I am planning to use this set up for the first time on a slowing moving river with very limited bank access, everywhere is private property. The area i can access to is any old marina with dilapidated docks and a margin shelf made up of some razor-sharp rocks and clumps of zebra mussels. I have modified my gear and rigs to deal with the docks and other debris in the swim but and am still losing fish if they run along this shelf, hoping the Bottle Rig will keep enough line out of harm's way so I can avoid getting cut off on such a regular basis.
If you have used this set up, are there any tips or pointers you can pass along. I will be casting it out, only fishing 2 rod lengths out in 12' of water.
If you have used this set up, are there any tips or pointers you can pass along. I will be casting it out, only fishing 2 rod lengths out in 12' of water.
In reply to Post #1
Not used that set-up but some of the lakes I fish do contain large amounts of Zebra Mussels, the way I got round them was minimum .40 mainline & at least 1 meter tubing.
Is there anyway you could remove some of the rocks / debris / mussels?
Fishing locked up / losing the lead?
Not used that set-up but some of the lakes I fish do contain large amounts of Zebra Mussels, the way I got round them was minimum .40 mainline & at least 1 meter tubing.
Is there anyway you could remove some of the rocks / debris / mussels?
Fishing locked up / losing the lead?
Actual bottle rig will cast like a bag of spanners even only a couple of rod lengths out.
Inline Pike floats the way have a look HERE
Inline Pike floats the way have a look HERE
Stret pegging
Float fishing
Laying on
However you decide want to say it.
Always used to work
Float fishing
Laying on
However you decide want to say it.
Always used to work
In reply to Post #1
Polaris float - and a decent coated braid for your hooklink. Use either the dumpy Carp Stalker or the No17 Pike Waggler dependent on depth; would probably also use a drop off lead on a clip (MCF Dumper) to ensure your not getting snagged up on the take.
Polaris floats less agg than setting up a pike bung with a stop knot as they find the depth by themselves - fish them on alarms as per the MB vid . . make sure you check your line diameter on the floats lockslide mech before use
Polaris float - and a decent coated braid for your hooklink. Use either the dumpy Carp Stalker or the No17 Pike Waggler dependent on depth; would probably also use a drop off lead on a clip (MCF Dumper) to ensure your not getting snagged up on the take.
Polaris floats less agg than setting up a pike bung with a stop knot as they find the depth by themselves - fish them on alarms as per the MB vid . . make sure you check your line diameter on the floats lockslide mech before use
In reply to Post #1
Hi Jake, I see you are based in the USA.
I Have plenty of experience of this, across the pond, fishing the St Lawrence years ago.
IDEALLY you want good quality braid mainline like 80lb POWERPRO, or similar.
I was using the cheapest, most wirey, stiff 50LB mono mainline, and still getting cut off, BEFORE UPGRADING TO BRAID.
Set you rod tips up as high as possible.
Clutches or line clips, set to light tension.
You could keep the leads on ( think Inline leads ) but they can detach and slide down the line and cause problems. Review this on the bank. Could be fine
If you can make or buy cheap leads, I'd fish them drop off style via lead clips or a weak mono link to allow the fish to rise up higher in the water after the initial take.
Also resist the urge to strike, just hold the rod up high, and allow the fish to (hopefully) move away from the margin shelf, razor-sharp rocks and zebra mussels before tightening down on the fish.
Hope that help you bank a few.
Hi Jake, I see you are based in the USA.
I Have plenty of experience of this, across the pond, fishing the St Lawrence years ago.
IDEALLY you want good quality braid mainline like 80lb POWERPRO, or similar.
I was using the cheapest, most wirey, stiff 50LB mono mainline, and still getting cut off, BEFORE UPGRADING TO BRAID.
Set you rod tips up as high as possible.
Clutches or line clips, set to light tension.
You could keep the leads on ( think Inline leads ) but they can detach and slide down the line and cause problems. Review this on the bank. Could be fine
If you can make or buy cheap leads, I'd fish them drop off style via lead clips or a weak mono link to allow the fish to rise up higher in the water after the initial take.
Also resist the urge to strike, just hold the rod up high, and allow the fish to (hopefully) move away from the margin shelf, razor-sharp rocks and zebra mussels before tightening down on the fish.
Hope that help you bank a few.
Thank you all for your replies, plan to give them all a go until I find the one that works.