New Setups for Zig Jigs

[Stein]

Just talked to Richard and he is setting me up with a starter kit of 8 dozen jigs, 5 dozen 1/8 and 3 dozen 1/16 and split into 10 and 6 colors each to get me a bit of a cross section.  I thought that was the better solution than me guessing colors.

From some reading on old threads here I saw that BPS has the graphite microlite rods have been used with some regularity for an inexpensive starting setup.  They are on sale for $39 so going to get a couple - probably both 6'6" and one light and one medium light.  For reels in a similar $39 price point I was thinking Pflueger Trions, probably the TRI25X over the TRI20X.  I'm going mainly on reviews for the lower priced reels.  I usually use Shimanos but not really brand loyal or anything.  I know some on here said the Abu Cardinal S for a cheaper reel but the reviews haven't been as good.  Any opinions are encouraged.  I'll probably pick up a CrossFire rod from Richard when I get down there.

That's as far as I have gotten.  Now for line.  Here's where I need more help as I'm clueless.

For line, maybe 6 lb nano or some other braided main line?  Tip it with a 6 foot or so 4 lb leader?  For the leader should I use floro or a copolymer?  Or just run one line straight through?  Favorite brands for either line are welcome.

Heading to BassPro on Thursday so any suggestions to fill the shopping cart are appreciated.

I'll probably pick up some rogue-type baits for some of my bigger spinning setups for browns.

[rps]

 May I recommend Maxima 5 lb. mono without a leader. Easier to manage and the ideal size.

I am also a strong supporter of Yozuri in 4 or 6 for your purposes.

[Ham]

I've literally caught 1000's of trout on 6 lb nanofil with 6 lb leader so I tend to suggest it to folks pretty strongly. KI used to use 10 lb Power Pro, but was really losing casting distance with it. I prefer P Line CX Premium in Moss Green for my leader material.

lots of ways to skin that cat though.

i am trying out some Prototype 2 nd generation Crossfire rods for Richard. They feel great in hand and I assume that they will fish great, but I need to go prove that.

of late I have been using a Browning Air Stream rod. It is a two piece 7 foot UL that is not a buggy whip and actually fishes like a Light action rod. It would be too light for a Ned rod, but really good for fine wire jigs. It is around 60 dollars I think. bass Pro has them. I have not tried the other sizes it is offered in. I would strongly recommend those ove the Micro Lights, but again lots of people do well with the microlight. 

 

[Stein]

Richard said he just got a new batch of rods in this week when I talked with him about the jig order.  I don't know if they are just a batch of the original ones or the 2nd gen of which you speak.

I'll look at the 7' air stream rods.  For only $20 more might be a no-brainer and with the $39 reel it's still only a $100 combo.  I did see the microlights go up to 7' or maybe even 7'6".

I will also probably stick with the 6 lb nano.  I've been happy with it thus far.

 

[Ham]

I've never used that Pfluger Trion. I've been really happy with the Presidents. I get the 6930 size. It's not too heavy and has a large enough arbor for me. It's a 60 dollar reel. 

Get down here and we'll get you lined out on jig fishing. You'll catch > 1000 trout on that first batch of jigs for sure. Once you get the hang of it, you'll average about 30 trout per jig. Don't attached to any one of the jigs, they most definitely have a finite lifetime once you fish with them. They will last a lot longer if you'll mash the barb down and if you always cast downstream, but more on that later. 

[RSBreth]

I will give a second thumbs up on those Air Stream rods- a little faster action and lighter than the microlights.

[Stein]

11 hours ago, Ham said:

 

Get down here and we'll get you lined out on jig fishing.

Heading down 6/30-7/3 to bring furniture and generally move some stuff in with my wife, heading home for the 4th, then back 7/5 - 7/9 with a buddy to fish if that week works.

[Ham]

It is very ikely that we can do something, but way too far out for me to have a work schedule.

[Rob P]

22 hours ago, Stein said:

Heading down 6/30-7/3 to bring furniture and generally move some stuff in with my wife, heading home for the 4th, then back 7/5 - 7/9 with a buddy to fish if that week works.

See that's how it starts.. 
..Honey I'll bring down this furniture.
Maybe cut the grass. (And fish 8 hours a day............)

My bride knows my game plan as a weekender!

[Ham]

Man, I love the part of Bull Shoals that is around the Oakland area. Millions of fish to be caught there. Stupid good.