Prop Bait Frustrations

This topic has 8 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 17 years, 10 months ago by jignpig.

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August 17, 2008 at 7:48 pm #300548

cb2structural
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I sure hope you guys can help me on this….. Im trying to get alot better with my prop baits. Ive got several that I like, but Im having a very difficult time keeping them working as I think they ought to. On a prop bait, I want it to rip……ripppp…..ripppppp…..ripppppp across the surface. Almost like tearing paper……thats the sound Im looking for. And, I want the blades to throw water….not alot….just somewhat of a spray. I walked down to a farm pond behind my house and have been working on this for sometime. The baits Ive been working with are as follows: 1. Nip-I-Diddee 2. Devils Horse 3. Phillips Crippled Kills 4. Brians Bee 5. Lucky Craft Splash Tail 6. Woodchopper I am using 17lb test Suffix Elite line, a 6-6″ Falcon Rod, and a 5500C3 Reel. The problem seems to be with the line. When the bait is moved, for the first 10 or so of the cast, each bait works fine. Even though each bait has a different action, each works like I want it to. Some throw more water, some rip more, some are more quiet, but all work fine. But after the first 10 or so, the baits tend to loose action, and many of them dive about 1/2″ to 1″ below the surface. I attribute this to the line sinking slighty. I want my line, at least within the first 10 of my bait, to float…..along the entire duration of the retrive. Bigger baits, like the Nip-I Didde, or, long baits like the Devils Horse or the Splash Tail appear to be less effected. Can anyone tell me how to coat this line to float, or what line will definately float, or some other solution? Thanks!

August 17, 2008 at 10:50 pm #300549

txmrbass
Participant

I hate to give all my tricks away but for a fellow family member Im good with it. Get some fly line dressing that is made to float fly line. coat the first 8 to 10 foot. I use this trick mostly on Zara Spooks it reduces the line friction by making it float to the point were you can make a spook turn a 180. Should also work well on prop baits.

August 18, 2008 at 1:01 am #300550

cb2structural
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I appreciate the recommendation. Ill order some tonight. Again, thank you.

August 18, 2008 at 1:01 am #300551

clownshoes
Participant

not that a gilmore jumper will catch anything and given the fact I am average at best- I dont want the line to float at all. the bait will run over the line if the rod has a stiff tip and the prop will catch the line when you pull it forward if it floats a lot. been there done that. my advice is big fluro line or big game 20 on a large spool reel. the rod is also HUGE. youll think Im crazy but a real glass rod is nice if your cover will tolerate it. if not I use graphite with medium action that will load up about 3-4 eyes from the tip that has as good a power rating. hard to imagine throwing a jumper on a buggy whip but it keeps the bait action good all the way in for me. plus the fish here hit it when its still and that loose tip keeps me from pulling it away some. I have a glass rod rated for 1 oz that I love for it. I went through all of this last year while a local here was kicking all kinds of butt around here on a jumper.C.O.D. Jr. III

August 18, 2008 at 3:56 pm #300552

dbasketman
Participant

20lb big game floats well, and will handle the job, as any good mono will do, but stay away from the flourocarbons on your topwater. You do want the line to “float” to get the proper action from the bait, and i too like a glass rod for my propbaits ! I also like to use a bass snap to attach the line to the lure for a bit more action, and wear resistance. Good luck, D.

August 19, 2008 at 3:48 am #300553

PhilAddison
Participant

big mono is what you want to use. No flourocarbon or any line that has a tendency to sink. try 15-17 lb P-Line CX Xtra strong.

August 19, 2008 at 1:15 pm #300554

Chuck Hannaford
Participant

I seldom even use over 12 pound for TW. Coat the first few feet with chapstick and she will work like a charm.

August 19, 2008 at 3:01 pm #300555

clownshoes
Participant

I also have used the 17 CXX. Its also very nice- pulls jumpers out of trees real well too. I have also used braid which floats like no tommorrow of course. It was a nightmare.C.O.D. Jr. III

August 19, 2008 at 3:46 pm #300556

jignpig
Participant

I have used the spiderwire 12lb test on tops before, like Ward said, floats great. But it is hard to keep from tangling up…too much slack and the next twitch puts the hook through the braid. I prefer 12-14lb spiderwire xxx mono. Interesting topic, I havent thrown a Nip-i-didee in years or the jumper. I have them in my box though. I did throw a jitterbug for a morning bite couple of weeks ago. Last time I used the jumper/Nip-i-didee was when I was doodle-socking on the White River at DeValls Bluff in the late 80s-early 90s.96 Eyra/12 Mercury 175 Pro XS with 2015 single axle trailer2017 Victory Gunner
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