mtaag3

As a new guy I will be subscribing!

I'm a new angler but bought a PQ and am extremely happy with it.

Well, I sure didn't have any luck my first time out. Paying my dues I guess. No bites (or maybe a ton of bites I missed) and I lost my brand new jig. Not to be discouraged, I'm out again tomorrow. I will overcome the bass.

I will join. Nothing wrong with beginners luck.

I'm still learning so I've tried a leader and I'll try straight braid. After reading a bunch on jigs I don't think a leader will matter but that's all part of the learning process. Thanks for all the advice

I'm a new guy with virtually no experience however I was looking very seriously at the Skeet Reese rod and I think for $69.00 it's a fantastic opportunity. I would be all over it.

I've just read this entire thread and first and foremost I need to say thank you to all the experienced anglers. This thread is perfect for new guys and has made decide to dedicate myself to jig fishing. Hit or miss, I'll give it my best and hopefully learn along the way. I have a stupid question. If I'm fishing a jig with a trailer (let's say a Strike King Craw) can I leave the bait on the jig and use it over and over or should I remove it or use only one per "session". Thanks for a fantastic site and advice.

Does anyone see an issue with using either a small swivel or snap hook attaching the braid to the leader? (Obviously not going through the eyes) my thought is that may make changing out a short leader easier.

In looking at it closer I believe I may need to use a shorter leader. I may end up going strictly to braid as the water around here doesn't seem too clear. This is the one I ended up tying. The Berkley Crystal Knot

Dumb question, can I use just a cinch knot if I went braid straight to lure?

I'm brand new here myself. Everyone was friendly and welcoming to me so I am passing on that good karma

I have not used braided line before and decided to give it a try. I've went with a flouro leader as well. In tying them together, I believe I did it correctly as per multiple videos however one question I have is how it goes through the guides on my rod. I've got the microguides and the knot seems to not go through the guides as easily as I think they should. Is this normal and should I ignore it or despite my thoughts I may have tied the knot incorrectly? Thanks for your help.

Well, despite wanting to not jump in with both feet, I was at BPS looking around and succumbed to a great deal. I got a BPS Pro Qualifier BC reel and a Johnny Morris Carbonlite 7' med/fast casting rod. But I'm really excited because this balance and light weight is awesome. Plus, I got a smoking deal on it.

Diawa AIRD and all the makings for a C rig

So I understand the descriptions of rods; medium, medium/heavy heavy, etc. and the tip speed, fast, medium fast, etc. But in looking in a couple of places, Academy, BPS, etc. I am seeing lure specific rods i.e. Crankbait rods, Spinnerbait rods, Worm rods. Why are these rods "exclusive" (I understand they're a recommendation) to these lure types and what sets them apart from the "traditional" action indicators? If I ever want a spinnerbait rod should I get one designed for that or just get a rod that has the characteristics needed to cast a _____ effectively? On a side note I can already tell I'm going to have a crap load of gear...but trying to resist.

Dumb question gents; what is a "C-rig"? Are you talking about crankbaits?

I should have been more specific about storage. It was in a garage standing on its butt.

Thanks for your advice. There actually may be some extra line on the reel and here's why. I have a practice lure and I wanted to get some casting practice in my front yard. I thought if I put some extra line on I can just cut it off after it gets chewed up from being dragged on the grass, street, etc.and then I should have the right amount of line.

Have you ever put on a jacket or pair of pants and found money in your pocket you forgot you had? I did this tonight but with a rod and reel. I used to live on the coast and actually bought this rig to fish salt water. However, it's never been used and has just sat around for years. Part of my question will be how would the weather changes affected the rod's integrity at all? I also realize the reel may be way too big but I think the rod will be great (from what I've read from here). Part of my questions to everyone is what would you use this rod for? Thanks for your help and opinions.

Must get up to Guntersville....

Thanks gents, I'm excited and can't wait to hit the water. Every pond, river and lake I pass has me scanning the bank for places to cast. Funny thing though in my excitement and multiple trips to the "fishing" store, I've forgotten to get my license for two trips running. On a lighter but related note I picked up an ultralight rig for the kids and we were practicing casting yesterday. Now if this weather would clear.

I believe it should be lass than $25 if you go ground. Just try and shove it in as small a box as possible.

I didn't want to hijack another thread but as a new guy who is unfamiliar with both Fluro and Braid, I'm still a little confused about their application. Then on top of it, I see many refer to having a leader when using Braid line. But then in another thread I notice RoadWarrior said this: A leader is never required, but a lot of guys think it improves the presentation for certain techniques and in clear water. Specifically, I see no reason for leaders on lines fished with spinnerbaits, deep running crankbaits or topwater. Jigs and soft plastics? Maybe. So is the reason for a leader with braid line solely for "presentation" and has nothing to do with the line itself, the ability to hold a knot, etc? And if that's the case, do I understand correctly that braid is good (or preferred?) using all baits except jigs and soft plastics? If that's the case, what's the reason? Thanks for your help.

Thanks everyone for your advice. I think I was (and still some) overwhelmed by all the options. However, I have realized that I have time on my side and a ton of experience to gain. So after reading everyone's advice, here's what I came up with. I'll fish it, add and learn and gain. Thanks again for everyone's help.