Live Bait Rigging

[tillerguy]

Was wondering what rod or rods everyone uses for rigging. Looking for info on brands and lengths as well as which line preferred. Thanks in advance.

[Terry/JNR]

My rod of choice (action, not brand) is a 6 1/2 or 7ft medium action, high graphite. I also always use a braided line, trying Power Pro at the moment. The sensitivity of the high graphite with the braided line helps you figure out bites from bouncing over rubble and makes it easier to feel light biters even with bottom bouncers. Just snap the wrist though to set the hook, no long sweeping hook sets.
I've used a flipping reel for many years while live bait rigging and still believe it's the best for the job. No matter what reel you use, you have to turn the crank to bring in line, but the flipping reels alow for one handed operation for adjusting down for depth, or in the case of long lining, just hold the thumb bar down and let go when you want to set the hook. The flipping reel can, at the next spot be used for casting cranks or trolling cranks.

[paul b]

i have live baited for many years ,and believe a 7 and a half loomis in the imx is the best ,,,as for line i like 6lb xt and never had a prob with it for reels i like the emblem z

[fishin_fool]

I think that its all a personal choice thing as I know many excellent fisherman that rig diffently with good results. I personly like the Loomis GLX HSR 9000,(seven and half foot medium light), and most generally use 6# sensithin.

[Doc_wi]

I'm with the guys that say 7 1/2 foot rod for live bait rigging. A lot depends on the "rigging" you are talking about. Still the constant denominator in all rigging is the ability to pick up line and deliver the hook to the fish. In certain situations I have used longer rods then 7 1/2 and am looking forward to trying the new Gary Roach Lightning rod that 8'6" for slip bobbering. Now if that live bait rig is being fished on a bottom bouncer you would want to choose a different rod then one used for a 1/4 oz Lindy rig or no-snagg sinker.

Doc