Aunts Creek/James River Report 3/22

[Ranger Z22]

First of all I want to thank Dave and those great Ned jig heads, they are doing the job. Thanks!

I think I have finally said uncle to the bait caster on the Ned for the time being and went to the spinning rod.

Yesterday fished mostly between point 11 and 12. Water temp 51 to 54. Started the day with a short Walleye on the crawler, went to the Ned and caught at least 5 or 6.

z22

[RogueAgent]

I also fished 3/22 in the Aunt's Creek area. Got the old Cajun out of the garage and decided to blow the cobwebs out. A buddy and I launched around 4:30pm and fished till dark. We saw a few beds in the backs of the creeks and some largemouth cruising around, mostly bucks, but one nice female was up shallow too. 52.9 water temp. I couldn't believe how clear the water was. I had a 16" and 17" LM on a Spro McStick 110 in Norman Flake within sight of point 10 and my bud caught a 15" spot on the Ned back at the ramp. Beautiful evening on the Rock and a great way to start the year.

[magicwormman]

Nice fish!!! Techo always told us no fish in Aunts Creek. He musta been spoofing us.

[fishingaddiction]

Z22, I don't know how a baitcaster would work the little rig. With the right action casting rod it might be possible to fish the heaver Ned heads with light line. Spinning combo is certainly the way to go.

[Ranger Z22]

I think I am coming to the conclusion that I am doomed to a spinning rod, but I have not given up on the bait caster. I am using the 2500C

z22

[Champ188]

You should see the casting outfit that rps has fixed up for Ned fishing. Works like a charm.

[fishingaddiction]

You should see the casting outfit that rps has fixed up for Ned fishing. Works like a charm.

What are the advantages of using a baitcaster for the Ned Rig? Why not spinning tackle? The right spinning combo makes it easy to impart all the action needed to make the little bait move, easier to use spinning in the wind, can use lighter line with less issues and whole lot more fun/challenging to fight those big brown fish on light tackle. I do see some issues with line management using spinning, but most are overcome by spooling up the reel the correct way. I have never tried to use the Ned with baitcasters but what am I missing?

[dtrs5kprs]

It must just be the challenge factor, or else folks who have a genuine dislike of spinning gear. Can't come up with any clear advantage.

[rps]

This is personal opinion rather than fact. No one has to agree with me.

1. A spinning rig twists the line, even if you didn't twist it putting it on. That sometimes leads to nasty messes.

2. You cannot be as accurate with a spinning rod as you can with a baitcaster. Accurate applies not only to direction, but also to distance. (one exception-> skipping under docks)

3. Line control is superior with a baitcaster as it runs in a straight line from where you can touch it to the bait.

4. Unless you buy a spinning reel in the upper price range, the drag on a bait caster is superior.

[Champ188]

What are the advantages of using a baitcaster for the Ned Rig? Why not spinning tackle? The right spinning combo makes it easy to impart all the action needed to make the little bait move, easier to use spinning in the wind, can use lighter line with less issues and whole lot more fun/challenging to fight those big brown fish on light tackle. I do see some issues with line management using spinning, but most are overcome by spooling up the reel the correct way. I have never tried to use the Ned with baitcasters but what am I missing?

I'm with ya 100 percent. I may be a power guy (maybe more in reputation than reality) but I enjoy fishing spinning gear. Use it for shaky heads, grubs, Neds and even certain small crank baits. You get more action out of light baits, more casting distance and --- as addiction pointed out --- more fun out of the fight.