Mixing Technique Specific Setups

[Gabriel052]

Hey everyone! I have four setups right now, and want everyones opinion on what setups I should be using for each technique. Below I will write the setups I have and what Im currently using them for. 

 

7' Medium power/fast action spinning rod. Phleuger President - Dropshotting, wacky rigs, and weightless worms

 

7' Medium Heavy power/fast action. Lews Speed Spool 7.1:1 - Texas Rigging, Carolina Rigging, Spinnerbaits, and Jigs, buzz baits

 

7'4 Medium Power/Moderate action fiberglass rod. Garcia 5.4:1 - Crankbaits and topwater (treble hooks) 

 

7'6 Heavy power/Xtra fast action. Garcia 6.3:1 - Pitching jigs, and frogs. 

 

I feel like everything being used feels good, except I do not know what to do with my topwater lures. Should I keep everything as is, or should I be using one of the other setups for topwater lures. Now, I know I can solve this issue by purchasing another combo, but I think my woman would punch me in the face. I need advice from the expert anglers on this forum!

 

Thanks everybody!

 

-Gabe

[roadwarrior]

The rigs and applications look fine to me.

[masterbass]

Well thought out set ups imo.

[frogflogger]

If the rig feels good to you - it is.

[kikstand454]

That's how I would do it.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

You're pretty much spot on. I see where you're coming from on the top waters though. There's a compromise there. I like a soft, fast tip for working the bait but the mod action keeps them hooked up. So I concentrate on getting bites first and keeping them on second. I throw Pop-R's on a M/F spinning and spooks on a MH/F casting. 

[illinifan4152]

Looks good to me.

[Rickhall20]

Rod and reel set ups look good. I think the topwater/crankbait combo is probably the only one you need to look at. First, I noticed the reel has a low gear ratio, which can be really good for cranks, but from what little experience I have, a faster reel is better for topwaters, but that is just my opinion. The other thing you'll want to look at is the line you're using on that combo. If you're using fluoro for cranks, you're not going to get optimum action out of the topwaters, since the fluoro sinks, instead of floating like braid and even mono to a point.

 

Other than those two things, I think the setups are spot on.

[Gabriel052]

Thanks everyone!

Rod and reel set ups look good. I think the topwater/crankbait combo is probably the only one you need to look at. First, I noticed the reel has a low gear ratio, which can be really good for cranks, but from what little experience I have, a faster reel is better for topwaters, but that is just my opinion. The other thing you'll want to look at is the line you're using on that combo. If you're using fluoro for cranks, you're not going to get optimum action out of the topwaters, since the fluoro sinks, instead of floating like braid and even mono to a point.

 

Other than those two things, I think the setups are spot on.

 

Yeah, that is where the issue lies. I have 12 pound fluorocarbon on my crank bait setup, so once in a while the spook will sink or the popper won't have the best action. Should I leave it as is, or use my flipping and pitching setup, which has braided line on it, for topwater applications. My fear is the braid will straighten the treble hooks on the lures when setting the hook. 

[illinifan4152]

I would just change the line on your crankbait set up. Put mono on it. and it will work great for both topwaters AND crankbaits.

 

Treble Hooks = Mono ......   IMO

[Gabriel052]

I would just change the line on your crankbait set up. Put mono on it. and it will work great for both topwaters AND crankbaits.

 

Treble Hooks = Mono ......   IMO

 

You know, I think thats a really good idea. I know Pline makes a copolymer line. I think that'll be perfect for this 

[Rickhall20]

I personally like braid when throwing any topwaters, whether it has trebles or not. I may use mono once in a while with buzz baits, or just out of convenience, but with walking baits I seem to be able to get the best action out of them with braid. Some of those topwaters may be a little light for the heavier rod set up, so I think your best bet would be to change the line on the cranking rig. I've used the Pline copolymer before too, and like it pretty good with cranks. Never tried it with topwaters before, but the price is reasonable, so I would def try it and see what you think.

[Gabriel052]

I personally like braid when throwing any topwaters, whether it has trebles or not. I may use mono once in a while with buzz baits, or just out of convenience, but with walking baits I seem to be able to get the best action out of them with braid. Some of those topwaters may be a little light for the heavier rod set up, so I think your best bet would be to change the line on the cranking rig. I've used the Pline copolymer before too, and like it pretty good with cranks. Never tried it with topwaters before, but the price is reasonable, so I would def try it and see what you think.

 

Really appreciate the words fellas. I think even the trilene big game will be good too. Its cheap, and I know I won't get max depth out of the crank baits, but Im mainly  fishing off the bank. Ill try to do a little more research before I swap lines. Thanks!

[Deleted account]

I think "topwater" is not a technique (I don't think there is such a thing, but that's a different discussion). What I throw a frog on is different than what I throw a buzzbait on, which is different than what I throw a spook on, which is different than what I throw a wake bait on, which is different than what I throw a rico on. 

[Fishes in trees]

Buy the new rig and take the whipping.  After the pain subsides, you will still have a new fishing rig.  Take it a step further, have your woman slap you, and then go buy a new rod & reel , more or less guilt free,  after all you've already taken the beating for it… . . . ..  glad I could help.

[Gabriel052]

I think "topwater" is not a technique (I don't think there is such a thing, but that's a different discussion). What I throw a frog on is different than what I throw a buzzbait on, which is different than what I throw a spook on, which is different than what I throw a wake bait on, which is different than what I throw a rico on. 

 

 

You were a ton of help...lol

[Driftb]

which techniques you want to do with a "make it work"  rod has a lot to do with what conditions you spend the most time in.  I don't do a whole lot of deep cranking, but I like my crankbait rod for spinnerbaits much better than a medium heavy casting rod.  I'll use the  moderate medium action rod for spinnerbaits and topwater plugs, poppers, dawgs as well as cranks.  And I like a moderate action spin rod for throwing  DD shad raps for walleye.  They are kind of light and wind resistant, so I get much better distance with the spin outfit.  As for line, I like Power pro 20 lb and up on all of my casting rods and Fireline or Nanofil up to 12 lb on my spinning rods. I stay away from flouro completely, and I really don't have much use for mono either, except as leader material when I am throwing topwater.  A heavy mono leader will help keep your line out of the trebles. I think the sensitivity and strength of braids trumps all the other good properties of mono and flouro, at least in my home water.  If you are worried about straightening hooks, maybe set your drag a little lower.