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: 2533

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 commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Spoon Bass

"Thanks Jeff!"
3 hours ago
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Rattle Trap Bass

"Yes, the front one at least! What do you suppose happened there ,Jeff?"
3 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Rattle Trap Bass

"Another good bass…..his dorsal fin is almost gone completely….."
3 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

25"+Spoon Pick

"Big chain, very nice!"
3 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

Spoon Bass

"Nice bass John!"
3 hours ago
Jeffrey D. Abney commented on John Sheehan's photo
3 hours ago
John Sheehan added a discussion to the group Lure History
Thumbnail

Discontinued Lures

Some of my favorites I can't find anymore: Acme Fash King Flutter Spoon, Eppinger Flutter Chuck,…See More
22 hours ago
John Sheehan posted photos
yesterday
John Sheehan commented on John Sheehan's photo
Thumbnail

25"+Spoon Pick

"25+inch Pickerel was best of the 13 Fish caught today a day after the Worm Moon. Two Bass and the…"
yesterday
John Sheehan commented on dick tabbert's photo
Thumbnail

IMG_0186

"1/16th oz., good!"
yesterday
dick tabbert commented on dick tabbert's photo
Thumbnail

IMG_0186

"These are my last build. I added more colors."
yesterday
dick tabbert commented on dick tabbert's photo
Thumbnail

IMG_0186

"No Jon I went with the 1/16 oz jig heads so I could have a larger hook for crappies. It's a #4…"
yesterday
John Sheehan commented on dick tabbert's photo
Thumbnail

IMG_0186

"Colors are great !"
Monday
John Sheehan commented on dick tabbert's photo
Thumbnail

IMG_0186

"Thats a good Crappie size! Are they 32nd Oz Jigs?"
Monday
dick tabbert commented on dick tabbert's photo
Thumbnail

IMG_0186

"They are right at 2" long."
Monday
John Sheehan commented on dick tabbert's photo
Thumbnail

IMG_0186

"I Can see Crappie and Bass chomping on them, Dick!"
Sunday
dick tabbert commented on dick tabbert's photo
Thumbnail

IMG_0186

"I made these up for crappie in mind. They might be a little big for gills unless it a bigger gill."
Sunday
John Sheehan commented on dick tabbert's photo
Thumbnail

IMG_0186

"What Species you got in mind for these great Minnow ties , Dick?"
Sunday
dick tabbert posted photos
Sunday
John Sheehan commented on Sam k.'s group Trout Bums
""Trout Season opens April 6th 2024 in New Jersey. Waters are runnin' high for…"
Sunday

© 2024   Created by Bluegill.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service