Bass Fishing HomeBass Fishing Forums

Go Back   BassFishin.Com Forums > Serious Conversation Only > Techniques, Strategy & Presentations

Reply
 
Thread Tools Rate Thread Display Modes
Old 01-20-12, 02:49 PM   #1
MikeA57
BassFishin.Com Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Northern Mississippi
Posts: 38
Default New Carolina rigs

I just got delivered 2 Fenwick HMG 7' 10" pistol grip rods that I will set up for Carolina rigging. I had been using a 6 1/2' Browning rod with a matching Browning reel. I also have a 6' rod with a Kevin VanDam reel on it. I've included pictures of these reels on the new rods.

I haven't fished with them yet, only thrown a 1/2 oz sinker tied onto the line but they seem very smooth casting. The description of the rod is that it is a heavy action rod with a moderate fast tip. It will handle 3/8oz - 1 1/2oz lures and 12 - 25Lb Line. These ought to work real well as a Carolina rig setup but I do have to mention that the tip seems a little stiff to me, but like I said I haven't fished with it yet, just threw sinkers.

Now, I've got a couple of questions. The Browning reel throws like a dream and I can cast the 1/2 oz sinker about 65-70'. With a proper 3/4 to 1 oz sinker and a salamander it should go even further. The KVD reel however, has given me fits ever since I've gotten it. On the 6' (heavy) rod I couldn't get it to cast further than 30' with a heavy lure. The clutch and drag are both adjusted correctly but the one thing I'm wondering about is the magnet setting. How do I know that I've got it set correctly? Both reels have adjustments for the magnets but I've never known how to set them up. Is it a "set & forget" deal or do I have to fine tune it for each lure I put on?

The other question I have is what is the best line to put on these reels for the Carolina rig? I've currently got 14 lb and 17 lb test monofilament on them but I'm not sure if I should use braid or spiderwire (I would think not on the spiderwire.)
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	Browning reel on Fenwick HMG2.jpg
Views:	514
Size:	513.8 KB
ID:	7504   Click image for larger version

Name:	Browning reel on Fenwick HMG3.jpg
Views:	502
Size:	513.6 KB
ID:	7505   Click image for larger version

Name:	Browning reel on Fenwick HMG4.jpg
Views:	516
Size:	496.4 KB
ID:	7506   Click image for larger version

Name:	KVD reel on Fenwick HMG2.jpg
Views:	484
Size:	518.5 KB
ID:	7507   Click image for larger version

Name:	KVD reel on Fenwick HMG4.jpg
Views:	523
Size:	503.8 KB
ID:	7508  

MikeA57 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-12, 04:52 PM   #2
Tavery5
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
Tavery5's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Wichita, KS
Posts: 2,427
Default

Mike, nice rods, however, those in the picture def. do not have pistol grips on them. A pistol grip rod is just that, one that has a handle more similar to a pistol.

You may benefit from the rod having a stiffer tip than the moderate fast rating, when you have allot line out, as in C-rigging, it becomes more difficult to get a good hookset, a faster tip will aid in getting better hooksets.

I believe the KVD reel you have pictured has ACS braking system, and does not have magnetic brakes. to adjust your reel properly, turn the ACS brakes off, adjust the spool tension so your bait slowly falls to the floor, then go back and adjust your ACS brakes with as much braking as you need to cast without backlashing the reel.

The rods you have would perform well as deep cranking rods.
__________________
They call me Ishmael
Tavery5 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-12, 06:14 PM   #3
bamabassman
BassFishin.Com Premier Elite
 
bamabassman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: cedar bluff, alabama
Posts: 15,292
Default

totatly agreew with tavery on this one. great rods fro deep cranking there bud. good luck!!
__________________
so many lures, so little time.
bamabassman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-20-12, 10:10 PM   #4
IowaBasser
BassFishin.Com Active Member
 
