be home next weekend if anyone is interested in an appomattox float. I know my friend has been smashing the smallies recently.

Like others said, its probably a bream/sunfish/another small fish running off with it. I run into it constantly. Most of the time when I get a big jerk and a quick run while fishing senkos, its a bream. I still try to set the hook just in case. In my experience bass almost inhale the bait, often producing little to no jerk on the rod. Watching my line is usually the best indicator.

I rarely ever get skunked at my regular spots, maybe once a year. Like others, Ill throw something small on and nail a few fat bream. But Im lucky in that no one really fishes at any of my spots. Downtown here its a different story. The part of the James I can fish within walking distance is a HUGE hangout for kayakers, hippies, and all sorts of teenagers swimming, drinking, smoking, etc. If I dont get there early or late, I usually get skunked. Just yesterday I switched lures and when I came back the 7 kids swimming around had moved directly into the area they had just seen me fishing.

I had luck with Gitzit tubes out there. I really wish I had fished more during my 4 years at Radford. I definitely bring my gear each time I go back to see friends now.

CAPS LOCK IS CRUISE CONTROL FOR COOL.

haha, sounds interesting, any suggestion on the type and size rope? I actually wasnt talking about catching the Gar, its just extremely cool seeing a pack of 5 or 6 three+ foot Gar running along side your kayak. Im guessing they have no predators because they sure as hell didnt flinch when I put my paddle right next to them. Of course I threw some lures in their faces but they had no interest in anything I tried.

Hey man, I can take you out for some good fishing on swift creek near colonial heights and we can hit some smallies on the appo if youre interested. Send me a PM and we can work something out. Kayak is definitely my boat of choice. Sam is right in that youre supposed to be a resident of Brandermill if you put in down there, I think there might even be a sticker youre supposed to have. If youre putting in there, I also hope your kayak tracks well because it gets quite windy. I also cannot stress how essential it is to hit the nottoway on your kayak. Fishing is great, scenery is great, and huge groups of gar will run right along side you.

Right now Ive been fishing at Belle Island. Im living with my girlfriend, working downtown for the summer so I dont have a car, just my bicycle. Belle Island and Pumphouse Park (lmb) are the only places Ive had any luck so far. Im going to give the tubes another shot today in some of the less rapid water.