05-30-2006, 06:26 PM
[cool][#0000ff]Good report and pics of the pickeys...and bass. Too bad about the lost lures. I make all mine so it is not as much of a loss, but the store bought ones are pricey.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I can't remember the last time I have lost a fish to a breakoff or bad knot. You need better quality line or different knots. You also need to use a net to control the fish and do not lift the fish by the line. You are right. The flopping of the fish will increase the chances of line or knot failure.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I suspect that you are using a line that is soft to cast but which has poor abrasion resistance. I have been using the Silver Thread Excalibur for several years. It is clear and soft to cast, but really holds up against abrasion from snags or fishes' teeth. I have landed flathead cats over 30 pounds on six pound Excalibur, with the jig way down inside the nasty teeth. I have also landed large walleyes, northern pike and toothy trout on 4#, with nary a breakoff.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Bass are usually more line shy than other species, especially in clear water. It is not surprising that you noticed fewer strikes while using a braided line for leader.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Good to see your wife getting out amongst em and doing her share to keep the fish properly exercised.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]By the way, we had nasty weather througout the Memorial Day weekend in the west too. Some campers actually had to contend with snow here in Utah. At least you had some decent weather part of the time.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I can't remember the last time I have lost a fish to a breakoff or bad knot. You need better quality line or different knots. You also need to use a net to control the fish and do not lift the fish by the line. You are right. The flopping of the fish will increase the chances of line or knot failure.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I suspect that you are using a line that is soft to cast but which has poor abrasion resistance. I have been using the Silver Thread Excalibur for several years. It is clear and soft to cast, but really holds up against abrasion from snags or fishes' teeth. I have landed flathead cats over 30 pounds on six pound Excalibur, with the jig way down inside the nasty teeth. I have also landed large walleyes, northern pike and toothy trout on 4#, with nary a breakoff.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Bass are usually more line shy than other species, especially in clear water. It is not surprising that you noticed fewer strikes while using a braided line for leader.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Good to see your wife getting out amongst em and doing her share to keep the fish properly exercised.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]By the way, we had nasty weather througout the Memorial Day weekend in the west too. Some campers actually had to contend with snow here in Utah. At least you had some decent weather part of the time.[/#0000ff]
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