03-21-2010, 04:06 AM
All,
I also agree with the "well trained thumb". I use a bobber for steelhead and a bait caster is almost a requirement. Once the bobber goes downstream, an open face does not feed the line out in a friction-free manner. It would also take too long to flip the bail when you get a take down (you miss the hook set because the fish figures it out in less than a second and spits the jig).
Some of the suggestions above will not be optimum for bobber fishing because as you tighten the clutch, the reel no longer pays out line in a friction free environment. Then the added friction pulls your jig off the bottom which is obvious because your bobber is no longer standing straight up. Sadly, for bobber fishing, the reel has to free-wheel in a manner that maximizes the bird nesting tendency.
Unfortunately, you have to put in lots of time to avoid the birds nest and until you are ready, don't put yourself in a combat fishing situation. It is too stressful and the other folks won't appreciate the problems that you create for them. Even worse, if you do start using a bobber, you will find it much more difficult to cast than just weight and your birds nest will return. I still have the problem on rare occasion (usually the first cast of the season) and have cast maybe 10,000 times with a bait caster and bobber setup.
I agree with the car tow analogy and would add that primarily my thumb comes into play just before the outfit lands - at the end of the cast. You want to bring the rod tip up and progressively increase thumb input pressure as the cast terminates.
I learned to carry a cork screw and practice the science of how to recover without hacking line or disassembling the reel. I now don't carry the cork screw - but it took years. I also recommend extra limp line until you get used to it. I always went with Stren Easy Cast in the 14# strength. They quit making it and I don't know what to tell you. Although the braided lines are limp, if and when they birds nest, the recovery is nearly impossible even with a cork screw.
One last thing. The bait-casters are worth it - but only if you are willing to put in the time and effort. When you look around on the river, it is easy to tell the serious fishermen: they have bait-casters.
FR
[signature]
I also agree with the "well trained thumb". I use a bobber for steelhead and a bait caster is almost a requirement. Once the bobber goes downstream, an open face does not feed the line out in a friction-free manner. It would also take too long to flip the bail when you get a take down (you miss the hook set because the fish figures it out in less than a second and spits the jig).
Some of the suggestions above will not be optimum for bobber fishing because as you tighten the clutch, the reel no longer pays out line in a friction free environment. Then the added friction pulls your jig off the bottom which is obvious because your bobber is no longer standing straight up. Sadly, for bobber fishing, the reel has to free-wheel in a manner that maximizes the bird nesting tendency.
Unfortunately, you have to put in lots of time to avoid the birds nest and until you are ready, don't put yourself in a combat fishing situation. It is too stressful and the other folks won't appreciate the problems that you create for them. Even worse, if you do start using a bobber, you will find it much more difficult to cast than just weight and your birds nest will return. I still have the problem on rare occasion (usually the first cast of the season) and have cast maybe 10,000 times with a bait caster and bobber setup.
I agree with the car tow analogy and would add that primarily my thumb comes into play just before the outfit lands - at the end of the cast. You want to bring the rod tip up and progressively increase thumb input pressure as the cast terminates.
I learned to carry a cork screw and practice the science of how to recover without hacking line or disassembling the reel. I now don't carry the cork screw - but it took years. I also recommend extra limp line until you get used to it. I always went with Stren Easy Cast in the 14# strength. They quit making it and I don't know what to tell you. Although the braided lines are limp, if and when they birds nest, the recovery is nearly impossible even with a cork screw.
One last thing. The bait-casters are worth it - but only if you are willing to put in the time and effort. When you look around on the river, it is easy to tell the serious fishermen: they have bait-casters.
FR
[signature]