Chuck - Instead of using a snap swivel (where you would presumably snap the lure directly to the swivel, which would alter the presentation of the lure), perhaps you could have a small barrel swivel on your line (SPROs are awesome) and attach a leader to that. ..Come to think of it I did buy a big pack of the tiniest barrell swivels that they make..I didn't like the way it cast..How far is your spinner form the barrell swivel?
That way the lure presentation is unaltered, you don’t get kinks in your line and you could use a fluorocarbon leader to boot.
I am in Central Virginia…Chesterfield County to be exact. I’m blessed to live very close to the Swift Creek Reservoir (fairly large body of water) and can get there within 5 minutes. However, there is not a lot of structure on that reservoir, so it is difficult to fish, and even more so without a boat (which I do not have). There are many spots with overhanging branches I think would be good spots to fish, but I can’t get to them from the shore, and you are not allowed to swim or wade in the reservoir.BUMMER!! you need to think about a boat..mine cost a 100.00 used back in 1990..I still have it and use it weekly...now the boat came with nothing..I have added quite a bit LOL 4 HP motor..55 lb minnkota..2 batteries and seats.BUT when I first started out..I just had an oar and a home made anchor..and caught plently of fish.So I just make it up as I go in the areas where I can access the water.
What do I fish for? Anything that can be eaten. Catfish, bass under 1.5 lbs, bluegills, crappie…any of the sunfish, really. I have little interest in catch and release fishing since the primary reason I picked fishing up last season (and hunting 2 years ago) was to learn how to provide meat for my family should times become as hard as I think they will.
hey ..that's ok.WHen I was in Bible college we were poor and ate all our bass...I was just going ot tell ya { If you didn't already know} that by using a rubber worm 6-7 inches..your average bass will be bigger. I never caught one bass in VA on a rubber worm.since I moved here..I've caught 100s. My wife and I use to catch dinner all the time off the shore.We would walk around the lake opposite of each other..cast long..and bump the worm back..when you get a hit..drop the rod down to the 7 :00 positin and when the line is straight and you feel resistance..set the hook.We'd catch a few every night and they were good sized.
I had no idea how much I would fall in love with hunting and fishing (I am OBSESSED). If I catch a huge fish, that is super exciting, but not why I do it. And I learned after eating a 19” bass that they do not taste very good. Plus, since they are likely the breeding stock, it’s probably better to throw the huge ones back.
..I normally soak bass in salt water for a few hours..the water will be cloudy ..keep draining until the water is crystal clear..I'm pretty much a catch a release on bass but I have kept my fair share..I do keep the crappie and bluegill though and an occasional channel cat.
Anyway, I do what I can from the couple of docks and piers I have access to. Last summer I was able to provide a fish meal at least once per week for my family. But I consider myself a very poor angler since I can’t seem to catch fish on anything other than a Rooster Tail, Beetlespin or similar (and catfish or pesky huge eels on bottom-rigged nightcrawlers or stinkbait).
hey ..it takes skill to catch them on a Rooster tail..most do not fish that lure correctly and give up on it.
A.. you have to know where to fish it
B. Get the blade turning{ Can be difficult with a low ratio reel}
C. and keeping the fish on is challenging because of the small hooks...at least it is in Fl when you get one over 3 pounds.
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most don't use Rooster tails in FL so when I use it ..it gives the fish a new look at a new lure..
here are my favorite all time lures for putting bass on the table
1. A black worm { Ribbon tail} 6-7 inches long with split shot Texas Rigged or 1/8th ounce bullet sinker
2. White Rooster Tail.. 3/8th ounce
3. Various types of Rapalas
and here's my favorite lures when seeking for a wall hanger
1. Little Bitsy jig Green Pumpkin with trailor
2. Rubber Worm black 7-10 inches
3. Horny Toad ..Bullfrog color
4. terminator Spinner bait
5. various types of Rapalas