Love an underspin in smaller bodies of water! As you noted, the larger size hook was destroying the fishes mouth. In turn, that gaping hole is not only "bad" for the fish, but it makes it very easy for the hook to be thrown from their mouths, especially when the fish jumps and shakes it's head. Personally, after fish 3 or 4, I would have gone to a smaller size of the same or similar lure, since it was working pretty well. They make those Rage swimmers in several sizes and the Owner underspins as well. I have three size combos in one of my tackle boxes. I rarely use a "Spinnerbait" in a small pond. I also feel like there are much better natural choices, especially since the fishing can be so tough in most smaller highly pressured waters. In those tight quarters, as you experienced with your back lash (been there, done that!), I prefer a spinning rod. It still catches those weeds on a back cast every once in awhile, but no fishing trip ending backlash. Since I fish ponds mostly, and most of them have a lot of ground cover or trees, I have almost exclusively gone to spinning gear. A lot less short trips and aggravation than when I was throwing mostly baitcasting equipment. I've caught 5 pounders on 4lb. test line. Having said that, in the conditions you were fishing in this video, I would have used my spinning rod with 30 lb. 8 strand Braid (10 lb. test diameter and very smooth casting) with a 12 or 14 lb. test 12 - 18 inch mono or flouro leader. (That way the knot doesn't have to go through the guides. I use a double uni knot to attach my leaders. My preferences.) I really liked the angle change of the video! You can see a lot more of what you're doing with your casts, and no annoying arms and hands in the way of the fish strike. Great for topwater! I thought you also did a pretty good job of looking at your line and lure as it came through the water, so it wasn't annoying or disappointing to watch. Sometimes anglers using head gear look all over the place. That kind of defeats the main purpose of using the headgear in the first place. To give the viewer a better view of the action! Thanks again for taking us along. Blessings!
Yeah I’m still trying to get more variety in my tackle. I have a little bit of everything but most of what I have is a single size. Recently I’ve been focusing on getting bigger/smaller of what I have. A smaller swimbait or jig head has been on my list. I always leave my tackle in the car so I don’t have to carry it all but I should start bringing more variety with me so I have options. Spinning rods are definitely less stressful but I find I’m not as accurate with them. I use the line setup exactly as you stated 90% of the time (i prefer an FG knot) and it’s my favorite. I’m glad you liked the new angle, I do too I was just really focused on keeping my head straight. The hands blocking the shot on a hookset really bugged me so I think the new mount was a good investment. Thanks for all the kind words, god bless!
My bud likes those under spins. Ill have to try one. When it comes to a pond im usually a bandito bug or senko kind of guy. Once you catch fish on a certain lure its hard to break away from it. And i agree about the spinner bait. Ive caught several fish on spinner baits but nothing like a carolina rig or drop shot or weightless fluke/senko. On a side note, ive noticed in most of the ponds ive fished there will be 1000 dinks and like 5 big ones. I think they get over populated which stunts their growth. Food for thought.
Yeah if I really need to catch a fish it’s hard to beat a senko or craw style bait. Half the fun to me is trying new lures and seeing what else will work. I think you’re right, the ponds where you can catch a lot will never have big ones. It’s the pond where you fish all day and barely get a bite that’ll have the biggest fish.
