What Line For The Sammy

[Ham]

Oh there's no need to argue over anything Al. It's just fishing and everyone is free to do what works for them. I'm pretty comfortable with what I'm doing, but I do keep my mind open to other ideas.

I may have been misunderstood though. I fish light(er) line on spinning and the great majority of the time that meeans soft plastics and jigs. I do throw some real small or light hard baits on spinning, but not often really.

I'm using a short straight handled 6 footer for my bait caster. I don't really consider 12 or 14 pound line heavy, but I do breathe a little easier when a nice smallie manages to get my line wrapped around some wood. I feel like I have a much better chance of not losing my bait than I would with 8 lb line.

I won't throw a walk the dog type bait without a split ring or snap.

[Guest]

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[Ham]

I guess I need to start using a snap, I have always tied direct when using WTD baits. Do you guys see a difference in walking ability when a snap is used?

YES. Night and day difference.

Does it matter to the fish? That I can't prove.

The bait with travel much further back and forth and leave a strike zone slower for sure though.

[Guest]

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[Ham]

I hope you catch a 1000 Andy.

[Larry Richards]

I like to use a 7' Med rod for Sammy's because I like the extra casting distance a longer rod gives me when they are busting shad.I also use Berkley 14 lb XT line..I use 12lb mono for pop-R type baits and a 6'6" med rod.Also I am looking for a good top water bait to emulate the cicadas that the fish are gorging themselves on like crazy all over Lake Norfork.

[Ham]

Hey LARRY !!!!!

[Wayne SW/MO]

I like short rods also,althouh I don't mind 6' with a #ammy because I have a rod I like. I use a 5 1/2 for Pointers and X Raps.

For me it's strictly braid, it floats, it broadcasts, and it will whip most theiving trees. Sammies are to expensive to decorate trees with.

[rps]

Everyone who has posted is correct. So why am I adding in again? Because a couple of comments might help others.

One, remember you walk with the tip of the rod and feel. I suspect those who enjoy and use the shorter rods do so because they can feel the pull and release better, even if they are sitting or kneeling.

Two, the walk doesn't need to be perfect to provoke strikes. Indeed, I have become enamored of a bait that never walks perfectly. My transition to my favorite began with experiments walking the Berkley Frenzy, a popper topwater.

Three, KISS. Keep it simple sir. If you have to have a connector, a snap is better than a swivel. If you don't need a snap, lose it and tie direct to the lure.

I tie a polymer line to the bottom of the loop eye on my Top Dollars and call it better than good.

Anyone up for some topwater fishing?

[Mitch f]

Everyone who has posted is correct. So why am I adding in again? Because a couple of comments might help others.

One, remember you walk with the tip of the rod and feel. I suspect those who enjoy and use the shorter rods do so because they can feel the pull and release better, even if they are sitting or kneeling.

Two, the walk doesn't need to be perfect to provoke strikes. Indeed, I have become enamored of a bait that never walks perfectly. My transition to my favorite began with experiments walking the Berkley Frenzy, a popper topwater.

Three, KISS. Keep it simple sir. If you have to have a connector, a snap is better than a swivel. If you don't need a snap, lose it and tie direct to the lure.

I tie a polymer line to the bottom of the loop eye on my Top Dollars and call it better than good.

Anyone up for some topwater fishing?

I believe you are right, it's all a matter of personal preference. BTW, I tried your top dollar and you are right, I could never get the faster splashy pace like I wanted...but it did make a different sound and surface disturbance than the others. I would like to give it another chance.

Thanks for all who posted here, I learned something!