Happybeerbuzz

You can use a mono leader if you want to, but you do not have to. You can throw poppers on straight braid. You can also use a snap on a popper. However, two things. First, some poppers can be hard to get the snap on them because of where the line tie is and the cupping of the face. Second, if the first thing permits, take the split ring off. It can be unnecessary weight and cause the line foul with the front hook.

Daiwa - Fuego CT Shimano - SLX

I keep a length of thick dowel in the boat strictly for the purpose of breaking off braid. Breaking off is also one of my motives for using leader in general. Even 30# braid is a hassle to break off.

The more I think about it, if I am going to spend $100-200 on a dedicated rod for a particular technique, I am not going to get something that will require makeshift modifications or adaptation. I will be thinking about it every time I am fiddling with rubber bands or trying to wrap/unwrap the weight. It is one thing to make due with something that I already have, and another to actually make a purchase of that size knowing I will be inconvenienced every time I set the rod down or pick it up.

H2O Express Lures, the jerkbait and square bill in particular.

No, you are fine. I should learn to read better. Having read more closely now, you were just thoroughly describing your setup. If visibility is not an issue, mono could be an option for sure. Mono ties stronger knots. Another thing you might try is using a Fishing Fool knot. The single modification to your Uni knot might do the trick.

I voted "change your knot". It comes down to confidence. You are confident that a leader makes a difference or you would not use one. You are unconfident about your FG knot. Confidence is important in fishing. Although I use a FG knot exclusively, it is a harder knot to learn. You can get the basics from videos, but diagnosing and adjusting for flaws to my technique took me a bit of trial and error. Also, if you do not perfect the FG knot, stronger connection knots to your lures will just make your break offs worse at the leader knot.

I will give that a try!

For you guys who are using rods that have the loop style hook keeper, how do you store your rod on your deck or any place else for that matter without the weight dangling lose? I am planning on getting a dedicated dropshot rod in the near future, but I am leaning towards something with this sort of hook keeper only above the grip instead of towards the end so I can just slip the line under it just in front of the sinker.

What is the name of the color of the first one?

I believe in the idea that there is an optimal pace, but it is affected by conditions, time of year, tides, baits, etc. With that said, I think I would rate myself as too slow and am focusing to be better at using my time with the trolling motor deployed vs traveling with the main motor. On drives home, I find myself thinking in reflection that I spent too much time inactive spots a lot more often than I find myself thinking that I should have given specific areas more time.

I use an FG Knot at home and plan on using either an Alberto Knot or a Yucatan Knot if I ever need to on the water. Tying an FG Knot with small diameter leader takes a bit of practice to get the wraps and the first hitch knot done properly. The good thing is that you can tell by visible inspection if you tied a good knot.

Even though this season has been a let down, I am still playing Fortnite. I started playing it seriously when Covid started. While I am behind in the learning curve, I find the build mechanic to be new and challenging.

I use duo lock style snaps on lures. I remove the split rings except when the eye on the lure is awkward to use a snap on like when they are recessed into the bill.

Journey - Don't Stop Believin'

I probably would have already, but the colors I want seem to be out everywhere except The Hook Up Tackle, but every time I try to cart the ones I want, they show up as Ghost Gill in my cart. When I try to call, they do not answer the phone and do return calls. Any idea where to buy there besides Tackle Warehouse? *UPDATE 04/19/210 - Ethan from The Hook Up Tackle returned my call and explained that their recently revamped website still had a few bugs as others have pointed out. He took my information and checked inventory on what I wanted. He said to place my order, and he would adjust on his end to what we had discussed on the phone. I did so. I referenced Ethan in a reply to the original confirmation email. I received a second confirmation email with the changes shortly after. I do not think I can ask for much more.

I use a small one for dropshotting to reduce the line twist, and I would use one for C-rigging but I have not used one in years since I have been trying to learn how to use a jig better.

Duo Realis Rozante 77SP. I blame these forums. It is only a matter of time before I get one.

I got my 2nd shot 3 weeks ago. I was exposed to Covid last week at length on multiple occasions by multiple people that all tested positive yesterday after exhibiting clear symptoms. I feel fine. Perhaps what is even better is my state of mind. I am not worried about it in the slightest.

Now I have to get some Rozante 77’s. I find the click of a Rerange very satisfying.

Another possibility is that the leader is too thin. I try not to join braid to leader that is thinner. As a general rule, it is easier to tie the FG knot when the braid is thinner than the leader. The type of braid makes a difference as well. I had the hardest time consistently joining 6# Red Label to 10# Kastpro but have no problems with Power Pro. In both cases the leader will often just pull out of the wraps.

I do not know how that can happen. There is zero play in the knot prior to cinching down.

I wet it. I do not know if it is necessary/recommended/better, but I always have. My thought process is that I do not want the leader compromised in any way. The strength of the knot is that it distributes the stress across the length of the wraps by constricting on the leader, not cutting into it. Like any other knot, I feel like I am avoiding any unnecessary abrasion/friction. Besides, I am going to throw said knot into a lake. It better be able to with stand a bit of spittle.

There are videos of people using Purple Power Aluminum Brightener with good results. I picked up the product from O’Rieley’s but have not tried it yet for myself. For the inside, I clean my carpet with dawn dish soap that is not much more concentrated than when I wash dishes.

X2 I started using a 7', but have switched to progressively shorter rods for topwater (jerkbaits too) in general. I went to a 6'10", then to a 6'8". Currently I am down to 6'6". At first, it was about ease of working the lure. However, it is just as much about accuracy at this point. I really like landing my casts right in the gap between the toolies or consistently 1-2' off the bank.