shrapnel

Pretty good article http://fishingwithconfidence.net/fluorocarbon.html I was suprised to read fluoro actually stretches MORE than mono, and does NOT recover from it. Makes me think locking the spool with my thumb and pulling on a snag could also be a huge issue.

I think I will also play with 10lb braid to a 4' fluoro leader, maybe the smaller diameter will make up for the fact that braid floats vs sinks. I haven't used anything less than 20lb braid for any set up, my finesse stuff is 20lb J Braid to 10lb fluoro.

I really don't want to give up fluoro for jerk baits I love the lower stretch and the added depth it gives. However, searching the net apparently this is a common problem with all fluoro due to it's molecular structure. Makes me feel a little better about the rod/reel. I'll put the reel on another rod anyway, I'm also going to spool it with Sunline Super FC and use it in non derby situations only for a while, will report back.

I'm wondering if it's neither the rod or the reel...if fluoro is that sensitive then maybe it's only good for a few thousand twitches throwing jerk baits before it gets its feelings hurt and gives up. The break is always just out from the reel, maybe 1-2 guides from the reel.

It would require a backlash or really sloppy line on the spool for that to happen. You guys filling your spools to the top?

I have 10 Tatulas and this is the only combo I have an issue with. Still not sure I can blame the reel, I'm just gonna switch set-ups.

Hmmm, as a matter of fact I do use the banjo, or bow technique to free them from brush. Backlash? Me? Please! I have another rod that will work I can throw them on, just love the feel of the Rage. It's happened at least 5 times now and I'm not willing to risk another fish. I set (swept) on a 2lb fish Sunday and lost 75' of brand new Invis-X. It was probably the 15th fish I had caught that day, this time I was lucky he came up twice and was able to throw the hook and I got my Banjo Minnow back, but unlucky the line ended up n the trolling motor going to get it. I didn't realize fluoro was so sensitive to shock, it gets flat out abused in saltwater.

Switched to a Tatula and a 7'1" St Croix Rage last fall for my Jerk Bait set-up. Have thrown both 15lb and 12lb Invis-X...and they both keep busting in the guides just outside the reel! Always on a long cast, almost like it's breaking somewhere in the vicinity of where each cast ends. The rod is the micro guides, so very hard to tell which, or if it's the rod. I tried swabbing best I could with a cotton q-tip looking for a bad guide, thought I found a "maybe" so sanded it with a dremel to smooth it and it happened again this weekend. I have never had areel with a bad spot on it, but I guess anything is possibble...anyone else ever had a similar issue? I hate to even play with switching rods reels to figure out which it is almost as much as I hate to trash a $200.00 set-up. Has cost me 2 spools of line so far, no way I trust it for a tourney. Bummed!

I wish I would have invented the umbrella rig, I think I saw at least a million dollars worth of them being thrown Sunday...lol.

My bad, it was OMTT http://www.respoolin.com/omtt/results/2017/LakeoftheOzarks Amazing lake!

Have heard a few guys talking about this, anyone know which tournament it was Saturday? OMTT shows a 23lb bag won that one.

Thanks for the reports Ed. I fished the Glaze area today for about 5 hours. Caught 20 or so with 6 keepers, biggest just over 4lbs. Fishing is insane right now!

I rarely throw it, but if I do I tie on about a 6" piece of 20lb test and have the center bait hang back from the group, and also use a bigger bait than the rest.

Hill and Edwards are good sticks, tough to beat on Pomme, been fishing it forever. Good guys too. Fished against them a lot 20 years ago down there.

Tape off the text under the bill to preserve their authenticity.

LOL

Ya, it can also let you know maybe you need to move or try something else! In the salt water tournaments a unique token is given out each morning and must be in the picture with the fish laying on an approved bump board.

What is stopping more trails from going to the catch - photo -measure release format? For the B.A.S.S. and big Tourneys I know it's the glamour of pulling up in their shiny new rigs with the music blaring in front of the crowd and making for good TV, but that's not what makes up 99% of the tourney's affecting the fish. I know in the salt many tournaments have gone away from the live weigh ins especially with the advent of so many kayak derby's. Get something started Wrench several would support it!

So now it's a sin....lol.

Just got mine today, excited to fish them they look great! Easy to use website and ordering. Fast shipping and great tracking, love the notifications. How have they been holding up for those that fish them? The claws seem like they might not stay on for more than a fish or two unless this is like the elaztech plastic. For the price, I hope they are durable. I would love to see a bulk version shipped in a zip lock bag, that packaging has to be 1/2 the cost! (looks great though)

Wrench what part of the lake are you on?

Tourney in much better weather a couple weeks ago didn't take much to win - 15lbs or so I think. Water temps will crash this week.

Gotchya, not a Lews guy so I should have stayed out of it!

Actually, you can do some adjusting internally....see video below. Rod and line are going to play a big part as well. Longer rod, lighter line - longer casts. I've never thrown a Lew's reel but the breaking systems on the new reels are amazing. I bought my son a Daiwa Tatula HD for a FL trip this winter, he's newer to bait casters and the first day it kept making an odd noise so that night I looked at it...he never set the spool tension it was all the way off and he fished with it all day no problem! The noise was the spool actually vibrating left and right in its housing.

Larry Gale Access in the Niangua.