Getting bait in strike zone
I know that when I cast to the shore line I can just close the bail and start my retrieve, but when casting into mid to deep areas in order for my bait to fall where it needs to land should I let let fall on a slacked line or reel in the slack to feel the line on the way down? The only reason I'm asking is it feels like I find myself often reeling in what feels like a lot of line to get where its semi slacked. My big concern is the pendulum effect in attempting to catch the bass.
I use a 7ft+ rod for ned rigging. I usually pitch (ending the pitch with my rod at about 11 oclock) then I follow the bait down with my rod. With the coil/slack in the line, plus the length of the rod, I'm guessing I can follow it down about 15 ft without it doing much pendulum. I use Z-man baits for ned rigging, the fall I get is a natural glide, so even if it pendulums a little, I think it still looks natural, as it's always gliding in one direction or another. I also use bright yellow braid with a 6ft+ fluoro leader, which helps me see bites. If the braid's not sinking, one may have one.
Wow, Thank you for you response Jason! I have never tried pitching with spinning gear before. I can not wait to go try that:) As far as rod and reel that is very doable. Right now I am using a 7 ft shimano slx rod with a pflugger presidential. I will have to try the yellow braid! I currently have 8lb power pro braid with a fg knot connecting 8lb seaguar invizx flourocarbon to the reel. Again thank you:)
One thing I forgot to mention is knowing that letting the line fall on coil/slack will be a game changer for me! I feel 100% confidence already in throwing the finesse ned rig set up! Beforehand I was just catching those big Asian carp thinking what in the world (which had me thinking what am I doing wrong). That answer was worth my subscription. I can not thank you enough
Awesome, glad to help. My only other advice would be to not overweight it. I think I use something like a 1/15th oz. weight shroomz head for a slow natural fall.
Oh, and please don't overestimate what I mean by slack. Since braid floats, it only takes a little slack to have a little floating on the surface and not impede the action on the fall. Again, as long as it's still falling, I'll lower my rod and follow it down. I'm not leaving 3ft of slack line on the water, just enough to keep it from changing the bait action. As you get used to the rate of fall of your lure and know how deep the water is, you'll have an easy time knowing what speed to lower your rod, whether you need to flip the bail and feed more line (which I usually only need to do in like 15ft +) and detecting bites.
Thank you!
