fishing through the lpads

[StCroix_207]

Hey Guys, I'm pretty new to this forum, but i've read alot of your posts, and have to tip my hat.  I've already learned alot. Here's my question.... I've never used a bait caster, just spinning gear, and i've done pretty well with it. But as of late, (well just tonight) the guys at work convinced me to get a bait caster.  I'm stubborn but not ignorant. I see the importance of a faster gear ratio for a few applications.  Heres what i would like to do with it....I want to fish for bass under the pads.  I didn't go all out with the setup, maybe invested 140 bucks into it, but i want to throw jigs through the pads, and have them fall to the bottom. I've never even thought of fishing like this, but it could be fun. I'm thinking of using football jigs (any suggestions on weight) with some kinds of plastics (again open to suggestions) As for line, i've been convinced suffix braid is some great stuff, and am thinking about using their braid in 30 pound test.  This should be strong enough to horse the bass out of the thickest of cover! Lets hear everything you have guys.  

            Thanks, JIMMY

[Sam]

Check out how to pitch and flip.

You will find all types of information about it on this site and in books and magazines.

You can fish lilly pads on top or sink your baits into the pads.

There are many techniques and baits to use that they are too numerous to mention in this post.

Fishing pads is fun.  Try a buzzbait; spinnerbait; Texas rigged weedless plastic; wacky worm; shakey head; jigs.

Also, get a push pole and go up into the pads and take the pole and make a hole in the pads.  Then come back and fish the hole in about an hour.  See what happens.

Good luck and read, read and read about fishing the pads and grass.

[OBX-BASS]

i would also try bringing a horny toad across the tops of them....i put just a hook and the plastic horny toad on the line and sling it across the pads into open water about 4 or 5 feet from the pads and slowly bring it across the top and over the tops of the pads.....you will have a heck of a time watchin' them bass explode on the top gettin' it...especailly when its a pig!!! and yea you will need some tough braided line to yank them boys outa the thick stuff....good luck!!

[Tucson]

I have fun fishing a Johnson Silver Minnow (or similar) with a plastic trailer through the pads.  If you're new to baitcasting you'll be amazed at how much cranking power they have.  A whole different ball game than a spinning rig.    

[Alpster]

If you havn't already bought the line, I would suggest using 50lb braid. The larger diameter behaves better and less worry about breaking off. Look at the lb test rating for your reel and use the corresponding diamenter in braid. JMHO

Ronnie

[RI_Bass_Guy]

I would stay away from throwing a football jig into vegetation. There are alot grass jig on the market that will work alot better for this, my preference is a 3/8 or 1/2oz Evolution Jig with a Paca craw trailer.

Don't get discouraged if you get backlashes, The better the reel you buy the less backlashes you will get.

Practice casting,flipping and pitching out on your lawn or in a pool. I practice all time to keep myself ready, my wife and neighbors think I'm nuts out on the lawn in the snow.

[Guest avid]

Welcome to the forum.

You will find that the suggestions and tips you receive will be much better for you if you post your region in your sig line.

For example in Florida, jigs are generally not used for pitching and flipping due to the general shallow and weedy conditions Florida rigged soft plastics work better.  FYI, that's a T-rigged bait, but the sinker is a screw in type or you can just peg it to the plastic.  I like tubes, others like senko's others like creatures, others like beavers, others like brush hogs etc.

Again, knowing where you fish would help us help you better

good luck and have fun.

avid

[MakhuluBass]

One of the main benefits I had when doing the switch from spinning to baitcasting is the ability to control the lure better and improve casting accuracy.

I love throwing a crank through the pads - when the trebles snag on the stems, give it a good tug.  The crank darts off in a different direction often iducing a reaction strike.

Good luck

AKA overwind king ;D