Fishing Forum

[font "Arial"][size 2]Be sure your rod and reel are up to the demands of fishing thick vegetation. Pulling bass from this kind of cover will definitely test your equipment. I use medium-heavy action graphite rods, 7 to 8-feet in length. I match them with stealthy Shimano baitcasters having smooth drags. Contrary to what you may have heard, a smooth drag is important in flipping.[/size][/font] [left][font "Arial"][size 2]Some flippers are convinced that zero drag (the tightest setting possible, screwed down with pliers) is essential for leveraging big bass from heavy cover. Their claim is that they need total control of the fish, right from the hook set - no budge![/size][/font][/left] [left][font "Arial"][size 2]I argue this approach, because something usually gives under extreme pressure. Either the line will part, the hook will bend (or possibly break), or you could tear the hook right out of the fish's mouth. A firm, yet smooth drag could help prevent any of these possible failures, especially if the line you are using allows some stretch.[/size][/font][/left]
[signature]