IowaBasser's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Ames, Iowa
Posts: 360
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeA57 View Post
The other question I have is what is the best line to put on these reels for the Carolina rig? I've currently got 14 lb and 17 lb test monofilament on them but I'm not sure if I should use braid or spiderwire (I would think not on the spiderwire.)
In Kevin Scarselli's Fishing Line Guide, he says to use fluorocarbon in the 15-20 pound range - possibly with braid as the main line. Personally I haven't gotten on the fluorocarbon bandwagon, so I typically use 20# braid with an 8# mono leader from the swivel to the plastic. Yes 8# is light, but we don't have a whole lot of bass over 4 pounds where I fish and I don't generally fish a C-rig in heavy cover.
IowaBasser is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-12, 12:59 AM   #5
MikeA57
BassFishin.Com Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Northern Mississippi
Posts: 38
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tavery5 View Post
Mike, nice rods, however, those in the picture def. do not have pistol grips on them. A pistol grip rod is just that, one that has a handle more similar to a pistol.

The rods you have would perform well as deep cranking rods.
Yeah you're right. I meant 'trigger grip'. I kind of figured that I could get double duty out of them for crankbaits.

Thanks, I'll report back as to how they work the next time I get out. We should be getting real cold here pretty soon so it may be a few weeks before I get back out there.

Iowa, I've never used FC before. What can I expect from it. I mean, is it really different tying knots and casting it? What about backlashing? Is it easier to do it or harder? I don't have a real problem with backlashes until I get tired and then I sometimes get a nice nest made...

Oh yeah, I went back out tonight and threw the Browning some with a 1 oz weight on it and I did get a little more distance. And last night I was stepping off and counting the distance between the joints in my driveway and I thought they were 10' apart but tonight I questioned that so I measured it. Each section is 12' wide and not 10' like I thought. So, I was casting the 1/2 oz weight about 70' last night and tonight it was going close to 85' so I'm pretty happy with that. The rods feel real nice.
MikeA57 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-12, 02:29 AM   #6
Tavery5
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
Tavery5's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Wichita, KS
Posts: 2,427
Default

Let us know how the rods work out for you. I would think that with that much weight and the length of those rods, a guy should be able to get 90 to 120 ft, or 30 to 40 yards easily. Try backing off your spool tension a little and see if it helps increase your distance.
__________________
They call me Ishmael
Tavery5 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-12, 08:52 AM   #7
IowaBasser
BassFishin.Com Active Member
 
IowaBasser's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Ames, Iowa
Posts: 360
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeA57 View Post
Iowa, I've never used FC before. What can I expect from it. I mean, is it really different tying knots and casting it? What about backlashing? Is it easier to do it or harder? I don't have a real problem with backlashes until I get tired and then I sometimes get a nice nest made...
I don't use flourocarbon, mainly because I fish spinning reels. The one time I tried flourocarbon I didn't like it and I've read plenty that FC doesn't perform well on spinning gear. However, I think I'm going to start using FC leaders for clear water and finesse presentations: probably 8 or 10 pound Seaguer InvisX (Flourocarbon) tied to 20 or 30 pound Suffix 832 (Braid). It's a pricey combination; I don't have high end (expensive) rods and reels by any stretch of the imagination - but I've always been willing to spend more $ on my line.

I haven't fished with leaders often - I didn't like the idea of adding another knot (weak point) to my line. However, by using a leader I'm hoping to get 2 benefits:
1. Longer life out of my braid by tying on new leader instead of cutting off a couple feet of the main line every time I change lures. (...or get a knick in my line)
2. Decreased line visibility.

Braid with a FC leader seems to be the choice of line for most people on bait-casting gear. If you read around, you will find a few people who use flourocarbon as their main line. Of course everyone has their own preference for brands. In cold weater flourocarbon has a reputation for becoming very stiff, which might mean more back-lashes and less casting distance.

Also, there are a couple of people on this forumn who really like P-Line CXX, which is a flourocarbon blend - less expensive than true FC with many of the same benefits.

Last edited by IowaBasser; 01-21-12 at 09:03 AM.
IowaBasser is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-21-12, 12:57 PM   #8
Tavery5
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
Tavery5's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Wichita, KS
Posts: 2,427
Default

I am going to disagree with Iowabasser on this, many people use FC line as a main line with baitcasting equipment. The braid with a FC leader is most often used with spinning equipment.

