weights for plastic

[timddo]

i just brought some berkley powerbaits, pumpkinseed and watermelod, 3' i think.
what weights and size hooks do i use.. jig heads???

[novice23]

where are you planning on fishing?; how deep is the water?; what sort of fish do you want to catch?
I am only knew to the whole plastics game but my advice would be to get a few and experiment. Apparently most fish will strike your plastic as its sinking, so you don't want it to plummit to the bottom. Rather you want it to glide down to the bottom. If you want to catch flathead on the otherhand, you want to stay on or near the bottom most of the time. I am trying a few different weights in the bay chasing squire... last trip i used 1/16 jigheads which got down when the tide was on the turn, but when it was moving i used 1/8 jigheads. I was fishing 5-7m of water.
I'm sure the more experienced anglers on this site will offer you some advice, but you need to tell them more about where you fish. If not, there are a lot of articles in fishing mags these days about using soft plastics...go down to the newsagency, better still go to a tackle store, talk to the staff, think about it and try things for yourself (pull your own weight so to speak). The latter will give you alot more satisfaction when it all comes together and turn you into a better fisherman.
Good luck

[Fishin_Dan]

Timddo - What kind of fish are you chasing? Where will you be fishing(Shallow reef, creek, river, etc)?

Those 2 questions will help us get an idea on how best to help you.


Weights - I've use everything from 1/40 Oz up to 1/4 Oz
Hooks - I use everything from #2 right up to 3/0

[timddo]

just fishing mud island.

i brought 2 bags of 1/4 jibheads, hmm will they be too heavey or should i buy a lighter one.

thanks

[Fishin_Dan]

I very rarely use 1/4 around Mud Island. Only when the current is pumping and I can't get to the bottom.

As a start, I would probably look to get the following (To use at Mud Island with 3" Powerbaits)

1/4 Oz 3/0 -> 1/0 hook - 1 pack
1/8 Oz 3/0 -> #2 hook - 3 packs
1/12 Oz 1/0 -> #2 hook - 2 packs
1/16 Oz 1/0 -> #2 hook - 1 pack

This is just my opinion though, and everyone has there own ideas on it. Essentially you want to get your plastic to the bottom, but not rocket to the bottom.

In regards to the size of the hook, some people like smaller hooks, some like bigger. The bigger the hook, the easier you will snag... But the better you will hook up on fish. It's kind of a catch 22...

[timddo]

hmm, seems like a big investment, just on jig heads, i'll buy a couple more jigheads tonite, probably 1/8 and 1/12,

Question fishing dan -.. you tie the hook straight to the mainline or use a swivel or and a trace.


With small hooks.. Small hooks catch all fish and big hooks only catch big fish,

will give it a go on saturday arvo if it doesn't work, there is always the good old BAIT

[Fishin_Dan]

Yep - Plastics is not entirely cheap.... Although once you're setup, you don't need to spend too much to keep going. Unless you snag alot! ;D

If you are using braid main line, then tie on a leader of either mono or flourocarbon (mono is cheaper, but flourocarbon is more "invisible") to it. (There are a few threads in this section about what knot to use. Browse back a few pages and you will find them). Then tie the jighead directly to the leader. You don't need a swivel or anything.

If you are using mono, then you can tie the jighead straight to the end of the mainline.

Yes you are correct. Small hooks catch big fish too... But you would be suprised how big a hook little fish will take!

[solwota]

het timddo, if cost is an issue for you try using snapbacks. I used to use lots of powerbait, but the fish really chew them up. Some trips i would go through 3 packs. But about a month ago i was fishing near mud using gulps an whilst i was catching plenty of fish the guy drifting next to me was catching better quality fish using snapbacks. We were both using the same heads(1/8oz) and similar leaders. Now the quality of fish may have been coincidence but they were effective. So lately i've been using them and catching plenty of fish with a good average size. The BIG PLUS is in the last 4 trips i have used only 4 tails!!! I just put a drop of superglue behind the head as they slip down easily and this prevents any problems. I'm not saying powerbaits aren't as effective but they are nowhere near as durable.

cheers
richard
p.s. i spray them with scent . Not sure if it works but it doesn't hurt and it makes me more confident