Question about rigging for bay fishing Specks and Reds. I try to make it to Port A once a year, and the last two years I found a couple of fun spots where I caught a lot of Specks. They were small, but I had a ball, and would love to find them again this year.

I fished almost exclusively with D.O.A. shrimp, and they worked well (thanks to this forum), but I did have a problem with my line either breaking off or untying. I could not tell which was happening, but it was happening right at the bait, which lead me to believe my lure was coming untied, but I started to think that the those sharp teeth were cutting the line right at the lure.

I was using 12 lb mono, and using an "Improved Clinch Knot", which is the only knot I�ve ever used, and would be surprised if that was the problem.

Should I be using a leader, heavier line, different line, etc.? I�m catching 2-3 lbs Specks, so not big fish at all. I'm pretty much using my same rod, reel, line that I bass fish with.

thanks for any help.

Troy

Could be the teeth. Light line you'll need to re-tie often. I use 20# and check for abrasion after every fish. Clinch or Palomar is all I use. Tied directly to the jig head or hook. No leader.

I am slightly confused as to why you had problems - was your line fresh? I use 10lb mono consistently and tie on with an improved clinch and only on truly big fish have I had a problem with breakage. sasquatch is definitely right about checking for nicks or abrasion after every couple fish, and retying as necessary.

http://www.animatedknots.com/improvedcli...imatedknots.com

Loop knot is my most tied knot.

Uni knot here.

i am thinking you need to check your line, if you are only going down once a year i would put new line on before every trip and check the line for tooth marks after every fish...

Thanks for the responses. The line was new, but was not high-end line. I can't remember the brand, but it was not very expensive.

I guess I was wondering if people down there are using leaders, or a different kind of line or knot, but it doesn't sound like yall are using any kind of leader, or heavy line, or braided, etc.

It's not that I lost a ton of fish, but out of the 20 specs I caught in one spot, I had my line break 3 times, and I thought that was an uncommonly high amount in water that was free of structure, oyster beds, etc. And all the fish I did catch were small, and the break offs did not feel like they were any bigger of a fish than the ones I landed. Matter of fact, one of the break offs happened at the boat, so I know it was a small fish.

May 9th I will be back down in Port A and breakin line left and right if that's what it takes to land a few. I am pumped.

Thanks again
Troy

If you are throwing spoons or Spooks, I tie a swivel to a piece of 20# flouro, then tie the swivel to my spinning line (I like to use an UL rig for giggles). Improved clinch knots all around work well. Check the "shock line" after each Spec. I've caught large Redfish on this rig, with the UL rigged with 8lb line. No problems at all. If the Specs are killing you, go with a stainless leader, about 10-12", instead of the flouro.

Just to add my input, but really, out of all things to try to save money on, you shouldn't skimp on your line. If you're not sure about your line, you're already dead in the water. I rarely go out for two trips without putting on brand new line. The cost really isn't that much compared to the peace of mind and effectiveness of the new line being fished. You can get big spools of quality line for cheaper bulk prices, costing you a dollar or less to fill your spool. That all being said, I use 6lb. test without a leader regularly in saltwater, and I don't have anywhere near the problems you are describing.

As for knots, there really aren't any you can tie faster and hold better than a palomar knot.

If you're having knot tying problems, I wouldn't suggest adding more connections, such as an extra swivel or leader on anything, because that just increases your chances of failure.

I fish with FIRELINE 4LB.+flourocarbon leader 8-14lb.and i was catching many specs(and 8.5 speckled trout) without problem.
I fish with spinning reels and i use use PALOMAR and TRILENE knots.

Fishing with braid+flourocarbon leader you must change the line after 2-3 years,sometime 4 years.