Thread: Crappie Lures

I would check my line at the end the next time it breaks. If the end of the line is curled, this curl indicates a knot break, but not always. If I were a finesse person, I would set the drag at 2 pounds and use my nose finger to apply pressure to the spool if extra drag is needed. I rarely have big fish problems though. This, of course, is not by choice.

Originally Posted by Cane Pole

I would check my line at the end the next time it breaks. If the end of the line is curled, this curl indicated a knot break. If I were a finesse person, I would set the drag at 2 pounds and use my nose finger to apply pressure to the spool if extra drag is needed. I rarely have big fish problems though. This, of course, is not by choice.

Thank you!

All I use is 2#test line. While I need to learn to back reel as Pappy does I only rely on drag and the flex of the rod. I mostly panfish but for about 6 weeks in the early spring I hit a small mouth hole that produces 2 to 6 pound fish of which on a good day I will catch 50. I don't lose fish from line breakage. It is just not an issue in open water. But I have great reels......quality line.....and use a palomor knot.....but any good not properly tied will suffice.


Regards

My rod calls for 6-15 lb line. So what happen if I use 14 lb test line. Where I go have decent size fish and I don't wanna lose that big catch.

Originally Posted by Fatman

Don't know what brand hooks Blakemore uses in their jigs.

probably something made in China.

Originally Posted by Greg_Mathis

Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod and Reel Combo. This is the type rod I am using. Also I have 6lb test line on it. So that might be the reason I losing fish.

That shouldn't be the "only" reason for losing fish. I used 4lb test mono for decades, not only for Crappie, but for Smallmouth as well. I'm now using 6lb test copoly (Vicious Panfish line) for most of my jig or minnow outfits. When casting Roadrunners or Whirly Bees ... I'm using PowerPro Braid (10lb test/2lb diameter) hi-vis. And I'm catching Crappie on it, as well as being able to pull either bait free from most snags. I don't use a leader, either ... I tie direct to the bait with the braid.

Using a good knot, tying it properly, & wetting it down before "slowly" cinching it down tight are all important factors ... regardless of the pound test of the line.
Remember ... the line is the only important thing between you & the fish !! Use quality line, strong knots properly tied, and you'll likely lose less fish.

... cp

A little spit on a palomar knot goes a long way. It is all I use with a road runner and 8 lb line. I like a real light rod with RR and sharp hooks. Fish will load the rod and a mild sweep will bury the hook. Besides crappie I have boated white bass, hybrids, gills, kentuckys, lmb, flat head, blue cat, channel cat, sucker, sheepshead and gar this year. Gar being the only fish to throw a bait on the way to the boat.

Originally Posted by Greg_Mathis

So what happen if I use 14 lb test line. Where I go have decent size fish and I don't wanna lose that big catch.

Landing fish is problem #2. Problem #1 is hooking fish. With small jig-type baits (like a Road Runner), you will hook more fish with lighter line. With lighter line:

1) You can cast farther

2) It's less visible to fish

3) Your bait sinks faster

4) Your bait acts more natural

I fish exclusively with jigs and always use 4# line. With a properly set drag (or by back reeling, if you prefer), you can easily land big fish on light line.