Reel_Kaotic

T-rig Trick Worms or Senkos.

I spooled on some Trilene XL 17# mono on clearance at the local walmart. Surprisingly, I cast better with it, than I did with the fluro. And thanks to Sam, I put some electric tape to reduce the backlash. In the past few days my casting in the yard has gotten further with little to no backlash and fraustrations. My confidence in baitcasters is definitely building. Now, I just need to get out and catch my first fish on it. Thanks!

Endless: Now that's funny ! Felt like taking Bill Dance advice the other day on the water. I've heard of the thumb trick before, couldn't remember it at the time, so I didn't try it. I'll be tossing out in the yard this evening for practice, either casting or taking backlash out.

@NBR and new2BC4bass: Thinking the same, going to purchase some mono line, until I get better at thumbing and casting with a baitcaster. Getting something in 15-17# range. For years I pitched and flipped using spinning reals using light mono, so using a baitcaster and fluoro at the same time has become a major challenge. I buy some mono for practice now, until I get better. I've been practicing casting with a 1/2 jig, since I don't have any casting plugs. The rod is 6'6 MH Carbonlite fast. @Endless: I try feathering the spool with my thumb during casting. One of two things happen, either two much pressure and lure smacks the water directly in front of me or not enough pressure than backlash (and still no real distance)! Still haven't found that golden touch. @Sam: When I correct a backlash, I pull the line thru reel's eye with the bell open. Should leave the bell closed and lighten the drag and pull the backlash out by pulling out line directly from the spool in the opposite direction?

@Sam: I got it...Thanks for the help. Send a response. @Cattfish: Funny thing, I have to purchase more line already. The line cut into itself yesterday trying to correct a backlash. This time it'll be something a little cheaper to practice with. Next, I need to work on accuracy. Just about every cast end up far left, throwing side arm with the right!

That's one reason I wanted to start using a BC, I like the properties of fluoro. and didn't want to use it on spinning tackle. Also I wanted to use a BC for pitching and flipping.

I have Jon with a small o/b motor. Did you mean go up river at the Wathkin's ramp? How is the fishing this time of year and does it get better when it's warmer/hotter?

I'm new to using a baitcaster. I purchased one this past weekend, the BPS Carbonlite rod/reel. For the price and the reviews, I thought it was a good starter. I had it spooled with 12# BPS Gold Fluoro., which appeared to be good line. However, I couldn 't keep the thing from unwinding. Well, at times I could cast out with no problem (no real distance) and than others, birds nest. On the last cast, the line cut into itself, buried deep into the spool. My question is this, would a thicker diameter line work better on a baitcaster to resolve issues of tangling/bird nest? I have four of the six pins engaged, the tension knob loose enough for the lure to fall without the spool spinning more then once, and the dial on the side set to 8. Any suggests, tips, or advice would be appreciated.

How is Maidens versus Watkins for smallies? Like to venture out one of them this evening.

Become my favorite way to fish senkos. Use 7ft MH rod, 20# PP and weightless t-rigged bubblegum senko.

Ok, thanks. I'll looking it up on google earth.

Thanks for the heads up. Where is it located in relation to the ramp?

@heyitskirby: What blows back out at times? I'll take your advice and adventure out there during the week.

Post and let us know how you do out watkins. Notice watkins landing on the DGIF site last winter, looking to try it before summer hits.

Went on BPS site...how would you rate the Gamakatsu Split Shot/Drop Shot Hook or the Gamakatsu Octopus Hooks? I've always nose hook the bait, never tried using t-rigged plastic.

Just maybe that the reason for little success I've had drop shoting. Try using a EWG 3/0 hook t-rigged.

Yes, those are the hooks I'm referring to. Brought those things a few years ago, and never used them. Not too often that I fish near heavy structure and need a weedless finesse wide gap hook. I used the finesse hooks (without weedguard) for drop shots, do you think that's a bad choice for that same reason, you mentioned above?

@justin apfel: Yes you can, I've seen big motor bass boat out there. Word of caution...be careful...there are areas of low water, especailly in the creeks. In the main lake you would be fine.

Thanks. Did you have any success with weedless cirle hooks wacky style out there? I see you used trick worms...love those. Used bubblegum weightless out the Chick last weekend...deadly.

You have a larger picture of it?

What do you call the rig in your avatar? I noticed, but thought it was something thrown together. Appears to be a cross between wicky-rig and t-rig and they had a offspring. Is that what it is?

Is June better for topwater bites or jigs and plastics still the way to go?

Appreciate the help on tackling the stumps. @s13john: Let me know how you do tomorrow, curious to how the bite is now.

I definitely take my oars just for that reason. Experienced being trapped on stumps out Sandy a couple weeks ago, and it wasn't for my oars, I'll still be out there. Using the 701 ramp, would you recommend heading left off the ramp or right towards the dam?

Thanks! The stumps are concerning to me. Are they that trouble-some navigating around the lake? Just want to take the opportunity to see for myself how productive the lake is, don’t want to ruin my boat doing it.