29 replies to this topic

[OleNewfieDog]

So of course lures get lost in the weeds. I am looking for a bulletproof lure for chain pickerel, that is weed (snag) proof. Was thinkin of a minnow with the hook buried inside.

 

Doesn't matter to me if it floats, or sinks, I can hand it from a bobber if need be.

 

 

[salmon are forever!]

Tube jig rigged weedless.    Caught many pickerel over 25 inches and many smaller to.  Awesome lure and if rigged weedless deadly

[Mick]

If I am trying to pitch into the thick stuff, I just fish a Texas rigged senko.

[OleNewfieDog]

Righto....google images is awesome for this kind of stuff.

[RyanLandry]

Weedless frogs!

[OleNewfieDog]

Did some weedless rigging today, works like a charm, except I can't get the hook to break out and barb into the CP. I let them have it for a bit, try to set it hard, but before I can reel em in, they 'spit' it out. Man I had one CP that I thought would break my rod, really bent it over. Lost it just as I was about to land it. I tried some softer stuff, but that seem to be too soft...barb would break out in the weeds and get hooked hard.

 

I like the look of those bullet weights and offset hooks to make the Texas rig...will have to buy a bag soon. Will look at those weedless frogs too.

[zum]

Try a fluke style lure,no weight needed but can be added.

In heavy weeds I put the hook inside the slot.

[OleNewfieDog]

Weedless frogs!

 

I bought one, and it only got one strike, compared to the endless strikes with the rubber salty fluke style lure. AND I'm pissed because the first and only strike I get the CP took it, steel leader and all. Next time I buy one of those it will be some kind of crazy fire sale where you get em for a buck a piece.

[OleNewfieDog]

Try a fluke style lure,no weight needed but can be added.

In heavy weeds I put the hook inside the slot.

 

These are working well to get lots of strikes. I bought the rubber salty kind. That just said I cannot get the hook to set. What size hook are you using? Is there a technique to setting the hooks in these evil paranna snake misfit breed of a creature. I got size 4/0 offset shanks. They almost seem to big for the flukes I got. I let it have the bait for a bit then I pull back. I have tried quick, hard, even tried multiple set attempts. As I reel it in, the strain suddenly disappears and its gone. Examining the fluke shows the hook still inside the fluke just under the skin where I put it.

 

I tell ya when I get this part figured out I will catch em all. Took my little frogy on the first strike! WAR!!

[NSYakfisher]

Try a buzz bait.... Accounts for a lot of trophy sizes pickeral when they are in the heavy stuff an the hookup ratio is way better than a rubber frog style bait.

[OleNewfieDog]

I'm fishing the weeds...buzz baits seem like a snarl trap if I ever saw one. I'll figure it out I'm sure, but if someone else already has please by all means let me know. Thanks again fellows!

[NSYakfisher]

Buzz baits are awesome in the thick stuff... Just start really before the bait hits the water... It's our goto for big pickeral in heavy shallow weeds... Not to mention some big smallies as well.

[OleNewfieDog]

I must be getting the wrong images from Google. Can you post one for me please?

[NSYakfisher]

The Mister Twister top prop I think it's called is also a good choice for heavy weeds... Hookup a alittle less than a standard buzzbait but still pretty good... And a 25 inch plus pickeral attacking either lure as it scims across the water can be a heart stopped... Best lures for trophy pickeral in thick weeds I have found.

[NSYakfisher]

Just google it... They look awful but work the blades keep it on the surface and protect the hook from weeds...it's a fast moving bait no stopped just chuck n wind.

[zum]

I use mostly 5/0 hooks but a 4/0 should work fine as well.

It is easy to pull the lure from the fish,try to wait a bit before a hook set.

[Matt]

 OleNewfieDog, what are you using for a rod & line? It could be you're not using a powerful enough set-up for this style of fishing. You generally should use a medium, if not medium-heavy rod with at least 10lb mono, or even better 20lb braid. Takes a bit of force to get that hook point out of the plastic and into the fish, especially when a  larger fish is clamped down on the bait.

Matt

[OleNewfieDog]

Cheap stuff!

 

• Rod: Shimano, 6'6", Medium, Fast
• Reel: Shimano, Zirca, 2500F (I've got the tension 'clutch' set to pretty firm, there is a little release when a big one grabs)
• Line: 10lb mono
• Hook: 4/0 offset

I don't like the 'design' combination of the hook and fluke to be honest. A hook in a new Fluke barely moves. To get that hook to come out, the top part of the hook (eye and shaft) has to pretty much tear out of the fluke. The hook only gets loose after the fluke is half torn up, and by then its not really weedless anymore.

 

I'm gonna try some weedless hooks, the kind with the wire that overlaps the barb.

[Matt]

 Are you sticking the hook completely through the bait at the bottom of the hook bend and skin hooking it on the other side? The Fluke does not have to move vertically when rigged that way.

[OleNewfieDog]

Pretty sure I got it right. Just like the fellow showed me at the fishing supply store, and also I compared with some videos on the Internet. In fact the first one I had I didn't do, the guy at the store did.