Guide to walkin'the dawg

[Al Agnew]

They can actually sometimes see it coming in the air.  I've seen them start toward the lure before it hits the water.  First time I ever saw that was on a late August trip on the lower Buffalo many years ago when the fish were really hitting buzzbaits.  I'd make a cast and see a shadow dart from the bank toward the lure while it was in mid-air.  It got to where I was making high lob casts to keep the lure in the air longer, and watching the bank instead of where the lure was going to land, wanting to see the fish start toward it.

[Dances With Smallies]

I have just started playing around with a Spook, Jr. for fishing stream smallies.  I used it for the first time the other day when wade fishing.  I got it to walk pretty much immediately thanks to the commentary I've read on here about quick flips with slack in the line.  However I noticed that, especially with longer casts, having the slack necessary for it to walk properly caused quite a bit of line to snap the surface as I flipped my rod.  I watched a few videos online and it seemed like this wasn't that uncommon (at least for a little bit of line to snap the water), but most of those videos were people lake fishing from boats.  Therefore, the question is, how much line should be touching the water when walking the dog on clear streams?  Of course, when I fly fish the thick visible line is floating on the water, so maybe it's no big deal.  Just thought I'd get you all's opinion.  For what it's worth, I was using 8 lb. Trilene XL line.  I apologize in advance if this question has previously been covered.

[Ham]

39 minutes ago, Dances With Smallies said:

I have just started playing around with a Spook, Jr. for fishing stream smallies.  I used it for the first time the other day when wade fishing.  I got it to walk pretty much immediately thanks to the commentary I've read on here about quick flips with slack in the line.  However I noticed that, especially with longer casts, having the slack necessary for it to walk properly caused quite a bit of line to snap the surface as I flipped my rod.  I watched a few videos online and it seemed like this wasn't that uncommon (at least for a little bit of line to snap the water), but most of those videos were people lake fishing from boats.  Therefore, the question is, how much line should be touching the water when walking the dog on clear streams?  Of course, when I fly fish the thick visible line is floating on the water, so maybe it's no big deal.  Just thought I'd get you all's opinion.  For what it's worth, I was using 8 lb. Trilene XL line.  I apologize in advance if this question has previously been covered.

Why 8 lb XL? I throw 12-15 lb on baitcasters on creeks. I don't see an advantage to the 8 lb line on baitcasters.

I'm not concerned about line slap. at all. Maybe others are.

[Dances With Smallies]

No baitcaster.  I was using spinning gear.  I used to use heavier lines, but I haven't seen much use for line over 8 lb. for creek fishing with spinning gear.  But, perhaps I need to invest in a baitcaster... Thanks for the input Ham.

[Ham]

I use line from 6-10 lb on spinning reels so that's all good. I really struggle to walk the dog with spinning. At this point, walking the dog is second nature for me with a bait caster. Sorry I misunderstood.

[Dances With Smallies]

No problem.  I never got into walking the dog (or baitcasters for that matter), so it's all new to me.   But this summer I'm trying to broaden my horizons a little and trying some new tactics.

[joeD]

One can walk the dog with a spinning outfit. Don't let anyone tell you different. Same with a baitcaster. Not using or having difficulty using a baitcaster is not a sign of fishing weakness. It is not a requirement for success. 

[drew03cmc]

I have found a spinning setup is easier for me to walk one.

[Dances With Smallies]

Went out again and didn't seem to have the same issue (or maybe I just didn't pay attention to it). I think I had gotten too used to finesse fishing and causing a lot of commotion just didn't feel right at first.  Had some big blowups, caught some fish and had a blast.  Thanks for the info guys.