Recently, I came across a pretty awesome spot for pad fishing (tons of bites). Only problem is, I don't usually do any pad fishing, and the only weedless thing I have in my box is Senkos and crawfish, but I usually try the Senko.
A fish will absolutely crush it, I'll set the hook and it will seem like he's on for a few seconds, but then somehow i'll lose him in the weeds. I've played with a few things, like waiting a second or two to set the hook, different hook sizes, but it all seems to yield the same amount of success.
So, i'm looking for suggestions for something that will help me get more of these pigs to the boat, whether it be technique, lure, or both. That way I can land 15-20 instead of 4-5 of them every time out!
A fish will absolutely crush it, I'll set the hook and it will seem like he's on for a few seconds, but then somehow i'll lose him in the weeds. I've played with a few things, like waiting a second or two to set the hook, different hook sizes, but it all seems to yield the same amount of success.
So, i'm looking for suggestions for something that will help me get more of these pigs to the boat, whether it be technique, lure, or both. That way I can land 15-20 instead of 4-5 of them every time out!
The trick is have a set up that will let you set the hook and crank the fish to the top asap.15 to 20 # line should do the trick.Braid is also good in a 30 to 60 # range.If you don't get them up they will wrap around the stems and get off.Baitcasting set up is a must.If your fishing senkos you need to set the hook right away.The same with weighted worms.The second you feel a bite or see your line move nail it.You can also try running over the top and let it drop off the edge or in a pocket.They do follow and strike on the fall.Pay attention and watch your line.Cooks pond in Plymouth is surrounded by pads and that's where I learned to fish them.The place is gated off now and you can only walk there.Frog fishing is a little different you need to wait like a second or 2 on a blowup.
you an throw a lot of things weedless, not just senkos. craws, creature baits etc. if you're throwing in really thick cover and pads, it will be a lot of easier to keep fish pegged and pull them out with a heavier rod, line, and hooks. there's no reason you can't throw a senko on a heavy EWG hook, braid, and a baitcaster either. i personally don't throw senkos on circle hooks in pads...too easy to get hung up even if it's weedless.
not that you won't be able to pull some fish out with a spinning rod and 8 lb. test or 20-30 lb. braid, but these things can help your ratio will go up. the biggest thing with a spinning setup is that the fish can get a lot more leverage and once they pull you down into the weeds they can shake the hook easier leaving you wondering if it's still hooked and hauling slop only. keep the tension on whatever you do.
Last edited by samf on Wed Aug 14, 2013 3:39 pm; edited 1 time in total
not that you won't be able to pull some fish out with a spinning rod and 8 lb. test or 20-30 lb. braid, but these things can help your ratio will go up. the biggest thing with a spinning setup is that the fish can get a lot more leverage and once they pull you down into the weeds they can shake the hook easier leaving you wondering if it's still hooked and hauling slop only. keep the tension on whatever you do.
Last edited by samf on Wed Aug 14, 2013 3:39 pm; edited 1 time in total
You only use circle hooks for wacky style,and not in the pads.Texas rigged with a 2 or 3 odd wide or regular worm hook,Pick whatever brand you like but Trokar is the sharpest and the heaviest guage.Set it and forget it.trokar,gamkatsu,owner are the main hooks I use.Diatchi is top of the line too.
I primary fish the pads.. always use braid 30-65lb power pro green.. texas rig with 4/0 hook, usually frogs if i'm weighting it to punch the pads i use 3/4 oz jig with usually a crawfish on it..helps to fan out the weed protectors on the jigs I find it catches less salad.. I also use a spinning rod and it's a ton more work to get them in the boat.. Hubby uses only bait caster though he's much stronger it just seems so much easier with bait caster, i just cant get used to the thumb action on a bait caster.. I also use a med/heavy rod 6'8" just cant accurately cast a longer heavier rod.. I have some, but usually end up in the trees more than the water..
