StrikePrince

I've started using jigs extensively for the first time this summer and am trying to learn more about trailers and how they can effect your presentation. It seems like there are a few major variables when it comes to trailers- amount of action, and rate of fall. These are the trailers I've used and how I'd classify them by their action and fall rate as well as a few personal notes. I'm hoping for some wisdom from the jig sages on how different trailers can be used to maximize versatility and effectiveness for a jig fisherman. Rage tail rage craw- high action, medium/slow fall. This is probably my favorite trailer so far; I like the slow fall, durability, and the fact that it doubles up as a swim jig trailer when you want to swim it. Sweet beaver- low action, medium fall. This is an effective trailer but I've not yet run into a situation when I would use this over a rage craw. Are there situations when fish just prefer less action? Zoom super chunk- low action, fast fall. Haven't used these too much but it may come in handy when looking for a faster fall rate. Thoughts? Keitech crazy flapper- super high acyion, slow fall. Slow fall on this creature bait makes using it as a trailer almost senko like. I've also gotten some retrieving it so might be able to swim it too. It's similar to a rage craw in that respect but a bit bulkier. Keitech paddle tails- I've had good success in clear water swimming these on an arky head. Those are the baits be used as trailers the most. Any types of trailer you can recommend to round out my arsenal? What are some situations you've run into where the choice in jig trailer mad a big difference? Thanks for your insight. Ps I have been using all of these trailers on a 3/8 oz arky head.

Went fishing today and shattered my previous pb which was probably around 4 to 4.5 (never weighed). This girl struck my jig as I was bringing it back in after a cast to a dock. Saw a flash, line went slack and I set the hook. I started to freak out when I saw her come up.

I find that in the "bites" I'm doubtful of, it's usually weeds or a branch but I set anyways. When I get a real bite it's like I intuitively know. It's weird how the memory of what a bite feels like seems to fade so quickly, like a dream, for some reason it's hard to remember exactly what it felt like.

Thanks all. I think I'm going to replace my MH/F spinning rod with a M/F one for topwater, crank, weightless plastics liek flukes and senkos, and other finesse applications like drop shot and mojo rigs. Thanks again.

Hi all- I'm a kayak fisherman and fish primarily I have two rods, two MH 7', one baitcasting, one spinning. I'm trying to think of a two rod combo that, together, would be the most versatile, and allow me to cover most situations. I'm thinking having a 3/8 oz arky head on the baitcaster is a definite. I'd change trailer(paddle tail, rage craw, chunk for less action) depending on if I wanted to swim it or bottom hop it. Just this bait would allow me to cover most of the water column. On the spinning rig, I'm thinking having a 2 or 3/0 worm hook tied on would be a good option. I'd be able to use senkos for more finicky fish but also other plastics, although I'm not too familiar with throwing other baits besides senkos weightless. What other options are there? I've used trick worms to some success. What other baits can be fished on a weightless worm hook? Or, what other options might there be for the spinning rod? I would also use this rod for topwater should the opportunity for that come up.

But have you tried senkos?

Ya, I lost what would have been my best bass this year this past weekend. Thought I had a good hookset on the jig but she just came off. You can replay in your mind and agonize over what you did wrong, but I think that that's just fishing, sometimes. Gotta lose some fish once in while, maybe it'll make the success that much sweeter.

I have a fall tactics related question. All of the articles I read talk about baitfish migrating away from open water and going to creek arms, but most of the lakes in the area I fish (Pacific Northwest) that doesn't directly apply. They are mostly between 100-200 acres and bowl shaped with no sigificant creek arms. Also, there are usually not shad, instead I think the primary forage is bluegill and bass fry. How do those fall patterns apply to a more bowl shaped, smaller body of water where the primary forage is bluegill? Primary cover are docks, laydowns, some small lily pad fields and underwater grass.

That's always fun. I think that's been my most satisfying accomplishment this year, catching my first few jig fish. Going from no confidence to having confidence in a bait is gratifying. Plus there's something so basic and fundamental about a jig bit and hook set- you really feel like you earned it.

What a fisherman takes on limited space should vary by angler. I would say include baits that you like and have confidence in, that cover all parts of the water column and are fishable in whatever cover you will be fishing that day. My standard tackle box includes spinnerbaits, texas rigs, a popr, bullet weights and hooks for texas rigging and weightless plastics and jigs.

Or when you think it's a snag then you feel that living "tug"- love that.

For me, the moment that keeps me addicted to fishing, the moment that makes me wake up at ungodly hours to head to the water, is that moment just after you set the hook and feel moving weight at the end of your line. That moment even before you can really tell whether it's big or not, you just feel that weighty "alive" feeling at the end of your line, it's almost primal. Just thinking about that moment makes it worth the hot, skunk days, the bleary eyed, stiff mornings. What about you all? What's your favorite moment in fishing? Landing the fish? Topwater bite?

What was it that you figured out? I'm hoping to hear how a better fisherman thinks so I can learn. A lot of times on a tough day I will just power through doing the same thing, there's gotta be a better way. Edit: Referring to this comment of yours " Yesterday I only had two fish in the first two hours . I figured something out caught seven 15 inch keepers and about thirty total. Spent about 10 hours fishing and only left because it was getting late ."