DieselDood : Fishing Forum Posts

Hey Folks,
Long time listener... first time joining...
sorry.... I've always wanted to say that

Last year I was fishing a tourney on Lake Vermillion in Northern MN.
We were using a lot of tubes, which we would of course get snagged due to the very rocky bottom across the entire lake.
So from time to time we would switch up to a drop shot. This was probably the best rig, but really didn't work very well because, again the rocky bottom would catch the weight and you'd loose it.

On my way home from that tourney, I had an idea. In that type of condition could a guy use a strand or 2 of lead core line?
I know you would reduce your bottom contact feel, but I think the lack of snagging would make up for it.

Have any of you tried it? Any suggestions for this type of situation?
I seriously went through close to $200 in tube jigs, tubes, Texas rigs, and Cylinder drop shot weights. (mostly lead, but I ran out and had to start tapping into the tungsten)

Thanks!

2 years ago I learned an important lesson at a local 4th of July jackpot derby.

2 guys showed up with a 15 or 16' Tin boat with a 15hp motor. They had a pump they would throw overboard and fill a cooler with an aerator pump in it.

I was a Co on a newer Ranger.
The guys in the tin boat were Joking "Tinner to Winner"

And win they did. And it wasn't just a win, it was a beat down. They came in with 26lbs on a lake that 22lbs is killing it.

It was an important lesson that will always stick with me. It's not the boat, it's the angler.

You got this!

I'd suggest finding a local Bass club. There are lots of guys that will take you under their wing and help teach you everything they know.

I tried that, but it didn't seem to help. I was running the 1/8oz Pencil weights, so I don't know how I could have gone much lighter! LOL
That's what made me think that with Lead Core I might be able to achieve that with a couple strands.
I could go straight down from the boat and not get snagged, but that really limited things and with the pressure, the bites my boaters and I got seemed to be quite a distance from the boat.

I just don't know how well Lead core would work with no real bottom feel. I'm sure like anything, a guy could get used to it. I'm just not sure how much a couple strands of lead core would weigh. Guess I may have to invest in a spool, find a clear lake and test it out.

Thanks for the thoughts on it!
It's a REALLY fun lake to fish, but man is it a tackle killer.
If you ever find your way out this way, let me know. I'll be happy to make the trip up there (4.5hours) to fish it again!

Doug I think the thump and dead fish penalty would probably be an issue.

Last year I invested in a set of Blackfish gear. I got caught in some NASTY weather last year as well as a couple all day events and I stayed totally dry.
I only got their "lower" end and it's been awesome! I would highly recommend it!

If you are a BASS member, check your state, ours has some sweet discounts. I got 40% off my rain gear this way.

I've been using the double uni, but once I'm done fixing my boat I'm going to learn the FG.
I haven't had any issues with the double uni, but with the small micro I do have to watch the knot as it will frey and I'll have to retie. Usually on a day that I am using that combination a lot I'll have to retie it once.
BUT... on my Nano guides, I have to run straight braid or straight Floro. I'm hoping the FG will work in them, but I'm not going to old my breath.

Daniel, I ran across that when I was looking for a club in my area. After messaging a bunch of them I found one that would answer, and wasn't full. Turns out, they have some of the best anglers in the state (not being biased, one made 12th on the opens last year, one got First at the State TOC, and MANY of them have been to regionals multiple times)

They are as good as they are because they share and are willing to teach. There are no secrets within our club, and it really works out well.

Keep trying, you'll find one!

SA, I'm struggling the same way you are.
I think my issue is, I pay to much attention to what the boater is doing and don't use MY skills to clean up behind him. Thinking about last year, many times my boater would be catching them on a... Jig, so I'd switch to a jig and try to pick apart the structure in different areas than he did. While I did get good at skipping docks and getting deep into cover, it didn't pay off. This year I'm going to do my own thing. I think throwing something different, probably slower and more finesse will get me more bites.

If you are a boater, I'd suggest stepping back in the club and going as a Co a few times and learn what the "good" guys are doing. This is my 4th year in our club, and while I have a boat, and come spring it will be set up better than many of my club members, I'm going to be a Co again for club stuff. I feel I can learn more this way, and I won't have to worry about figuring out a lake, and finding fish AND what I need to do to catch fish.
I also fish a weekly league night, and that I will use my boat for. Last year I landed dead last in that league, partially because I'm still learning how to break down a lake, partially because I'm still learning that instinct of when I need to move, etc.

Running your own boat has it's own set of challenges. I think becoming a solid Co-angler, then moving back to boater may help.

Just my 2cents.
Good luck
Tight Lines!

Charles, I'm from southern MN, and I have noticed this as well. So many things that I tried to apply last year just didn't work out, probably because our fish act slightly different. Drew is spot on with the bluegill from what I've seen. I don't think our fish school up like they talk about down south. I've only found max of 4 smallies in one place and 3 largies.

I think our issue is there is so much good cover for them, they roam more and are more lone wolf type. The guys around me that have done will are covering a LOT of water. They find if they are on the inside or outside weed line and then run that with the trolling motor cranked up.

I could be wrong, but that's just what I've noticed in the last year.

I got it last fall. I haven't used the Forward view much, but I have been using the Perspective mode. It's like a live 360, but is only about 160 degrees.
I do think it will be a huge advantage for following weedlines and seeing structure.
I did have one time last fall that I was flipping along a floating reed matt and I watched a fish coming up along behind me. So I waited and flipped a couple feet in front of him and caught him.
IF I didn't have it, I wouldn't have known, and I probably would have stayed ahead of that fish by 10 feet.

I think it can also be a disadvantage like Jon said. I have seen fish and tried everything but the kitchen sink to catch them, and never did. In that aspect, it's going to be a learning curve of learning to read their reactions to the baits. By those reactions, learning when to walk away or keep trying.
It's just one more tool in the tool box. You don't use a hammer for Screws, just gotta use the right tool for the job!

Yes it cuts the wind well.

I will throw mine on for blast off on the cool mornings and it definitely helps cut the wind on the long runs.

If you are going out in the REAL cold.. I'd layer up for sure, as it is thin and really designed for summer use.

Honestly when it's open water cold (40s) ill pull out my Striker Ice gear.... but thats a different subject! Lol

You should be good then!

My striker bibs are crazy warm, and waterproof. But they are designed for ice fishing.

I had read that they were venturing into other products, but I haven't seen any in person yet