Weedless Baits

[Heron]

Honestly, what is the actual definition of "weedless?"

 

Does it mean that baits wont get hung up in the weeds and lost?  Orrrr.....Does it mean that the baits slip through the weeds, without collecting a bunch, and come out clean, without having to pull much weeds off of it?

[eyedabassman]

A weedless bait just means that it has some kind of weed guard to protect the lure from getting hung up.You will still loose baits and still pick weeds off the bait but it is better than throwing a open hook bait!!!!!

[Master Bait'r]

Basically it refers to a non-exposd hook, or one that has a weed guard of some kind on it.  Pretty much any effort given to keep stuff off your hook denotes a "weedless" designation.  This does not, however, mean that nothing will ever get snagged or caught on it.   

[Robeng]

Note too there are different kinds of weed guards to obtain "weedless".  It does definitely help keep the snags from happening.  However, some weed guards are better than other and a weed guard can sometimes inhibit a good hook up with the fish.

[J Francho]

Honesty, what baits are you talking about?

[bigturtle]

It can mean whatever you want it to mean, since there are no standards within the fishing industry regulating the functionality and purpose of a "weedless lure".

 

Most cases, it simply means less weed. Not "no weed", not "no snag", just "less weed".

[scaleface]

It can mean whatever you want it to mean, since there are no standards within the fishing industry regulating the functionality and purpose of a "weedless lure".

 

Most cases, it simply means less weed. Not "no weed", not "no snag", just "less weed".

Yep. I consider buzzbaits weedless or snagless , whatever. I like to jump stumps with them .

[gardnerjigman]

I consider weedless to be something that can be fished effectively in weeds, grass and trees. Effectively being the key word. You can throw a t-rig, jig etc in weed, grass and trees and fish it effectively. 

 

I would not call a buzzbait weedless. Once the blades hit the weeds or grass, it either kills the action, or greatly reduces it. 

[Heron]

I consider weedless to be something that can be fished effectively in weeds, grass and trees. Effectively being the key word. You can throw a t-rig, jig etc in weed, grass and trees and fish it effectively. 

 

I would not call a buzzbait weedless. Once the blades hit the weeds or grass, it either kills the action, or greatly reduces it. 

This right here, is partly what prompted my question...

 

For instance, many folks seem to feel that a chatterbait is weedless to some level.   But I highly disagree, since the weeds can very quickly foul up the blade action.  Which would also occur on most other types of mechanical baits.   

 

Sure if a "weedless" bait doesnt get hung up and lost, then thats fine.  But, if the weeds foul up the effective action of that "weedless" bait, rendering it dead-useless for the moment, then I would be inclined to disagree that the bait is weedless at all. 

 

In retrospect, if you toss a 'weedless' bait into the slop, and you bring it back in with a somewhat substantial amount of, slop, piled onto the head & weedguard of that bait, then I would not be understanding the 'weedlessness' of of a bait in general. 

 

So then, I am probably thinking about all of this in the wrong way.

[Heron]

Nonetheless, as has been mentioned above...

 

It makes the most sense to me, that "weedless," simply refers to a bait with a protected hook point.   Nothing more nothing less. 

[J Francho]

It's all how you fish it.  Some guys are better at getting their baits through weeds than others.

[Heron]

It's all how you fish it.  Some guys are better at getting their baits through weeds than others.

Agreed....which is kind of why Im trying to keep this discussion somewhat, tackle-generic. 

[primetime]

Great Question, I was just thinking about this driving home from fishing last evening....I get annoyed when moss or muck gets stuck to everything you toss into cover, but I have found that Thinner baits like a Trick Worm, Senko, and the right sized bullet weight or jig head (some of the Jig heads fit flukes and worms perfectly so there is not a "groove" which catches weeds. I wish I could use the Slider Jigheads and Luck E strike style bullet shaped jigheads but they are all light wire and with heavy braid and rod, those hooks are bending if you try to get a fish out of the Florida Summer Jungles...

 

I have bent the Owner Bullet jigheads as well, but they are designed for light line finesse fishing and not 65lb braid deep into cover, they don't stand a chance unless you find fish in open water or get lucky.

 

If anyone knows of a bullet shaped jighead that fits a Swim Senko or Speed worm snug, and is weedless with a heavy guage hook I would love to know what you use as I would love to find some...Often times a jighead is just easier to use than a bullet weight or Florida weight.....

 

I do find that scent or even vegetable oil helps get your baits and jigs out cleaner...

[scaleface]

I consider weedless to be something that can be fished effectively in weeds, grass and trees. Effectively being the key word. You can throw a t-rig, jig etc in weed, grass and trees and fish it effectively. 

 

I would not call a buzzbait weedless. Once the blades hit the weeds or grass, it either kills the action, or greatly reduces it. 

You are correct. Let me rephrase and say I consider Buzz baits are very snag resistant  .