There are trade-offs with FC line, it has many properties that make it a great line, in many situations, but it also has properties that many people don't care for and those people choose a different line to get the job done.

Some of the reported benefits of FC line are, less stretch, less visible, increased sensitivity, greater abrasion resistance, and it is a sinking line because of it's density which makes it a great line for many techniques.

Some of the reported negatives of FC line are, some has more stretch than comparable mono line, in tests it is just as visible to the human eye as mono and copoly lines of the same dia. poor knot strength, and less manageable, not to mention it's cost.

I mentioned trade-off above, because in my experience no one FC line has all of the benefits without some of the negatives. The trick is find one that has a very nice balance. What I have experienced is that when you find a FC line that is supple and manageable with good knot strength, it will have allot of stretch and sacrifice some sensitivity. There are many of us on here who have through experience and testing have found that Seaguar InvisX is a good line with more good than bad. I use it as my only choice for FC line. With that said, I still prefer a good copoly line, with or without a FC coating. Two of the better copoly lines with FC coating I have used are made by P-line, I like CX and Voltage.

Good luck with search, there have been some very good discussions on here about FC lines in the past, a quick search should give you more info than you will imagine.
__________________
They call me Ishmael
Tavery5 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-22-12, 09:42 AM   #9
IowaBasser
BassFishin.Com Active Member
 
IowaBasser's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Ames, Iowa
Posts: 360
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tavery5 View Post
I am going to disagree with Iowabasser on this, many people use FC line as a main line with baitcasting equipment. The braid with a FC leader is most often used with spinning equipment.

There are trade-offs with FC line, it has many properties that make it a great line, in many situations, but it also has properties that many people don't care for and those people choose a different line to get the job done.

Some of the reported benefits of FC line are, less stretch, less visible, increased sensitivity, greater abrasion resistance, and it is a sinking line because of it's density which makes it a great line for many techniques.

Some of the reported negatives of FC line are, some has more stretch than comparable mono line, in tests it is just as visible to the human eye as mono and copoly lines of the same dia. poor knot strength, and less manageable, not to mention it's cost.

I mentioned trade-off above, because in my experience no one FC line has all of the benefits without some of the negatives. The trick is find one that has a very nice balance. What I have experienced is that when you find a FC line that is supple and manageable with good knot strength, it will have allot of stretch and sacrifice some sensitivity. There are many of us on here who have through experience and testing have found that Seaguar InvisX is a good line with more good than bad. I use it as my only choice for FC line. With that said, I still prefer a good copoly line, with or without a FC coating. Two of the better copoly lines with FC coating I have used are made by P-line, I like CX and Voltage.

Good luck with search, there have been some very good discussions on here about FC lines in the past, a quick search should give you more info than you will imagine.
Thanks for the input! I don't have much experience with Flourocarbon, and none with FC on a bait-caster. What experience I did have with FC was with Vanish on spinning gear in 35 degree weather... not a good combination to say the least.

I do like my braid (especially Suffix 832.) It's sensative, strong, has a small diameter, is abrassion resistance, has good knot strength, and it's very manageable on spinning reels. The only real negative I find with braid is it's visibility.

Of course you can always find application specific examples where the benefits of braid work against you... like using braid for crank-baits; because of it's low stretch, your hooks can tear out on the hook-set. Then there's the counter arguement that if you have a flexible enough rod you can get away with a low-stretch line. There's always a "what about this situation?!"

You have to find out what works for you. Getting input from those with experience can help you form an opinion on what will work best for you... then you have to go out and test your theory! Finding a good stating point will save you some experimentation... which is money and perhaps even more valueable, quality fishing time!
IowaBasser is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-22-12, 11:01 AM   #10
Tavery5
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
Tavery5's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Wichita, KS
Posts: 2,427
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by IowaBasser View Post
You have to find out what works for you. Getting input from those with experience can help you form an opinion on what will work best for you... then you have to go out and test your theory! Finding a good stating point will save you some experimentation... which is money and perhaps even more valueable, quality fishing time!
Well said.........
__________________
They call me Ishmael
Tavery5 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-23-12, 02:59 PM   #11
DVT Mike
BassFishin.Com Active Member
 
