Bluegill - Big Bluegill

Do you love big bluegill?

Is everyone here using Mono for gills?  I've never gone lower than #4 line, but I'm curious what everyone else uses.

I'm currently using BassPro #4 Mono, but have been considering switching to a Fluorocarbon.

Views: 2636

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Trilene XT in solar works extremely well for me. The eyes are getting older and I can see the slighest of bites with it. Berkley discontinued making it in small diam but I believe they recently began producing it again. I bought up some 3000 yd spools

and I now have a lifetime supply. 

 

I like the way you think, Don!

Ditto on the eyes, too. LOL

For 'gills i like P-Line 3# or 4# floroclear line.  It's great for spinning reels.  I also use the San Diego Jam Knot.  The best knot I have ever used.  If you want a strong knot this one is awesome.  After 20 years of selling fishing tackle and line, this so far has been a great combo.  The great thing about the line is that is sinks well, and in California, with clear water most of the time, it is very difficult to see.  It also handles cold water/air very well.

Wow, I'm from San Diego and had never heard of the SD Jam Knot, had to look it up LOL. Looks like a good knot, but maybe hard to tie for someone with my lack of finger flexibility and coordination :)

Otherwise known as the "Reverse Clinch Knot," the San Diego Jam Knot offers a high breaking strength. It kind of reminds me of the snell knots. I've seen ratings as high as 96%, but that can probably be taken with a grain of salt. There are so many factors involved, that no absolute values can be considered gospel. Regardless, it is highly regarded. It seems to be considered a salt water knot, but that's no reason why it cant serve the bluegiller.

The one drawback from my perspective is it is a single loop knot. "Strength" isn't just about the knot. When I feel the need for a stronger knot, I prefer one that doubles the line at the eye. The Trilene Knot (Doubled Clinch Knot) and the Palomar Knot are two that do. When I'm tying pre-rigs at home I try to use the Palomar, out in the field it is mostly the Trilene/Clinch. I suppose you could also double the line for the Sand Diego Knot, if you want.

But after a lot of wrangling and tangled fingers (not to mention squint lines around the eyes), Ive finally hit on the idea that supreme knot strength counts for but little on fish that weigh 10 ounces on average.

All this talk about knots and I had to look at what I tied. I've never been told what it was called.  My uncle showed me when I was little and I've been tying it ever since.  I gave it no thought at all.

I apparently use the improved clinch knot.  Is there any reason for me to switch?

None that I can think of, Chris! When I am not overly concerned about the doubled line link-up, I use the Improved Clinch more than any other. I dont even want to think about how many knots are similar. It is easy to tie (for me) and I've used it now for a very long time. I cannot think of a single time where I could point and say, "See - that Improved Clinch failed!"

There are a lot of good knots... tons, really. How many does the good angler need? About 5.

I guess knots would be off topic, but I feel like I should learn a few more.  I'm not sure of the reasons, but maybe live bait vs lures.  Braid vs mono, line weight?  Again, I feel like this may be off topic.

It is - and its been yakked to death here. Just do a search for the subject and you'll find stuff.

Good call.

This knot can be doubled. I have done it a number of time with lures for bigger fish. I do a lot of striper fishing as well and carp. The knot when doubled leaves a tag end plus a loop. You just cut the tag end plus the top loop.  This knot so far has never failed me.

It does look to be a dandy.

It takes some practice, but it's a great knot.  I use it on most things, except braid. If you give yourself extra line to work with until you get use to it, it helps.

RSS

Latest Activity

John Sheehan posted photos
Wednesday
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

cupsaw bass

"The Yellow Perch Pattern is more so a Northern catcher I believe, Jeff. The Silver /Black Back and…"
Saturday
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's album
Thumbnail

Shore Fishing Trout and Panfish

"The benefit of catch and release perhaps, Dick!"
Saturday
John Sheehan posted photos
Saturday
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Sep 26
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Sep 26
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a status
"Scattered thunderstorms predawn moved out to sea and I gave it a shot..North Carolina creeks/river were very dirty from runoff, moved north"
Sep 26
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a status
"Hoping the beat the frontal boundary tomorrow morning for a crappie stalk on the coastal marsh….we have a lot of uncertainty in our weather"
Sep 25
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

cupsawlow waterwalleye

"Nice adjustment to the conditions John……good fishing…..cool that you tied the…"
Sep 25
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

cupsawlow waterwalleye

"Hey Jeff-Every 4 years or so the lake committee lowers the lake for folks to do dock repairs. Thats…"
Sep 25
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

cupsawlow waterwalleye

"In a drought or drawdown for damn work? Nice fish…..I’ve never caught one but always…"
Sep 24
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

cupsaw bass

"I loved this bait color as a child…..but after lots of torture from being out fished by my…"
Sep 24
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

cupsawlow waterbass

"Nice colors on this largemouth….old school moving bait…."
Sep 24
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Sep 20
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Sep 20
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a status
"Finally got a calm morning on the 19 day of September, a coastal low dumped rain and high winds promising to turn the marsh over and it did."
Sep 20
John Sheehan posted photos
Sep 16
Jeffrey D. Abney posted photos
Sep 10
Jeffrey D. Abney posted a status
"Very rough weather pattern, ready to get out if the wind will break…all the creeks are blown out and holding low….had a good dinner tonight…"
Sep 9
John Sheehan posted photos
Sep 6

© 2025   Created by Bluegill.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service