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T-Rigging?
The last 2 or 3 times I've been out I've noticed the only fish I've caught has been on some type of T-Rig. I've been blanked on jigs, crankbaits, spinners, you name it, but when I go to the T-Rig I've been able to catch a few. So I thought I would pick some of you guys brains on how you fish T-Rigs. Things like what size bullet weight (oz), line size, hook size, and mainly the retrieve. On the retrieve do you only work it around cover and then burn it back for the next cast or do you work it back to the boat. Also do you just hop it or does dragging or a slow steady retrieve seem to work. On the lures, I've been experimenting with different worms, flukes, craws and for me the hits seem to be about the same for all, I'd be curious if that was the same for everybody else. Thanks
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Re: T-Rigging?
me and my wife were out friday evening on a small lake that has some decent fishing and we threw everything at them cranks spinners , i threw a jig for two hours and nver got a nibble. then we both switched to a zoom ultravibe speed craw (watermelon seed) t-rigged with a 16th ounce bullet weight and a 2/0 gamagatzu (spelling), i peg mine to the bait she doesnt and we wore them out for about two hours. for me it really depends on what cover im fishing heavy cover ill throw worms craws ect with 15lb test with a 1/4 to a 1/2 ounce weight just to get it down there in their face, in more open water like we fished friday ill use spinning rod 8lb test with a 16th to a 1/8 ounce weight and the wind is a factor as well. on the retrieve for me the slower the better i like dragging the lures but if they are biting aggresivley ill work them a little harder BTW, i boated 13 bass in two hours on that craw and she boated 12 bass in the two hours my biggest was maybe two pounds she caught one that was pushing 4- 4 1/2. no one ever heard me admit to that LOL
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Re: T-Rigging?
My t-rig baits depend on the situation. Most of the time i use #14 test (Excel) with an 1/8-3/16oz weight on a 6 1/2 foot rod. I peg my weight with a peg-it and use alot of tubes and small craws. Wide Gap Gamakatsu hook 2/0...
When i'm really getting deep in the cover i'll use 3/8-1/2oz weight with 17-20lb Mono (Excel) or Fluorocarbon. I like the craws and bigger tubes for flipping myself. I always use my 7ft rods for this and they are either MH-Heavy action. Wide Gap Gamakatsu 3/0-4/0 hook..
When things get thick/weedy and the fish are kicking my rear end i'll go with the "Gorilla Tackle" and pull out the braid and 7 1/2ft stick. I usually use a straight shank beefy Gamakatsu or Owner hook for this.
When things are tough i'll use my spinning rod 8lb test with a smaller soft plastic bait and a 1/16 to 1/8oz weight on a 1/0 Gamakatsu hook. JMO.
I think it comes down to whatever works for you....
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Re: T-Rigging?
I'll agree with DJD in whatever works for you. In retrieving you will always fall to what feels comfortable and right to you. Personnaly I work it with a basic slow 9 oclock to 11 o'clock sweep. This helps me keep my rod in position for a hook set. I try to keep my weight as light as possible depending alot on the wind conditions. I throw anything from 4" tubes and worms to craws,6" worms and 5" Tiki Sticks. I use a 7' mh rod and 12# test. I'll T-rig anywhere and everywhere, that's where my confidence is most of the time.
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Re: T-Rigging?
I have my most confidence in the Texas rig as well. 6# test and normally throw a 1/16 oz weight, but if the water is running or my soft plastic is lackin on a lil weight i will jump up to an 1/8. i use #2 (not 2/0) gam offset shank worm hooks religiously when t-riggin. Fish smallie beavers, 4" lizards, and finesse worms. i guess my style might be considered a little on the light side, but it sure catches a lot of fish.