Am I Doing This All Wrong?

[The Young Gun]

Just got into pitching t-rigs instead of just jigs. Throwing a 1/2oz tungsten, 5/0vmc hook, and a pit boss on 50lb braid to docks, and I just can't get bit. I don't know if the braid is to visible or I just haven't gave it enough time.. Any ideas why I'm not getting bit?

[cast_and_destroy]

Try using a fluoro leader...if you already are then make it a little bit longer.

Keep at it though.

[Kevin22]

Are the fish there? 

 

Have you tried different baits/colors on your T-rig? 

 

Maybe try downsizing? A 1/2oz T-rig is going to fish a lot faster and more aggressively than a 1/2oz jig because it has less drag. When I am fishing a T-rig it is with 1/4 or 3/8 unless I am punching through something or fishing very deep. 

[iabass8]

Downsize that weight. Rate of fall can be everything. A 1/2oz weight /w a pit boss weighs am awful lot more tham a 1/2 oz jig and falls like a rocket.

[CTGalloway21]

dude, I can catch fish on Texas rigged craws but cannot for the life of me catch one on a beaver flipping bait.  I have just about given up.  I am sticking to Missile D Bombs from here on out.  

[Catt]

Location-Location-Location

[Cwitherington3]

When flipping a t-rig I really like a 3/8 tungsten

[The Young Gun]

Are the fish there?

Have you tried different baits/colors on your T-rig?

Maybe try downsizing? A 1/2oz T-rig is going to fish a lot faster and more aggressively than a 1/2oz jig because it has less drag. When I am fishing a T-rig it is with 1/4 or 3/8 unless I am punching through something or fishing very deep.

That makes sense. What are the punching capibilities of 1/2oz weight on it? I've consistently caught fish of these docks the last 2 days..

[The Young Gun]

When flipping a t-rig I really like a 3/8 tungsten

I wish I would have bought that size now... Now that's another 7$ lol

[Jrob78]

It sounds to me like your set up is fine.  I pitch with straight braid a lot and catch plenty of fish, you don't need a leader.  Making sure you are accurate, your entry is clean and you're fishing the best locations are key.  When you find some fish, you will catch them.  The Pit Boss is a great pitch bait.

[Bluebasser86]

The pit boss is my favorite pitching bait and I almost always pitch it with a 3/8oz sinker and 4/0 EWG hook if I'm pitching water willows. If you're just flipping docks or laydowns I'd drop down to a 1/4oz. Those legs flap like crazy and really seem to trigger fish with a 1/4oz weight. 

[The Young Gun]

The pit boss is my favorite pitching bait and I almost always pitch it with a 3/8oz sinker and 4/0 EWG hook if I'm pitching water willows. If you're just flipping docks or laydowns I'd drop down to a 1/4oz. Those legs flap like crazy and really seem to trigger fish with a 1/4oz weight.

Is a 5/0 hook on a 1/4 or 3/16 oz weight total overkill?

[Kevin22]

Match the hook to your bait, not the weight. I would think 5/0 would be too big for a pit boss. I always used 4/0 and thought it was on the larger side. 3/0 or 4/0 for the pit boss IMO

 

I would pick up some 1/4 and 3/8 for sure. They don't have to be tungsten for flipping docks, you aren't going for sensitivity here.. Get the rate of fall an action right and they will about take the rod out of your hand. I'd suggest just plain old lead. 

 

I am guessing you picked 1/2 because you were fishing a 1/2 jig, right? If so, the same rate of fall with a T-rigged pit boss might actually be with a 1/4oz or 5/16. Rate of fall is huge when T-rigging docks. You will have to experiment to find out. 

 

Another thing, have you thought that maybe the jig you were using was imitating a bluegill to the bass and not a craw? Maybe try flipping a T-rigged green pumpkin 4" tube up in there. I have had GREAT success with a t-rigged tube around docks in northern MN during the summer. 

[Bluebasser86]

Is a 5/0 hook on a 1/4 or 3/16 oz weight total overkill?

IMO, yes a 5/0 hook is overkill for a pit boss, at least the original size. If you're fishing the Papa Pit Boss then a 5/0 would be fine. If you're trying to imitate a bluegill with the pit boss I'd check out the lime-purple passion or perfection blue colors, great bluegill imitations.