MarkH024

Everyones outings are different. For me an outing is usually 8-10 hours with a break in the middle some where. Some guys I know fish for 10-12 and others no more than 6 hours. My original post had an Average outing column, knowing it would fluctuate between anglers. Hope that clarifies better for you.

I am curious to you guys who throw big swim baits regularly, what are the numbers of bass you're catching per outing? Lets break this down too. I know quality is prized over quantity but I am just curious to see some numbers. Per outing: State or Lake Specific - Average Hours fishing - 2lb - 3lb class quantity - 3lb - 5lb class quantity - 6lb+ class quantity -

On my musky gear I throw 80# Cortland Spectron, it's a tinge thicker than the average 80# diameter that is on the market these days but a great braid none the less. I have never lost a bait to a snap off throwing double cowgirls, bulldogs are big suicks. I always use a leader with musky gear though, so maybe that is the reason? I'm using 65lb PP on my bass swimbait set up and most likely will use a leader to start only because I fish pike infested waters. Can't afford a bite off on some of these baits. 65# PP braid is 16lb mono equiv. I have 12" 100# fluoro leaders im going to use initially, however if it destroys the action on my swimbaits I might just tie direct. I'll be taking a gamble on that, but hey it's the price to pay when swimbaiting. With braid above 50# you really shouldn't have any issues with digging in. If you are, you spooled way too tight and your drag is extremely tight causing it to dig. A hang up that you try to pull out could get you dug in some but nothing you can't undo. I've thrown 15# and 20# on conventional bass fishing with baitcasters. It's not the most ideal, but you can do it. Rarely do I ever have a birdsnest that I can't undo on braid. I've had more problems undoing a mono or fluoro birdsnest than braid. I am not opposed to throwing fluorocarbon, but I am just used to using braid. So hooksets and casting isn't an issue to me. I also use braid because eurasian milfoil is so common in the waters I fish, it does a better job cutting through the thick junk. I think a majority of snap offs are from guys trying to hercules 100yd casts with giant baits. It doesn't take much to throw a big bait far. A little finesse, tuned reel, and the proper load up on the rod will do the trick. My $.02

If you haven't already, get your reel tuned up and a little finesse will take your bait a long way. I never try to muscle any big bait out there. Either way you go, let us know how it turns out. I'd be interested to hear your results.

I guess I'm in the odd ball group of braid lovers. I've always thrown all my big musky gear on braid and all my conventional bass fishing is done with braid in various diameter. The only time I use fluoro is on a crankbait set up or occasionally a fluoro leader if I'm in a lot of rocks. I don't care much for mono, even on topwater baits like poppers or spooks. I just seem to lose more fish than if I use braid. With that said, I can't remember ever launching a musky bait into the abyss on braid. I guess I've just learned to adapt. I'm just getting into throwing big swimbaits for bass and my intention was to use braid. I will probably explore different options as I go. I just have never experienced any of these snap off's that are being described. I don't think there is a right and wrong, it's all personal preference. Like others said, figure out what works best for you.

Nice fish TDot. Love me some ski's. Congrats!

Must have been typing at the same time. I started it and then walked away. Sorry for duplicating the idea..lol.

You can buy those pool "noodles" and cut them into pieces that will fit on the handle and/or above the reel. Slit them down on one side. You may need to carve out some of the middle if you put it on a full cork handle. Then use an electrical cord velcro strap to wrap around the middle so it wouldn't pop off when it plunges. It's a cheap/easy method. Maybe not 100% full proof but just an idea for you to consider.

Thanks!

Hey man. Thanks, good to be here. Lot of great info I am reading.

I am in the burbs. So anywhere that is 1-2 hours from the burbs is fishable to me on a regular basis. Same here. Streamwood to be exact. I don't do a lot of fishing around here but if I do I hit up the Fox River or a few local lakes. My father in law has a 38' Sea Ray that I do some salmon trolling with but have yet to do that at all this year.

Sup buddy.

Where you fishing mostly?

Heya Speed!

Just wanted to say hello. New guy from the Chicago land area here getting into more serious swimbaiting now. About 95% of my fishing is done up in Wisconsin. I have a few years of musky fishing under my belt so big baits/swimbaits is not completely new to me but I am enjoying the wealth of info here. Hope to be able to contribute in the near future. I know a few screen names from other sites but looking forward to discussions with new people. Thanks for having me. Mark

Nice fish buddy!