Ive been using a new rig the DNR provides for FREE, works incredibly well. Literally eliminates gut hooks with the same amount of hookups. These old female drum are essential to the future of our fishery, take care of them and get them back in the water very quickly.
Here is the link to sign up for the rigs. They are super short, about 3-4 inches long with a fixed sinker at one end and a big circle hook at the other. The sinker keeps the hook from being swallowed, shockingly simple really.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GRLP...-KWJ6PxdPsmTWbszHQuL5zRJk5LUQIHeqrs7p1LSa8EZk
https://www.facebook.com/CoastalGaDNR
Those rigs are legit. That short leader keeps the hook from getting too deep. And they are super easy to copy. I've used them sucessfully and would highly recommend them to someone who is looking for a good, reliable rig. I did prefer the one rigged for easy weight adjustment.
sb
I agree. The three way swivel rig makes it easy to change weights for condition. Really like having the weight of the rig and bait close together, makes casting much easier.Those rigs are legit. That short leader keeps the hook from getting too deep. And they are super easy to copy. I've used them sucessfully and would highly recommend them to someone who is looking for a good, reliable rig. I did prefer the one rigged for easy weight adjustment.
sb
I'm 76 years old and fished the coastal Georgia area all my life and guided for 55 of those years... I don't guess I'm old enough because there has never not been redfish in my lifetime...Its all in knowing where and when to go and how to fish...Thanks for the information. I sent to the site for my leader(s). I agree with barbless hooks and a quick C&R. I know most of you are old enough to remember when there were no reds. We do need to protect this resource. Now I just need to go catch some.
I don't think you need a shock leader near that long.This is it...
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If he breaks you off, all he's carrying is the hook, and line. No sinker...
Also with the weight riding close to the bait on the cast, it flies very well. Finally, the frog tongue sinker shown is the best in the business at holding bottom.
You can lighten your components some, and do just fine, but make no mistake, this IS THE RIG, for big boy surf fishing.
I don't think you need a shock leader near that long.
I’ve done best with a drop shot rig, baited with cracked crab, dead shrimp, or cut mullet. Find the deep holes for the bull reds and black drum .
I tape my finger with friction tape.Well, that pic shows 20 feet...that may be a little long, but reasonable.
A fresh whiting head, and the rig and a 6-8 oz lead is quite a load.
With a 12' rod, 3-4 feet of drop and several wraps around the spool, you eat up 20' pretty quick.
My surf casting has evolved into using 80# braid shock leaders for throwing the heavy stuff with conventional reels.
It doesn't stretch, loads the rod better than mono, and you can make a much smaller knot than 50# mono.
Gotta be careful using braid shockers on spinning reels, or you can easily wind up with a trigger finger sliced to the bone...lol
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