Need Help matching up line & lure weights - basic question

[rmiller]

I was fishing around Dam 5 yesterday evening and was using a rod rated for 4 - 10 lb test and weights of 1/16 - 1/4 oz. I had Yo-Zuri Hybrid Flouro 6 lb test on the rod. I tied on an 1/16 oz slider jig head and 4" slider worm (almost weightless) and was casting into very slow moving water east of the falls. When I cast, the lure was floating in the air and the line would not throw it properly. What is wrong?

Alternatively, when I put a 3" grub on the line (obviously heavier than the worm), it threw much better (even though I could still not get the distance I wanted) and I was able to bring in a couple nice smalls. I can think through the math in that the line is too heavy for the worm rig and maybe even a touch heavy for the grub rig but a much better match. I know this is basic stuff but I want to nail this down so I avoid these problems in the future. Maybe 4 lb test is the answer in this situation? Any help is appreciated and thanks.

[PA-Smallies]

sounds like your rods not loading. Give me all the specs on your rod... also.. what reel?

[oubassman]

sounds like your rods not loading. Give me all the specs on your rod... also.. what reel?

I agree. When throwing the really light stuff, the longer the rod the better. The top end is more "whippy", which allows the lighter stuff to get "snapped" out. Think of releasing a rubber band pulled back. For me, I really just like to throw weightless or even 1/8oz jigheads & grubs on my 7.5' TFO rod rather than the 7' TFO rod.

I definately don't think the line is too heavy at all. I generally go with the middle line weight for a reel.

[rmiller]

My Rods -

1. 6'2" Falcon Low Rider XGS Walleye Jig LFS-2-163. It is rated for 4 - 10 lb test and 1/16 - 1/4 oz weight.

2. 6'6" Triumph TRS66MF Medium Power Fast Action. It is rated for 6 - 12 lb test and 1/4 - 5/8 oz weight.

My Reels -

1. Team Diawa Tierra 1500 currently on the Falcon and spooled with Yo-Zuri Hybrid 6 lb.
2. Shimano Stradic 2500 FI currently on the Triumph and psooled with P-Line CX FMG Premium 6lb.

I am looking for help in setting up the right combos with rod, reel, line and lures and any input is appreciated. I always look at other rods and hear about longer, etc. I currently wade only (don't yet have a Yak) and am on a modest budget (as are most).

Juan - I just received an order from Winco's and really like his stuff. I also received some items from Charlie Brewer Slider and am trying to learn the slider technique with his worms. I usually wade into the Potomac and throw soft plastics. I also shore fish into lakes and throw chatter, plastics, spinners, frogs, etc...
Thanks.

[oubassman]

My Rods -

1. 6'2" Falcon Low Rider XGS Walleye Jig LFS-2-163. It is rated for 4 - 10 lb test and 1/16 - 1/4 oz weight.

2. 6'6" Triumph TRS66MF Medium Power Fast Action. It is rated for 6 - 12 lb test and 1/4 - 5/8 oz weight.

My Reels -

1. Team Diawa Tierra 1500 currently on the Falcon and spooled with Yo-Zuri Hybrid 6 lb.
2. Shimano Stradic 2500 FI currently on the Triumph and psooled with P-Line CX FMG Premium 6lb.

So it looks like you were using the 6'2" rod for the issue you were describing. The combination of that shorter length & light lures will make long casts very tough. But the other rod might be a little "too much" for the light weight stuff. I think you'll just have to be prepared for shorter casts with it.

And Winco's stuff is GREAT. I pretty much get all my soft plastics from him now.

[PA-Smallies]

It's tough to say without really seeing the cast but it does sound like the rod is not loading with the smaller bait regardless of the weight rating on the blank.

Doug pretty much outlined what I use for my lighter baits. I'm throwing the really light or weightless stuff on a 7.5 foot TFO ML fast action. It loads nicely and launches those baits. The rods are reasonably priced. Fitted with your current reel.. you should have a nice setup for what your trying to do. You'll also find the longer rod gives you a higher angle to work with and helps reduce snagging.

Other guys might be able to give you other recommendations on rods. I'm just very familiar with the TFO line.

The Winco stuff is the bomb! feel free to shoot me any question you have about the bait or presentation techniques. I'd be glad to help.

[rmiller]

Juan & Doug - Thanks very much for the feedback. I appreciate it very much. What is TFO?

Also, I am trying to get a couple of my regular fishing buddies together to come up for one of your group classes this fall. Hopefully, they will post and we can have a nice 3 person class for you.

[PA-Smallies]

here's the link bud:
http://tforods.com/

The rod I'm talking about is in the Gary Loomis Signature Series.

TFG FWS 763-1

That would be great to have you and you buddies in a class! My group classes are always a lot of fun! I've posted my september and october classes:

http://kayakfishpa.com/class-rates/guid ... ing-class/

[oubassman]

Juan & Doug - Thanks very much for the feedback. I appreciate it very much. What is TFO?

Anytime. I LOVE these rods for there combination of sensitivity and backbone. Paired with braid, it's a great combination for those light winter bites in our area. I will pay more money for the rod rather than the reel & I think these are a great rod at a great price!

[rmiller]

Thanks - And what type line would you recommend. I have used braid (Power Pro and Berkley Fireline) and I like it, although it seems that braid with light lures would be tough to match up. I have also had some trouble with it. I use YoZuri Hybrid, which I like and P Line. The P Line from time to time can cut skin pretty good.