Line For VerticalJigging

[Don In Denver]

When vertical jigging at extreme depths (75'-100'), what line is best for sensing the subtle pickups? I'm thinking primarily about jigging gitzits for mackinaw. I realize this isn't technically a walleye question, but I figure you all are the most likely to have the answer. I've always used 8 lb. mono but I'm thinking of trying Spiderwire or Fireline. If I use one of the superlines, does line color matter to the fish at those depths? Do I need a mono leader? If so, what's the best knot for attaching mono to superline? Thanks in advance.

[Gilligan]

I would recommend a superbraid. Personally, I use fireline,10# test at the 4# diameter is what I use to jig and 14/6 for trolling. We verticle jig local lake here that runs 45' to 80'. Picked up more fish when I made the change. I've messed with leaders some but went back to tying direct.

[REW]

At those extreme depths, there is certainly no problem with line visability as far as spooking fish.

However, for knot tying, and as a shock leader - if you are getting big fish near the boat - a 10 foot section of the appropriately sized mono is certainly a good idea.

In general - when ever I use any of the superlines - I use a 10 foot section of leader for the above two reasons. I use a very small swivel - use a palamor knot - to tie on the leader, then a palamor knot to tie on the swivel, with its attached leader.

When you get a big fish give a head shake at the boat - it is nice to have just a bit of forgivness in the line to avoid tearing hooks free.

Take care

REW

[BILL]

I USE SPIDER WIRE AND BACK REEL IF THE FISH GET A LITTLE OUT OF HAND. WORKS GREAT. GOOD FISHING.

[TBO/MN]

Here is my two cents worth:

With fish that deep color shouldn't be a factor. I use the moss green Power-Pro line in the 20lb/6lb dia. for all jigging. I have found that in depths over about 35ft, the sensitivity is unmatched, even Fireline doesn't compare, and I used Fireline from the time it came out, and tried Power Pro last fall and love it. I have found that at greater depths the no stretch of Power Pro picks up even the slightest bump, and found also that the drag on your reel has to be set almost perfectly. The fish at the boat have to be handled with great care, as not to pull the hook out of the fish. I find that less drag works much better as I bring the fish up, I mean I loosen the drag after setting the hook. Bringing the fish up from that depth has to be rather slow anyway, so loosening the drag is no big deal. Most folks haven't used Power Pro because it costs a little more, but if you try it you will find it fishes great.

Good Fishin'
TBO/MN

[elkaholic]

get a low stretch superbraid. i've used it jigging gitzits & sucker meat for macks on Chambers lake and felt everything, i have a shimano reel with the "fightin drag" option to allow additional give in the line for head shakes etc, if you dont have this or a similar option, back reel or keep your drag a little lighter so they don't tear out-

good luck, heading up to Grand?

Josh

[Neal/CO]

I have been using 2/6 Fireline for the last two winters with a three foot section of Florocarbin leader. I have found this to be my optimal setup for Rainbows and Cutts. I am going to spool a reel with the 10 lb Power Pro for lakers this winter, since everyone who uses this line raves about it. I don't lakers are line shy at all, in fact I have seen anglers tie their lures directly to steel line at Flaming Gorge and catch Lakers.

[Don In Denver]

I'm gonna give Flaming Gorge a shot. Haven't fished Granby for a couple of years and have never fished Grand Lake. I'vew heard the forage base at Granby has crashed. Is Grand Lake any good for lakers??

[Neal/CO]

I just read the Wyoming fishing report and they said there have been several lakers in the 25 to 30 lb range caught this week. At 92 miles long. Lakers can be hard to find sometimes, but when you find a big school there will be hundreds below your boat. Fish in the 20-30 lb range are common there. Lake record is 51 lbs.

[byron]

Living in CA, we jig for macks at a few lakes around lake tahoe and tahoe itself. Depth can be around 60 to 300ft. 20-50lb braid is the way to go with powerpro being my favorite. Don't buy a braid in which the hook can penatrate the line (like spiderwire). This weakens the line and screws up your fishing.

[byron]

yes use a leader of at least 15lb. Lakers can be line shy in clear water and won't bite.

[Kevin/CO]

We have always done well on Grand Lake but we fish around private docks after we get permission. When we jig we do OK normally we use 6/2 fireline or 6 or 8 sensithin both sensitive and low vis a good tip would be to use a rubber snubber about 4-6 feet from the bait abosrbs the shock and prevents over setting the hook.

[ufda]

I use both Fireline and Spiderwire fusion down here in AZ's reservoirs. I prefer Fireline for vertical and Spider for casting a jig any distance. I do use a leader, but not because of visiblility in our deep reservoirs. I use it to get my line back when hung in the rocks. I always use a mono like Sensor or Vanish ,due to their lack of stretch and good feel, in a poundage considerably less than the superline so I can break off at the mono if necessary and around here it is necessary often. Don't try to pull on the superlines unless you like deep cuts (like paper cuts). Wrap the superline around a stick, around a pliers, etc and pull on that instead.
Just a tip from a guy who got smart too late.
ufda