Well I waited until after Labor day and it was just right weather wise, calm, cool and only one other tooner on the lake. Fished about 6 hrs. from my tube along the N. shore and caught 4 nice bass, 2 big crappy, and 2 nice blues. Not hot fishing but just fine for Sparky and me. Ok, what I need help with is I'm really getting tired of losing my rig to the big guys.[mad] There's a very large Lm swimming with my reaper and drop shot out there and I don't like it. I really thought I had done things right. I use 6-8# test line (can't remember which is on the reel) drop shot rig with a reaper. Well I hooked into this guy and right away I knew he was big so I started heading into deep water to try to avoid any bottom stuff and checked my drag to make sure it was fairly light. Anyways, got him out about 75 yds from shore and thought I was doing it right. Problem was, he just wouldn't come up!!!! I figured if I kept working him he would eventually come up. Damn, it felt like that he just simply broke off????? Now with the drag set light, this doesn't figure. [:/] I'm thinking he found something on the bottom and broke off. [frown] Problem is, this keeps happening. Do I need to do the obvious and go to stronger line? I just can't get past the idea that with the proper fighting techniques, I should be able to handle these guys. Any comments, suggestions.?
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I don't really know what to tell you, you did everything right. Usually if I lose a fish in a situation like that, it's simply because the hook pulled free. My only advice would be to check your knot often and also check for line damage often.
So how big were the bass? How was the water clarity. I just might have to head over there if the skiers are gone. I just can't seem to pull myself away from the usual place. That and I found a new stretch of smallie water.
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how olds the line? If its over about 6 months and you have used it alot change it out sometimes they get weak spots in it also check your eyelets and see if they are rough i have had poles that get rough and knick up the line. you can run some cotton threw them and if there are knicks it will catch small amounts of cotton. Also what kind of line is it. If its that cheap stuff you get what you pay for i suggest paying a few bucks more. it lasts longer, less memory and casts smoother. I suggest Pline
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A huge largemouth can easily break 6lb test if it wraps around a weed. I've had this happen many times. I still use 6lb test because I believe I get more bites especially drop shotting.
Windriver
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Water was pretty "milky", probably still from all the boating activity recently. Bass were from just over 12 to about 15. Best I could tell, the line broke at the drop shot knot or above since there was nothing left of any knots, lure, etc. Knot looked like a simple tension break with somewhat feathery end.
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