Use Shorter Rigs & Bigger Hooks for Reds?

[claim]

There is/was some discussion on "the other fishing forum" and someone mention and posted this about some guy experimenting and using shorter rigs for catching reds....it kinda goes in-line with what Buck said several months ago.

Kind of an interesting idea, I was wondering what you think of it:

http://blog.tacklemonkey.com/index.php/site/comments/the_majik_drum_rig/

[fishnut]

I used to always use the standard prehooked leaders (12in) with a 1/2oz egg weight secure by a coastal lock swivel.  As i gained more knowledge I tried other set-ups. I don't think reds are scared of a short leader, they are interested in the bait you offer.

Trout, on the other hand will bite the bait on a longer leader.

[Inshorefisher]

I make all my carolina rigs with the wieght about 14" above the hook, with the total leader around 24" with a nice big hook, unless I know the smaller reds are around then I'll change up to a smaller hook to catch them,haven't had any issue with it. If i"m fishing artificials I use a 3' leader of #20 flouro above the lure, this seems to work really well. If their tailing hard, just hit them in the head, they'll react to the lure and strike. If there cruising, toss it out in front and lead them and pull it by them as they head towards your lure. If your using a gulp generally they'll sniff it out and pick it up. Sometimes, your action will either tend to push them away or aggreavate them to strike. Speed it up, or slow it down. I've been using the bass assasin alot in the past, and don't really reel it in. generally I'll bounce it off the bottom and reel and then do it again..Just like when using a topwater, try it fast , slow, see what they react too. it's really just about experimenting. Most of the tourney's I fish alot of it's blind casting at where we know fish are in the general area. We tend to hit the bank and let the lure slide off and then work the lure. Fishing is experimenting, try one thing don't worlk try another.

[HiTider]

Stan, Todd and Brian:  Good stuff here.  Thanks for the posts. 

The Missus always says, "Paul, you're somewhat of a know-it-all so let me ask you.............."  However, I've learned some good stuff here today.

[Daniel]

Haven't read the post on the "other" forum, but I typically use a shorter leader between the hook and the weight for reds for a couple of reasons.  First, reds are usually feeding near the bottom and have an easier time slurping a bait up off the bottom versus grabbing it out of the middle of the water column.  That's just what they're built for.  Second, you will gut hook fewer fish because the fish will feel the resistance of the weight more quickly and will stop swallowing the bait and turn away.  When reds inhale a bait, they quickly shuffle it back to the crushers down their throat, and a shorter length between the weight and hook will often keep that from happening.

The rig I like is the one I showed at the last meeting - 5'# of leader tied directly to the braid with a uni-to-uni knot, egg sinker threaded on the leader with the line looped back through so it will stay pegged in place but can be slid up and down the leader, and a circle hook SNELLED to the leader.  For reds, I slide the weight down about 6-8" from the hook.  For trout, I like 3-4' of distance between the weight and the hook.  Since the weight will slide if it's get hung up, I almost never lose rigs with this setup.

If you do shorten the length between the weight and the hook, be sure not to shorten the total leader length.  Keep in mind that flourocarbon is far more abrasion-resistant than braid - if you're fishing around structure like docks, rocks, or shells, you want as much leader as you can get.

[Daniel]

I make all my carolina rigs with the wieght about 14" above the hook, with the total leader around 24" with a nice big hook, unless I know the smaller reds are around then I'll change up to a smaller hook to catch them,haven't had any issue with it. If i"m fishing artificials I use a 3' leader of #20 flouro above the lure, this seems to work really well. If their tailing hard, just hit them in the head, they'll react to the lure and strike. If there cruising, toss it out in front and lead them and pull it by them as they head towards your lure. If your using a gulp generally they'll sniff it out and pick it up. Sometimes, your action will either tend to push them away or aggreavate them to strike. Speed it up, or slow it down. I've been using the bass assasin alot in the past, and don't really reel it in. generally I'll bounce it off the bottom and reel and then do it again..Just like when using a topwater, try it fast , slow, see what they react too. it's really just about experimenting. Most of the tourney's I fish alot of it's blind casting at where we know fish are in the general area. We tend to hit the bank and let the lure slide off and then work the lure. Fishing is experimenting, try one thing don't worlk try another.

Why would you be using Gulp or Bass Assassin?

[ECFC_admin]

Haven't read the post on the "other" forum, but I typically use a shorter leader between the hook and the weight for reds for a couple of reasons.  First, reds are usually feeding near the bottom and have an easier time slurping a bait up off the bottom versus grabbing it out of the middle of the water column.  That's just what they're built for.  Second, you will gut hook fewer fish because the fish will feel the resistance of the weight more quickly and will stop swallowing the bait and turn away.  When reds inhale a bait, they quickly shuffle it back to the crushers down their throat, and a shorter length between the weight and hook will often keep that from happening.

The rig I like is the one I showed at the last meeting - 5'# of leader tied directly to the braid with a uni-to-uni knot, egg sinker threaded on the leader with the line looped back through so it will stay pegged in place but can be slid up and down the leader, and a circle hook SNELLED to the leader.  For reds, I slide the weight down about 6-8" from the hook.  For trout, I like 3-4' of distance between the weight and the hook.  Since the weight will slide if it's get hung up, I almost never lose rigs with this setup.

If you do shorten the length between the weight and the hook, be sure not to shorten the total leader length.  Keep in mind that flourocarbon is far more abrasion-resistant than braid - if you're fishing around structure like docks, rocks, or shells, you want as much leader as you can get.

I unfortunately missed your seminar, but his info is very helpful...... (probably won't help me though  )

[FSUBUCK]

I know this is old but I will say I personally have seen no difference in the short or long for catching, but the guthooks almost disappeared with a 4-8 inch leader.  B

[Ali Bell]

march 25 2010

Another tip on short leaders, in the outer banks NC the Surf fisherman use 8" from the weight, also very important to them it casts better less wind drag.
Ed