Fishing Timber From Shore

[Big Jon]

Hey guys, I just have a quick question. If you are fishing timber from shore, what size line do you use?

 

I don't have a boat, but there are a lot of little ponds around here. I have some green Gamma 4lbs test line that I have been using for the last couple weeks and it has been doing just fine.

 

However, this morning I was fishing around some trees and much to my surprise, on my third cast of the day, I hooked a 2 1/2 to 3 lbs largemouth that came splashing to the surface with my little worm. Of course he took it through the timber and the line broke. I guess I learned something from that though. You can't underestimate ponds/small lakes.

 

Any advice in this situation? Thanks in advance.

[lmbfisherman]

Are you using spinning tackle?  Do you have another combo to outfit for cover like that?

 

In your situation, I wouldn't change how to approach a downed tree from shore or boat.  Keeping in mind the obvious of course.  I flip/pitch jigs into a downed tree/timber with a 7'6" H/F rod with 50lb braid using a baitcaster.  The power of the rod would help you stick it to the fish and using 50lb braid would give you the confidence that it won't break easily.  Definitely the 4lb test isn't a good idea around that kind of cover.  I wouldn't use that low of a test in heavy vegetation either. If you are using spinning tackle, I guess the heaviest line you can put on a 3000 series or 4000 series reel with a medium heavy rod.  (You probably can get away with 50lb braid on 4000 series reel)  Just don't have experience using a spinning outfit for heavy cover.  That is what my baitcasters are for.  Hope that helps. 

[Crestliner2008]

If you want to remain in the UL realm, try 10# test PowerPro braid as your main line. It's about the diameter of 4# test mono. Just use a heavier fluorocarbon leader - for abrasion resistance. That is about as light as I'd care to venture with, when fishing from the shore, in heavy cover. Go heavier if you can. It's amazing the power of even a small bass in tight quarters!

[Big Jon]

Yeah, it's a spinning rod. I have a MH Abu Garcia rod that I picked up on clearance, but I haven't been able to afford a reel for it yet. I am new to bass fishing since I found this site at the end of last summer. I figured I was going to get this type of advice. I just wanted to make sure. I guess I'll just need to be real careful until I can afford better equipment. Thanks guys.

[Grizzn N Bassin]

I used 15 mono I do just fine with that around timber.. only use braid when its really bad..

[Big Jon]

I used 15 mono I do just fine with that around timber.. only use braid when its really bad..

 

Ok, I'll try that for now. I can afford that at some point this week I think.