Thread: What's the best rod/reel/hook setup for big redear?

Guys, I'm tired of losing big adult redear on my poles, using four pound test line and number 8 long shank hooks. Here's a quick rundown on my gear: poles-5'6 inch Cherrywood Berkley light action poles bought at Kmart and Walmart. These poles are a blast to catch big crackers on but I'm wondering if they're stout enough. Line-four pound test line is currently on all of my reels. Reels-I have one Mitchell 310 and five Shakesphere models from Kmart. Hook size-no 8 long shank hooks. Knot-half blood knot or clinch knot, whichever you call it.

I'm losing fish sometimes when the line breaks, other times they're spitting the hook at the top of the water or just spitting the hook after being hooked. The poles seem to really buckle when these big redear make their last dive under the boat. What's the best gear to chase these fish, I'm interested in hearing opinions on this. Bluegill and redear are two totally different species, I target the redear, keep that in mind.

Originally Posted by redearhoosier

Guys, I'm tired of losing big adult redear on my poles, using four pound test line and number 8 long shank hooks. Here's a quick rundown on my gear: poles-5'6 inch Cherrywood Berkley light action poles bought at Kmart and Walmart. These poles are a blast to catch big crackers on but I'm wondering if they're stout enough. Line-four pound test line is currently on all of my reels. Reels-I have one Mitchell 310 and five Shakesphere models from Kmart. Hook size-no 8 long shank hooks. Knot-half blood knot or clinch knot, whichever you call it.

Your gear is PLENTY strong for redear. I have no idea why you're losing fish, but it's not because of your tackle. I've landed carp and cats over 10# and bass over 7# on gear like this. There are stronger knots, though. I use the Orvis (Becker) knot. Palomar, Trilene, and Uni knot are good, too.

Originally Posted by redearhoosier

I'm losing fish sometimes when the line breaks

I've never had a redear break 4# line. Maybe your line is old or damaged. You could try using braid, like 8/1 or 10/2 Power Pro. Fireline is good, too.

Originally Posted by redearhoosier

other times they're spitting the hook at the top of the water or just spitting the hook after being hooked.

Not much you can do about that. It happens with other types of fish, too.

I use a 5 and a half ft. Berkley Cherrywood rod light action...with a ABU Garcia C100 spinning reel and 6 lb. Mr. Crappie line...I use a number 4 long shank cricket style hook. Works great for me have caught some really big red ears...thats about all I target anymore are red ear. I fish on the bottom with red worms.

I use the BPS Micro light series rods, and have a couple Okuma reels spooled with 6lb. mono. The tackle you are using, should be fine....Although I like a 6'6" or a 7' rod for longer casts and better hooksets. I have never had any panfish break my line, I have had a few pull the drag though. Check your line, it could be time to change it. I change line 3 or 4 times a year.

Originally Posted by redearhoosier

What's the best gear to chase these fish

Check out this thread, too:


Favorite bluegill rod

Originally Posted by deathb4disco

Your gear is PLENTY strong for redear. I have no idea why you're losing fish, but it's not because of your tackle. I've landed carp and cats over 10# and bass over 7# on gear like this. There are stronger knots, though. I use the Orvis (Becker) knot. Palomar, Trilene, and Uni knot are good, too.





I've never had a redear break 4# line. Maybe your line is old or damaged. You could try using braid, like 8/1 or 10/2 Power Pro. Fireline is good, too.





Not much you can do about that. It happens with other types of fish, too.

I don't know how to tie those knots, but I'll look them up on the internet. The half blood knot has been fairly reliable for me and it's super easy to tie.

I do need to change the line out, some of it is a year old and I fish quite often. I've also been thinking about going to some longer poles for better hook sets. We went today and my wife lost a pound redear at the boat and I lost a ten inch ear at the boat, that's why I'm irritated with my gear.lol.

A number 8 long shank hook is mighty small for red ears weighing a pound or more...a lot of folks use a number 6 but I use a number 4...even when I am fishing for smaller bluegills...It seems like I hook up better with them.

I'll second the Palomar knot. Very strong, and fast and easy to tie.

I'm not very good at explaining knot tying, but if you do a search as you'd mentioned you'll see how easy a knot it is to tie.

As far as them spitting the hook, are you're hooks really sharp? I always hit mine with a file to touch them up while fishing ... even straight out of the package too.... Just some food for thought.

YB

Had it happen a few times to me last year on glendale trips. Moved up from 4lb. line to 6lb. and have not lost an ear this year. I use the 6lb. Mr. crappie line in yellow with a 4lb. Fluoro leader. I also use #8 hooks. I am switching over to longer poles slowly but surely.

Originally Posted by redearhoosier

I don't know how to tie those knots,

Here's the Orvis knot. It's very strong and easy to tie. It's also very hard to tie it incorrectly.


Fly Fishing West Georgia & Beyond

You can find all the other knots on Youtube.