Rod Setup, Tackle Switching Question...

[CountBassula]

Hi gang!

So how do you rig your rods? I have a braided line with mono leaders and hook on the mono. One rod has a height on the mono, other rod does not. 3rd rod has a swivel for top water lures mostly. This however gets annoying because if i want to go with one rod, and switch from weighted worm to top water, well, i gotta cut the mono and redo the rig.

 

What's your solution? Separate rods for different setups? Or do you just deal with swapping setups while fishing?

[Darren.]

Yeah, I would like two rods in that instance, at least. Since I also do braid + leader + hook, I don't want to retie if I don't have to.

 

So I'd have a second rod set up with a quick-change lure clip so I don't have to constantly retie there. In an ideal world, like the pros, you'd have a bunch of rods with different setups. For those of us with limited cash on hand, a couple rods can help a lot.

 

If you go with only one rod, you'll have to retie... OR ... have different leaders (short) and use a single swivel at the braid end, and simply tie your leaders on to the other end.

 

Hope I understood you correctly.

[CountBassula]

Yeah, I would like two rods in that instance, at least. Since I also do braid + leader + hook, I don't want to retie if I don't have to.

 

So I'd have a second rod set up with a quick-change lure clip so I don't have to constantly retie there. In an ideal world, like the pros, you'd have a bunch of rods with different setups. For those of us with limited cash on hand, a couple rods can help a lot.

 

If you go with only one rod, you'll have to retie... OR ... have different leaders (short) and use a single swivel at the braid end, and simply tie your leaders on to the other end.

 

Hope I understood you correctly.

 

Darren, thanks! You understood me correctly! I never knew about the speed clips, but it looks like it would help a lot! Can I use it directly on a J / worm hook too? If say I want to switch from 5/0 to 3/0 hooks? Or are they only really good for jitterbugs, poppers, etc?

[Darren.]

I would not use a clip on a worm hook. Nobody would stop you, but the worm hook would have a ton of action that you may not like for the worm.

 

One of my boys tried it, though, and he did happen to catch a yellow perch. So yeah, it'll work, but it isn't best.

 

On all my worm hooks I tie a snell knot. It is easy and super strong as it pulls the hook by the shank, not the eye. Here's a simple video from YouTube from a catfisherman that shows how easy it is:

 

 

I use this on my wacky, and drop shot hooks down to size 4, too. TX rigged J hooks, EWG, etc, all snelled.

[SirSnookalot]

Ideal would be to have more than one combo with you.  That said I never do, I make a commitment based on where I'm fishing, what the water and wind is like, then decide what kind of baits to use, take 1 rod and leave the rest in the car.  A duolock or facsimile there of is an excellent way to avoid having to tie on a fresh leader.  If I'm using soft plastics I'll tie a new hook or jig on when necessary, and start by using a bit longer leader, I'm not a fan of a knot, as small as it might be, passing thru my guides.  It doesn't take too long to tie a fresh leader and hook on when needed.

[Topwaterspook]

The part of your post that caught my eye was using a snap swivel for topwater baits. I'd suggest doing away with it since it will have a tendency to drag the lure down. I generally tie a loop knot to allow as much movement as possible. Good luck.