DVT Mike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Milford,PA
Posts: 312
Default

Make sure the Quantum is set up correctly. Turn off the brake and adjust the cast control cap just to where there is no side to side movement in the spool. Tie on your rig and tighten the cast control until the rig falls slowly to the ground and the spool stops. You can then set the brake at 1/2 strength and test cast. Remember when casting a C-rig to cast the weight and not the plastic. If you still don't have good results you may want to consider having the reel professionally cleaned and properly lubed, maybe even tuned at some point.
__________________
Visit us at www.delawarevalleytackle.com
DVT Mike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-25-12, 05:35 PM   #12
MikeA57
BassFishin.Com Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Northern Mississippi
Posts: 38
Default

Thanks guys, yeah the line factor has always thrown me for a loop. Each type has +'s and -'s and one is good for this but not that except under "these" conditions, it just gets crazy.

DVTMike, That is essentially a brand new reel; not in age anymore but I've hardly fished it because it's never thrown well. I'll try what you say and if it still doesn't work I may take it in. I've got a bud that works at our BPS here so I'm sure he'll check it out for me.

I can't wait to use these rods but it may be awhile before I get back out there...
MikeA57 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-12, 06:33 PM   #13
merc1997
BassFishin.Com Active Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 204
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tavery5 View Post
I am going to disagree with Iowabasser on this, many people use FC line as a main line with baitcasting equipment. The braid with a FC leader is most often used with spinning equipment.

There are trade-offs with FC line, it has many properties that make it a great line, in many situations, but it also has properties that many people don't care for and those people choose a different line to get the job done.

Some of the reported benefits of FC line are, less stretch, less visible, increased sensitivity, greater abrasion resistance, and it is a sinking line because of it's density which makes it a great line for many techniques.

Some of the reported negatives of FC line are, some has more stretch than comparable mono line, in tests it is just as visible to the human eye as mono and copoly lines of the same dia. poor knot strength, and less manageable, not to mention it's cost.

I mentioned trade-off above, because in my experience no one FC line has all of the benefits without some of the negatives. The trick is find one that has a very nice balance. What I have experienced is that when you find a FC line that is supple and manageable with good knot strength, it will have allot of stretch and sacrifice some sensitivity. There are many of us on here who have through experience and testing have found that Seaguar InvisX is a good line with more good than bad. I use it as my only choice for FC line. With that said, I still prefer a good copoly line, with or without a FC coating. Two of the better copoly lines with FC coating I have used are made by P-line, I like CX and Voltage.

Good luck with search, there have been some very good discussions on here about FC lines in the past, a quick search should give you more info than you will imagine.
tavery, i liked your explaination about fc lines. i keep going away from fc for the very fact of snapping into on the hookset. when stren first came out with prime many years ago, it was the first co-poly line. i field tested it for stren, and had the same trouble with it. you did not know which hookset it was going to let go. i still just stick with mono and braid. i have had lots of guys sit in the boat with me fishs fc and same thing, line breaks on the hookset. i could get inot a much longer explaination of, at least from my findings, as to why it does that. but will just leave that for another time. as you said, just find one that works for you and be happy.
merc1997 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-26-12, 07:28 PM   #14
kennethdaysale
BassFishin.Com Super Veteran
 
kennethdaysale's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: rock hill, sc
Posts: 2,315
Default

^^^^^^^^^agreed. The best way to sum up FC in my experience, and I've tried several, is brittle. I'm only using it this year on a drop shot rig since I lean on those fish rather than set. My experience with copoly is dated but when I tried them the line would shred(seperate).
__________________
Sometimes you gotta risk it to get the biscuit.
kennethdaysale is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Disclosure / Disclaimer
Before acting on the content posted, you should know that BassFishin.Com may benefit financially and otherwise from content, advertising, links or otherwise from anything you click on, read, or look at on our website. Click here to read our Disclosure Policy and Disclaimer.


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:09 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
© 2013 BassFishin.Com LLC