Braid for Bladed Jigs

[Junk Fisherman]

I had my first outing of the year yesterday and I was trying some different combos with different lures.  I have primarily used 15 lb flourocarbon with ch@#$&$baits and spinnerbaits but yesterday I was trying a braid/flouro leader setup on an 892 GLX with a mini-chatter (Tackle Tour suggestion) and then the same setup with my new Steez utiility rod.  I was crazy-impressed with the sensitivity and easily feeling the bait.  I felt it was easier to understand the action I was imparting on the bait by fluctuating my reeling speed and twitching or shaking the rod to flare the skirt.   Now I know I have to back off on the hookset and let the fish completely take the bait so I don't pull it from its mouth but the increased sensitivity offsets that IMO- or at least that is my current line of thinking.  I caught multiple keepers and some big hybrid stripers (6.5 lbs).  I might have found a new setup for my bladed jigs.

 

So anyways, how say you?  Do you like braid for the chatters or are you using something else?  Thanks for any suggestions.  

[TnRiver46]

I saw a tourney interview somewhere along the way, tons of anglers had worked an area throwing bladed jigs and not caught much at all. I believe it was Brian Schmitt that came in behind everyone and waxed the fish. The difference? He was throwing straight braid and of course the masses were throwing fluoro. Somebody walked up to his boat after the tourney and noticed all his bladed jigs had the paint worn off the head. They asked him why, he said using braid they bang harder and that’s why he got all the bites 

 

just something I heard long ago that stuck in my head

[FrnkNsteen]

I have a few different setups I have been using.

 

First, I have a couple Dobyns 736cb Glass that have a pair of old Shimano Calcutta reels loaded with braid. I like the braid on those setups so I can feel what the lure is doing on those composite rods, plus it doesn't hurt the hook sets. The braid on the softer composite rod lets me feel it without being numbing after fishing it all day. Currently running a Jackhammer on one and a Sieberts Fogy on the other to vary to actions and sounds.

 

Second, I've got a pair of older Fenwick Techna AV that I throw lighter MiniMax setups on up in shallower spots. I think both of those currently have 15lb mono on them.

 

Lastly, I've got one setup I run 20lb Abrazix on while throwing chatterbaits up around the rocks and reefs when we go to Ontario for Smallmouth. The hope is the larger flouro stands up a little better against the northerns without having to run a steel or titanium leader. So far so good! I think I have only lost one to northerns.

 

My point is to do what works for you. Different setups for different situations

[Choporoz]

The line and rod really have to pair and work together.   I used braid exclusively for years on MHF with what I considered a somewhat soft tip.  Loved it, fishing over mostly shallow grass and wood.  Tried fluoro in same rod and absolutely hated it.   But when I tied on to a jig rod with less tip and fluoro to fish slower, deeper hopping, it was perfect. 

  I won't pretend to say I can explain why.  But, I suggest you try both fluoro and braid and see which works best for you.

[DogBone_384]

2 hours ago, Junk Fisherman said:

Now I know I have to back off on the hookset and let the fish completely take the bait so I don't pull it from its mouth

 

I use a mono leader to add a little cushion.  I don't find any loss in sensitivity when compared to a fluorocarbon leader.

 

I'm 'pretty easy' with my hook sets too.