I always say, a lost fish is better than no fish at all...

WW

"Chris Rennert" wrote in message
.. .
alwaysfishking wrote:
"Chris Rennert" wrote in message Actually Randy, I believe Braid would
have made a huge difference.


Chris,

I almost exclusively fish braid, the exceptions are wacky rig's and
topwater poppers/spooks etc. The reason being is that with the braid on
a
topwater hook set I have pulled the lure free too many times, with mono
almost never. Little stretch is a good thing. The braid is great for
slow
fishing jigs and worms when the bite is subtle

The only reason I used the mono was because it already had a hook on I
could use and was too lazy to re-tie on the braid, but I cast way too
far
7ft med heavy rod so that wasn't a problem.

You always remember the big fish you lose,,,,at least I do


Yeah, I agree 100% (about losing big fish). I have guess I have
reserved myself that i am going to lose fish in slop. It is going to
happen no matter what I throw. I figure Braid gets me a solid hookset,
it cuts through the weeds, and moves the fish quickly. Combine that
with a longer rod that gives you leverage I believe you increase your
odds. I have actually lost less fish since going to strictly a braid
for a slop presentation than I did when I used 17lb XT a few years ago.

Now, if I am throwing a Pop-r I use either fluoro or mono combined with
a very soft rods, and triple grip hooks (nickel plated).

For a spook, I use a heavier/stiffer rod and mono, but heavy 17lb xt.
I have a specific rod for each type of topwater I throw. The soft
action rod is one I use for Pop-R's, Tiny Torpedos, or jerkbaits like
#9, #11, & #13 Rapalas.

I have a MH rod I use for Zara Spooks only, and I have a Heavy Rod I use
for Frogs or any slop type topwater.

That is what has worked for me. Here on the lakes I fish they are very
fertile and very shallow (my home water anyway). So I am fishing very
thick cover for about 4 months out of the year.

Oh well, I am learning still, and I am sure there are more sure fire
techniques. If I am really motivated I will go through and pitch a
plastic worm with about a 3/4 ounce sinker into irregularities in the
pad fields. That takes forever, but can produce some big fish!.

Oh well, that is off the subject, but good luck!

chris