I have always been a rod and reel kinda guy. But, want to give jugging a shot. I am using the store bought foam/funnoodle type. How long of a lead do you use typically? 5' sufficient? Too short, too long? Do you use a weight or just put a hook and your perch/shad on it? How often do you go check them?

Thanks

Mine vary from 5 to 8 ft. I never deploy my noodles in open water. Always in coves and mouth of creeks. I like to set mine so they will drift across to a wind blown bank. This way they cover a lot of territory. Also makes them easier to find. I always try to keep them in sight while I fish other ways with rod and reel. When they stand up it will tell you there is a fish on or one has bit. Once a fish is on they will usually make their way to shallow water where they can lay on the bottom and not have to drag the noodle. They tire out really quick. I take mine up when I leave the lake regardless of how long I fish that day.

I used to run jugs with an ex/gf dad at lake Waco. We ran them 25' one hook per line and wore the blues out

Great advice here^

You can leave them over night, but you really need to anchor them if you do. But you give up covering lots of water going this route, tho. Otherwise you will likely lose the jugs or the fish will drag your setup around for days or until it dies. Or, someone will collect your jugs for you. I add 1/4 to 1/2 ounce of weight to keep the bait at the target depth. If you don't, a good wind will push your jug along faster than the bait, causing it to rise up in the water column.

Oh and bring binos if you're going to let the wind push them a ways. It can be tricky to spot them at a distance in timber and/or if there's a little chop on the surface.

I use 50' of mainline on mine with a hook at 3', 8', and 12' from the weight. To adjust line for depth, I just tie a loop onto the jug at desired length, just untie when you pack them back in. 18" of PVC with 12" of white foam, 8 to 16 oz anchor weight and #6 to 8 gamakatsu circle hooks. Remember to tag and date your jugs. Typically use chicken hearts for bait. Good luck

Aus

what do you do if you lose one? if you can not find it? fish drags it off or wind blows it away? just wondering if yall have had it happen. Thanks

So what all do i have to write on the jug? Just my name and phone number?

I believe name, address and phone number. Also must have date of deployment and must be removed within 10 days.

Had it happen many times, especially at night. Really big fish can take it away fast and sometimes to the bottom where it may get hung on something. It happens. Be wary of jugging on windy days as the jugs will definitely move on you and depending on the color of the jug, may be hard to find with whitecaps on the water.

Name and address and date the device was set out. No number needed.

Solid Fish. Right there.

Lots were in slot and had to be released. Juggings tough work and I prefer Rod&Reel.