Big Bait Fishing

iv'e been using 20# big game on a 5 oz. swimbait and the line hasn't snapped yet , i wasn't slinging as hard as i wanted to , but enough to test it's strength . i want to be a little more confident when i toss these big baits , that's why i want to get 25# line . it looks as tho i'm gonna get some more big game ...... thanks for the comments

i use a soft tackle bag (okeechobie fats) , it's softer on the knees and shins !!!!

what's up with the daiwa braid , do you think it's alot better than power pro ??? i my self use power pro and i couldn't see myself paying $70.00 for a 300 yard spoll of braid . i do see it's alot thinner but is it as strong as power pro ???? . sorry to get off the subject of your post but you are the first person i've heard of wanting to buy that daiwa braid . just want to know if that stuff is really worth the extra $ 40 more per spool ........

can you guys explain to me the pros and cons of your choices , please ..........

what are every ones choice of the 2 ????? like wich one is stronger , more manageable , wich one has less memory ??? i want to use this as a leader off of power pro braid ( 80 lb ) for 4-8 oz. swimbaits . also if anyone has other recomendations i would like to hear them as well , thanks !!!

thank you for the feedback and good suggestions , i will try those for sure , very much appreciated

will it work for 20 and 25 pound test line ???? , will the palomar knot hold also with these lines ???? , thanks .....

i want to use 15 , 17 , 20 , 25 test flourocarbon lines and was wondering what the best knot is . i haven't used the higher test flouro lines yet but am aware that the improved clinch and palomar might not be best . appreciate some opinions on this , thanks .........

i use snaps on crankbaits that are deep divers with long bills , they are easier to use than wrestle my needlenose pliers in close enough to cut the line . plus i can change crankbaits quickly without re-tying . i use OFFSHORE ANGLER DUOLOCK SNAPS from BPS.

I would suggest the very opposite. Regardless of what so many people think, sensitivity is completely independent of power. The power of the blank does not change the fiber's ability to transmit vibration. Many people think that a delicate tip, or just a lighter tip is more sensitive because they can see it move... that's not sensitivity, just a weaker tip. If you just go by the function of the blank's taper- I would argue that the heavier power rod is actually more sensitive since it is less likely to dampen vibration in the tip. When you feel something and are unsure of what you feel... one of those times when you can't tell if it's a very subtle bite or brush- what do you do? Do you look at the tip or close your eyes and feel? A lighter rod may "show" movement with no transmission of vibration. Sensitivity in a rod is something I define by feel, not sight. I'd even take a heavy over a med-hvy to worm fish... because I think the lighter rod dampens more. keith thinking about what you just said , that makes a whole lot of sense ! good post .......

never have and never will , it's all about catch and release........

i guess my topic is gone , huh ??? . thanks

to tell the truth , i think loomis and dobyns swimbait rods aren't what i would ever consider . i want a split grip rod that covers the full spectrum of swimbait weights and sizes . i was considering an Okuma or a Powell , but then i'd have to buy 2-3 rods plus 2-3 reels to go with them , i don't see that as practical on my budget . if i got 1 swimbait rod , i can buy 1 reel and have alot of $ left over for purchasing swimbaits . i know alot of people like g.loomis and dobyns , i've never used one but don't want to . i was hoping for feedback from some one that has used one , oh well , maybe i'll get one anyway and then post how good (or bad) it is ..... WOW never thought you would hear some one say that they have no interest in G.Loomis and Dobyns ?????

This is a serious reply, I'm not putting you down: If you can't tell the difference, you should not spend the extra coin, but some of us can. My most expensive combination is my most sensitive and is used almost exclusively to fish live bait. Since "fishing live bait requires no skill," I suspect many would find that hard to believe, but I'm also fishing for the next World Record smallmouth, seriously! 8-) good luck with the record , i hope you do it

to tell the truth , i think loomis and dobyns swimbait rods aren't what i would ever consider . i want a split grip rod that covers the full spectrum of swimbait weights and sizes . i was considering an Okuma or a Powell , but then i'd have to buy 2-3 rods plus 2-3 reels to go with them , i don't see that as practical on my budget . if i got 1 swimbait rod , i can buy 1 reel and have alot of $ left over for purchasing swimbaits . i know alot of people like g.loomis and dobyns , i've never used one but don't want to . i was hoping for feedback from some one that has used one , oh well , maybe i'll get one anyway and then post how good (or bad) it is .....

has anyone used this swimbait rod , seems pretty good if it can cover 2-10 oz. swimbaits , kinda like a Rogue . this is it , the extra-heavy one at the bottom http://www.***.com/descpageCRODDAM-DDAC.html

yes , they sell the magic shad at most wal-marts , i have a bunch .....

check out the OKUMA's , they're 7' 6'' . you can get them here or other places .. http://www.***.com/descpageRDCOKUMA-OGSBBR.html

it depends on ALOT different factors . it depends on how you fish it ie; flipping it in rocks ,timber, vegatation , and other things the line will come into contact . so to answer your question you have to be a little more specific !!! i can tell you that is alot more abraision resist than mono or flouro , it is overall alot more forgiving and will hold up better than plastic lines . the braid i use (power pro) lasts signifigantly longer than plastic line . so if that's what your asking , it's hard to be specific if your not more specific

ABU GARCIA makes good quality reels through the whole price range (100-300$) where as with quantum , it either an inexpensive reel that sucks or an expensive reel that is good . seems they don't offer a good reel for budget minded people . just my opinion , by the way .............. IM just going to throw this out here, but have you ever tried all the abu garcia products for a period of time where you can say these are quality reels and are a great value they've held up etc. The same goes with quantum have you tried all lines of reel and tested them to come to a conclusion i know i haven't which is why I don't make statements like this. I know you've said in my opinion but really how did you come to this. Jeeze im starting to sound like muddy. i think by listening to everyones feed back on quantum and abu garcias reels , feedback from everyone that does or has owned them . in this forum and other places , you don't really hear that much (if it all) about lower priced quantum reels , but on the other hand , you hear ALOT about lower priced abu g. reels . and no , im not talking about the black max or any other ''max'' reels . im talking about the REVO series . most of the time , and i think you can agree , is that barely anyone praises the ''code'' , ''icon'' , and ''burst'' reels . a great majority of the praise is for the ''energy'' and ''tour'' . well anyhow , it was just my opinion (observation) , didn't mean to make a fuss about it btw , check out the post above , kinda what im talking about ...........

that is very nice of you to share that with people , cause alot of people ARE on a budget or it would be a good idea for a christmas gift for a youngster , wife , girlfriend , etc..

get an OKUMA ''heavy'' or the ''med.heavy'' ...... http://www.***.com/descpageRDCOKUMA-OGSBBR.html

when ever you push the evelope on a rods weight limit your asking for unpleasent things to happen . if you plan on getting a swimbait rod , get one that has a rating that meets or exceeds the lure weight you are or gonna use . if that means getting a different rod so be it . if your throwing BIG swimbaits get an OKUMA , the XH model has a lure rating up to 8 oz. , if you are gonna use HUGE swimbaits , POWELL makes a rod to handle up to 16 oz. !!!! so search wisely before making your purchases ...........