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Merwin: Avoid Hang-Ups in Shallow Streams
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August 28, 2009
Merwin: Avoid Hang-Ups in Shallow Streams
By John Merwin
Here’s one for the ultralight-spinning folks. Specifically, how to cast midget spinning lures into areas of very shallow water without getting stuck on the bottom.
The problem typically occurs in the low waters of late-summer or early-autumn trout or smallmouth-bass streams, where long and shallow clear pools are interspersed with short riffles. The trout or bass are in the pools. Ultralight gear is perfect for making a long cast that won’t spook them. But typically, by the time you start a retrieve your spoon, spinner, or little jig has sunken into the shallow rocks. So you’re stuck.
Try this. Just as the lure is about to hit the water, extend the index finger of your rod hand to the spinning-reel spool to stop the line coming off the spool. At the same time, sweep the rod upward to start the lure traveling toward you immediately. Then with your left hand crank the reel to close the bail and retrieve normally. By this method, the lure is working as soon as it hits the water instead of sinking and snagging.
The same technique will also work in lakes and ponds when casting over barely submerged weeds that would otherwise tangle you lure. It’s a tip I first learned from an A.J. McClane article in this magazine back in the early 1960s. I am honored to pass it along.
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Comments (13)
Good advice is ageless.
I've done this many times.
great advice, and I'm shure it works.
This same advice can be applied (with a slight twist) to working top water baits, especially buzzbaits, in nasty cover. You don't want the bait to sink much to avoid wrapping limbs, so get the rod moving in your direction right away, and don't let the line "settle" before starting the retrieve. With a baitcaster you would simply apply thumb pressure a bit early.
Tough part with either of these similar approaches is being ready for a fish to strike. If you have essentially taken up part of your swing at the front of the cast, you might be in a pickle if you get an immediate strike. Counteract this problem by making sure your feet are planted in such a way as to give you room for a bit of extra body rotation. When I'm bank fishing, that could also mean getting ready to take a step backwards/sideways.
Good luck :)
Thanks for the tip, makes a lot of sense. Will definitely try it the next time I go out. That being said, I don't mind losing spinners that much - gives me an excuse to go out and buy more...and a new reel...oh, and that new pair of wading boots...
John,
A little off subject but what ultra-lite spinning reel do you like? I purchased a couple Stradics a couple years ago and am not impressed.
I'll have to try this out tomorrow.
crosshairy:
Good advice. Good post.
buckhunter:
Off-topic is no problem. RE UL reels, lately I've been using and liking the US Reel 180 series because I think the wider-than-normal spool allows longer casts and has other advantages, too. Bass Pro Johnny Morris Signature series (1000-size) is essentially similar. Both are on the heavy side of ultralight, but still less than 8 ounces, which I figure to be UL's upper limit. Beyond that, I'd have to know what you didn't like about Stradics (which I also use) to suggest an alternative. Hope that's helpful...
Soundsl ike it will take some practice to master. Before trying it out, in my mind it seems you would have to just barely pull back on it, otherwise it will just come flying back at you. I have done this many times when I realize I am casting too far towards a bank, and have to pull back fast to prevent it from getting snagged on the bushes. Definitely worth a try, especially considering your noted success.
That works good, but if you DO get snagged,Point your rod toward the snag. Pull the line tight, then pull the line just in front of your reel (like a bow) then let go, while moving your rod tip down. It works like a sling shot, to dislodge the lure/hook from under the rock. It will work most of the time. As much as lures cost now a day, it is worth a couple of attempts, before deciding to break it off. Take care Tight Lines & FISH ON! or is it a rock?
John,
I'm not happy with my entire UL outfit.
I do not like the bail on my Stradic. If my handle is straight down on the cast it's difficult to crank the bail over for a quick retrieve. I like my lures to hit the water running.
Not to change subjects again but the G. Loomis rod it's attached to has the hook keep on the side where the line on occasion gets caught on the cast. ARGH! What were they thinking?
I tried this just to see if it would work and how easy it is. After a few tries I got it down pat. I does work very well. Thanx for the great tip.
Basically to get spinning before you lure even hits the water instead of taking your time to flip the bail and such.
Post a Comment
Good advice is ageless.
This same advice can be applied (with a slight twist) to working top water baits, especially buzzbaits, in nasty cover. You don't want the bait to sink much to avoid wrapping limbs, so get the rod moving in your direction right away, and don't let the line "settle" before starting the retrieve. With a baitcaster you would simply apply thumb pressure a bit early.
Tough part with either of these similar approaches is being ready for a fish to strike. If you have essentially taken up part of your swing at the front of the cast, you might be in a pickle if you get an immediate strike. Counteract this problem by making sure your feet are planted in such a way as to give you room for a bit of extra body rotation. When I'm bank fishing, that could also mean getting ready to take a step backwards/sideways.
Good luck :)
I tried this just to see if it would work and how easy it is. After a few tries I got it down pat. I does work very well. Thanx for the great tip.
I've done this many times.
great advice, and I'm shure it works.
Thanks for the tip, makes a lot of sense. Will definitely try it the next time I go out. That being said, I don't mind losing spinners that much - gives me an excuse to go out and buy more...and a new reel...oh, and that new pair of wading boots...
John,
A little off subject but what ultra-lite spinning reel do you like? I purchased a couple Stradics a couple years ago and am not impressed.
I'll have to try this out tomorrow.
crosshairy:
Good advice. Good post.
buckhunter:
Off-topic is no problem. RE UL reels, lately I've been using and liking the US Reel 180 series because I think the wider-than-normal spool allows longer casts and has other advantages, too. Bass Pro Johnny Morris Signature series (1000-size) is essentially similar. Both are on the heavy side of ultralight, but still less than 8 ounces, which I figure to be UL's upper limit. Beyond that, I'd have to know what you didn't like about Stradics (which I also use) to suggest an alternative. Hope that's helpful...
Soundsl ike it will take some practice to master. Before trying it out, in my mind it seems you would have to just barely pull back on it, otherwise it will just come flying back at you. I have done this many times when I realize I am casting too far towards a bank, and have to pull back fast to prevent it from getting snagged on the bushes. Definitely worth a try, especially considering your noted success.
That works good, but if you DO get snagged,Point your rod toward the snag. Pull the line tight, then pull the line just in front of your reel (like a bow) then let go, while moving your rod tip down. It works like a sling shot, to dislodge the lure/hook from under the rock. It will work most of the time. As much as lures cost now a day, it is worth a couple of attempts, before deciding to break it off. Take care Tight Lines & FISH ON! or is it a rock?
John,
I'm not happy with my entire UL outfit.
I do not like the bail on my Stradic. If my handle is straight down on the cast it's difficult to crank the bail over for a quick retrieve. I like my lures to hit the water running.
Not to change subjects again but the G. Loomis rod it's attached to has the hook keep on the side where the line on occasion gets caught on the cast. ARGH! What were they thinking?
Basically to get spinning before you lure even hits the water instead of taking your time to flip the bail and such.
Post a Comment