Everything that I read seems to hammer the idea that when using sinkers or jigs with soft plastics--really, doing any kind of fishing at all, just about, you should use the lightest weights possible. For instance, when fishing with a plastic worm, you try to use the lightest weight possible to maintain contact with the bottom. My problem is that I just cant figure out how to cast such lightweight rigs very far at all. Am I just missing something? Also, on fishing shows--particularly bass programs, the anglers are almost always using bait casting set-ups, even when casting soft plastics. Is there some trick to being able to cast small soft plastics with a bait casting reel? I realize this is a pretty broad, and probably very complicated topic, but maybe there are others who are as perplexed as me--on the other hand, maybe I'm just really bad at casting.
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Usually, if you balance your rod/reel/line setup to your tackle, you should be able to cast sufficiently far even with light jigs and lures.
That being said, I can't afford to have 500 rods like TubeDude does, so I just use the 2 spinning rods I have for everything.
If you fish from a tube or toon, you usually do not need to cast very far to get into the fishies. Sometimes from shore you do. You just have to do what works best for you. If you need more weight to get to the fishies, you might sacrifice some sensitivity, but at least you'll be in the zone. If you can make do without the weight, all the better.
Hope that helps.
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Basically, I just need to get a tube.[
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AMEN BROTHA. Join the ranks - you won't be sorry!
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tubing is the most peaceful, relaxing thing there is. that is until you hook into a lunker, then there is nothing as exciting as fighting in a big fish from your tube..........drop the cash and buy one, its worth every penny........
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That cracks me up about the Dude's rods... I saw them in his garage last night and he has a ton... funny thing... most of them appeared to have spinning reels on them. [unimpressed] But boy, talk about a heck of a collection.... I'm in Catmans boat, if you will, also. I use one spinning reel and one I have at the Dude's house being rebuilt for everything. I have about four different rods that I use depending on what I fish but if you're fishing light baits, I'd use the lightest setup you think you can get away with and still be able to handle your fish that you catch.
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[cool] For smaller fish and when I need more sensitivity I use a smaller rod with more flexibility (and less backbone). When I know I'll be up against carp, catfish, big bass or the like, then I bring my trusty heavy duty "Ugly Stick". THAT thing has some backbone, but I lose some sensitivity. If $$$ were easier to come by, I'm sure I'd have a couple more. I suppose I could use my ice fishing pole. [crazy]
I do have a cheap flyrod as well, but I don't take it out very often.
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One thing--and you probably already do this as part of your lightweight rigs--is to use the lightest line possible.
A 1/16 ounce jig will cast a heck of a lot further on 2 or 4 pound test than on 10 or 12 pound test.
For years I was a believer in using heavier line "just in case." I switched some 3 years ago to 4lb. test and couldn't be happier. I can cast light stuff further, and the heavier lures go a mile.
On a side note, I was fishing a high mountain lake a few years back with a good buddy. We're fishing identical lures side-by-side, and I'm catching fish after fish, him nothing for two days. Finally, he pulls off his 10 pound test and restrings with some 2lb. line he had. A few casts after he respools, we start catching fish at the same rate.
Again, you probably already do this as part of your lightweight rigs. But if not, the line can make all the difference in the world.
Well--that or just kicking a toon out to the fishies. If they won't come to you....
lurechucker
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I cast 1/8 oz lures on my baitcasters all the time...
The trick is to have good reels and rods with the right line....
If it is com I will use from 1/8 to 1/4 oz if the wind is blowing I may go as high as 1/2 oz....
If I am using a rockhopper type MOJO weigh and baitcasting reel I will use 3/8 to half oz weigh and so on.....
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You can increase the casting distance with light plastics by adding a float. If you are worried about staying close to the bottom use a slip bobber. If you have ever seen the assortment of jigs people use when the crappie are spawning at pineview most of the jigs have a float of some kind above them. gshorthair
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Ok, so casting a 1/8oz lure on a bait cast, what reel, rod and line do you use specifically?
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It's all relative. Light weight on one rod might be 1/64 oz and on another rod it 5/8 oz. One day fish may be very active and will smash a fast sinking bait with a lot of weight and the next they may be less active and require a slower sink rate with less weight.
As mentioned, you need different rods/reels for different lure/bait sizes. One rod won't do it all (not efficiently). Quality spinning rods/reels will throw light baits better every time, but you may need more power of a quality baitcast outfit if you're fishing in heavy cover.
You also need to buy high quality line. You won't throw a 1/32 oz bait very far if you tie it on 15 lb mono. You would need 2 or 4 lb mono. Likewise throwing 3/4 oz lure on 4 lb mono won't work right either.
You need to match your outfit to the pattern of the day (fish loacation, and mood).
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Using spinning tackle and lighter weights requires lighter line. You should be throwing 4 to 6lb test on your finesse rods. Remember your freakin' drag settings! When using a baitcaster, you need to have an excellent reel. Something that can handle even the weightless shiz you might throw. When I am throwing light shiz on my baitcatsers, I use 8lb test. If you need to use a baitcatser, I would suggest using heavy weights for the first year or so until you get used to the setup. Then you can gradually reduce the size of your weights.
Rods:
For Bass fishing you don't want an ultra-lite rod. You need at least a 6ft rod that is medium heavy action. When throwing 4lb line, use a 6'6" medium heavy rod with a fast tip. Throwing a senko requires just about the same rod. Throwing spinnerbaits, and Heavy Jigs requires at least a 6'6" Heavy Action Rod. I would reccommend 1-piece rods every time. My dropshot rod is a 7ft 1 piece medium heavy with a fast-tip.
For general bassin' I use a 6'6" 1-piece St. Croix. I can stick just about any size of bass on this rod.
While jig Fishing ... (throwing in to weeds & trees), I use a much heavier rod.
Good Luck Bro!
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I don't have just one rod or reel, And for the line I use the best Ande line in 6 lb for spinning and 10 for baitcast .....
The only rods I use is Lamiglas rods from lite med. to med. in 7' spinning and in casting lite med. to heave in 7' to 8' I have about 30 casting and 10 spinning, In my boat I have 10 to 14 rods when I go fishing....
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