Tips for PB

[bshaner]

I didnt want to hijack the Chiller Thriller thread, brother, so I will post here in this original thread of mine!

#1 - Losen your drag a tad
#2 - Buy better line - I am currently using Seaguar (So is Josh) and am really liking it.  Gamma makes a good fluoro too.  (Suggest switching to mono for the stretch if you cant lighten up on the swing)
#3 - Tie a palomar knot
#4 - If using mono/fluoro with a pallomar - spit on the knot before cinching it down
#5 - Use a rod with a slower action tip
#6 - If you dont like #4 then switch to all Power Pro, even for your shoe laces
#7 - Smash your hand with a hammer prior to tournament day (this will greatly decrease your ability to swing hard)
#8 - Quit hooking up on pike
#9 - Check your knots and line for frays more often.  I always retie the night before and frequently during the day.
#10 - Quit fishing high percentage areas that hold large bass (you can move a smaller fish much easier with the hookset)
#11 - Quit using quality hooks, poor quality hooks may break easier, but hey, atleast the line didnt.


In all seriousness, you need strong hooksets, especially with jigs and texas rigged plastics to drive that hook through the weed guard or the plastics.   On a hard hookset something has to give and it's not going to be a 5 lb'r.  It will be the drag, the line or the rod.  I prefer not to break the line and especially do not want to break a rod.  Losening that drag and going with a bit softer action might be the answer to your problem.

B

[stackenem]

Did somebody have a bad day?

[bshaner]

You mean beside PB having a bad day and still out fishing me?  Or did PB have a bad day?   

B

[stackenem]

PB had a bad day and still beat you? whats up with that. Haven't seen anything from Grant what happen did he drown?

[MaizeNBlue]

He is still frozen! Was a tough day, started out pretty good, had 4 keepers in a hour or so, starter battery dies, had to find kev and PB to borrow some cables, after that the weather got even worse, and so did the fishing. On a good note, when I went to drop the boat off on Sunday, I blew a barring out on my trailer on 275, o and left the cell phone at home. Thank god I got a lift to Gander Mtn in Novi, the gut worked at the Art Van in the same plaza, and is a boat owner. I was able to get a hold of PB, but that is another long and sad story and I don't come out well in that either. I think Brian and I finished 6th, not great, was hoping for better, could kill myself for checking my spot the day before the tx, made one cast and burned a 3lb smallie! Brilliant Grant, just brilliant!

[McCarter]

1)  Drag is set good

2)  I switched to Seaguar two seasons ago and havent looked back.  That stuff if awesome.  I did try the Gamma and wasnt impressed.  Plus, its $26 a spool.  PoorWife doesnt like when i spend that much on line.

3) Bollocks to a palomar knot.  I know a better one.

4) Spitting in publlic is against the law. 

5) I am using a 7 ft heavy action with a medium tip.  I love this rod for jig fishing and wouldnt trade it for Faith Hill and a dozen jelly donuts.

6)  Power Pro is nice, but not for jig fishing.  Using line with no stretch usually results in over working the bait.  At least for me.  Thats why i like Seaguar so much, its a Fouro but it still has a little bit more stretch that others, but its still incredibly strong and sensitive. 

7) I am open to suggestions, but lets try to think of one that doesnt involve me breaking my hands to catch more fish.

Hooking into pike ( and carp, dogfish, catfish, musky ) in a bass tournament is my business..........and business has been good.

9)  I do this constantly.  I dont even have to think about it anymore.  It is all one fluid motion now, especially after catching a fish.  I swing her in, pop her off, throw her in the livewell, fix my trailer, check the line, retie if necessary, then im back at it.  And the fish in question that day was one of 3 on as many casts.  Checked the line after the first two about 4 ft up from the jig.  Line broke at the reel.  Dont know if there was anything i could have done about that.  Maybe i knicked it across the  zipper of my jacket or something during the landing process.    Who knows.

10) this one is usually not a problem.  During tournament hours, i rarely have the luxury of actually catching fish.  So when it does happen, i am unprepared.  This is something i am working on

11) I dont know what kind of hook they use on those Strike King Bitsy Flips, but they sure dont look like quality hooks.  I dont have any probelms with losing fish on them, until my line breaks, but they are like a wierd copper color.  Almost looks like the Eagle Claw hooks you can buy in packs of 100 for $4.99.  But next year i will start making my own out of paper clips and see how it goes.

Seriously, i know what my problem is.  It just started this year and i am finally figuring it out.  Its my hookset.  For some reason in tournaments, i really feel the need to break a fishes face when they bite.  I dont have this problem any other time, just in tournaments.  I dont set the hook as fast, its almost like i am going through a set of steps to prepare for the hook set.  I feel the bite, i repostion my whole body, i wind down real slow, and then i jackhammer the bejesus out of em.  But by that time, i think either the jig is on its way out of there mouth and i get a little skin hookage and then pull them off, or they swim right to me and are literally almost under the boat and i set so hard i break the line.  My rod and my line are perfect for just giving a good snap set and not having to worry about them coming off.  I need to learn how to relax more in tournaments and just fish the way i usually do.  Just one of those things i have to work on.  I will get it. 

this year was really the first year i have had a good grip on jig fishing.  Its one of those baits that 2 years ago, i really never threw.  But i figured 85% of the tournaments are won on jigs ( just open any Bassmasters or FLW magazing and read the tournament reports ) so i better learn how, when, and where to use them.   I have had great success on them this past season and feel very confident in my abilitiy to use one effectively.  And really, its not just jigs that i am having problems with.  I struggled a lot this year with my hooksets using just about every lure.  Especially tubes on Clair and Erie.  Like i said, i know what it is now and thats the first step in solving the problem.   I do fine when i am practicing.  But struggle when it counts.  Its a subconcious thing and hopefully i can work it out of my system next season.

Thanks for the tips tho.  I like the one about using Power Pro for my shoe laces the best.  I go through many pairs each year cuz i am too lazy to tie them when i take my dogs out 900 times each night.

PB himself

[225XS4Garza200PXL]

Brian...

You need to get out fishing with me again... that is your problem... you have strayed from the ways of The Garza and are now facing a fish-losing dilemma...

Get back on the path of the Garza... and you will begin to land your fish...

Be blessed,

Jose

[Cheetam]

Brian...

You need to get out fishing with me again... that is your problem... you have strayed from the ways of The Garza and are now facing a fish-losing dilemma...

Get back on the path of the Garza... and you will begin to land your fish...

Be blessed,

Jose

So...if Brian quadruples his intake of chili/cheese fries, he will catch more fish?

[225XS4Garza200PXL]

I haven't had chili cheese fries in months... and probably won't have them anytime soon...

Subway and Jimmy John's...

[McCarter]

Trying to lose a couple pounds there Jared?



Hi, Im Jose Garza.  I used to be a fatty.  But then i started walking to subway everyday and eating 2 6" subs instead of chili cheese fries.  Ive dropped two dress sizes and have never felt better.  I even got asked to the prom by Billy Boomer, our highschool football team quarter back.  Hes a dream boat.

 

Just kidding Garz.  I have been diggin on the subway diet, too.  I have gained a ton of weight since my wife got pregnant.  Subway, eat fresh!

PB himself