Spook Constantly Gets Tangled

[hooah212002]

I fished a spook for the first time today and maybe every other cast, my line would get tangled around the front hook, sometimes both. Is this normal?

I even managed to lose the front hook mysteriously. I changed it out with a treble from a crankbait, but it killed the action. It would sit up in the water when I wasn't moving it, but as soon as I started popping it, it would go under. Treble too heavy?

[OkobojiEagle]

If you're fishing braided line, add a fluoro leader. If you're already fishing with a mono line then I don't know how to fix your problem.

oe

[Jigfishn10]

Sounds like the hook is the right size, generally spooks use a #2 treble so anything smaller would be fine, bigger not so good. What size line are you using and how do you tie on - direct or with a snap or split ring? Line that's too thin will bring the nose down and heavy snaps and split rings will do the same.

On the cast, let the lure hang down about 12" and in one fluid motion bring the lure back and cast forward. The lure should vortex out without tumbling over causing the front hook to grab the line.

Hope that helps.

Good luck.

[BenBassmaster]

Braid tangles VERY easily on crankbaits, spooks,(etc).

[hooah212002]

You guys are right (as usual). I'm using 20# power pro, no leader. I'll try a leader next time. Thank you.

[hooah212002]

Sounds like the hook is the right size, generally spooks use a #2 treble so anything smaller would be fine, bigger not so good. What size line are you using and how do you tie on - direct or with a snap or split ring? Line that's too thin will bring the nose down and heavy snaps and split rings will do the same.

Palomar tied directly to the lure.

[deep]

A stiff leader (stiff compared to braid) definitely helps when slack-lining top water baits. I have a feeling that might fix the problem!

[fishking247]

yup use a leader. it is the only time i use a leader

[MarkH024]

Ease up on the power of your twitches in your cadence. It doesn't take a lot to get that spook moving. I used to have that same problem. Once you find a groove you should be fine. Just don't over do it. I fish mine without a leader on braid. If you still struggle try on a 15# mono.

[Gatorbassman]

Yep, braid is your problem. It's to limp. Go with a floating line like a co-poly or a mono leader. A little trick I do when I'm having trouble keeping the nose up is a take some paraffin wax and rub it onto the last three feet of my leader or line. This will make the line float high and give you a great action.

[hooah212002]

Thanks again guys. I received some Tatsu Senshi that I need to review but don't have a reel I can fill with it. I think I just found a purpose for it and can at least review one aspect of it.

:edit: I meant Senshi, not Tatsu.

[hooah212002]

Ease up on the power of your twitches in your cadence. It doesn't take a lot to get that spook moving. I used to have that same problem. Once you find a groove you should be fine. Just don't over do it. I fish mine without a leader on braid. If you still struggle try on a 15# mono.

Cone to think of it, I was rather strong/fast in my retrieval. The fish didn't seem to mind, though, since I had a few other blow up at it aside from the one I landed. I forgot how much fun topwater fishing was in the morning as the fog is burning off the water.

[gobig]

Put super glue on the first 5 to 10 inches of your braid. It will stiffen it up and won't tangle.

[Crestliner2008]

A fluoro leader will definitely help. And I love the idea of super gluing the braid. This might also be an easy solution for you. However, my tip would be this. Cinch your knot down at the bottom of the spook eye. That way it will facilitate the walk the dog that much easier. I use a Trilene knot which seems to hold this position better than most others. Of course, you could also apply a dot of super glue to that as well, to keep it in the lowest possible position.

[Michael DiNardo]

I wouldn't use fc, it sinks and might deaden the action. I have never had a problem with straight mono on spooks.

Mike

[SirSnookalot]

I use nothing but braid and always use a leader, have totally given up on fc leaders. When I'm fishing any kind of topwater lure I tie my leader direct with out a duolock, using an ordinary clinch. As said braid tangled in the front treble is a nightmare and a mono leader is so much easier to unravel, secondly a duolock or loopknot seems to catch the front hooks more so than the clinch knot.

[LgMouthGambler]

Use a good 17# mono.

[The chicken man]

On 9/16/2012 at 5:17 PM, Jigfishn10 said:

Sounds like the hook is the right size, generally spooks use a #2 treble so anything smaller would be fine, bigger not so good. What size line are you using and how do you tie on - direct or with a snap or split ring? Line that's too thin will bring the nose down and heavy snaps and split rings will do the same.

On the cast, let the lure hang down about 12" and in one fluid motion bring the lure back and cast forward. The lure should vortex out without tumbling over causing the front hook to grab the line.

Hope that helps.

Good luck.

 

So could I change the size of the hooks and use stiffer line?