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Swivels and logjams

2K views 13 replies 11 participants last post by  mcseal2 
#1 ·
Does anyone skip swivels when fishing logjams? I'm riggin up a rod that will be exclusively used for pulling flatheads from deep in logjams. Should I tie my hook directly to my mainline or use some kind of leader with a swivel?
 
#2 ·
Matt,
For out & out strength, the hook directly on the main line would give you the fewest points for potential failure but if you have to pull for a break, (highly likely when fishing deep in a logjam) the main line could fail anywhere between hook knot and whatever you are using to pull it with.
You cannot avoid tackle loss when fishing snags, it just comes with the territory, but to minimize it I would use a swivel with a very short leader of slightly lower test than the main line, 40/60, 60/80 etc.

...W
 
#6 ·
For really thick logjams i just use lots of lead and just a bead in front of the eye of the hook. Free sliding. Im also dropping this straight down from boat/kayak until i hit bottom and then crank it up a little bit just to get it off bottom. Ive had good success with this and as minimal loss of tackle as one can hope for. Circle hook to will generally be less snags too. Seems to work for me, good luck
 
#9 ·
I use use circles but I'm switching to straight shanks for logjams so I can set the hook and turn the flathead at the same time limiting the chance for them to run into a snag. I'm planning on mainlining the whole thing with a slip sinker and a splitshot about six inches above the hook with live bait.
 
#11 ·
3 way with the weight clipped to the bottom swivel with a snap, then a 8” leader to your hook. About as snag free as you can get and still have your bait pinned so it cant swim into the crap.

Also be sure to check your leader material if you are going to be needing strength. Not all lines break at their rated poundage. For instance if you use 65lb power pro main line that breaks at about 80lbs, then get walmart 50lb cheap leader that actually breaks at 30lbs, you are missing a lot of opportunity there.
 
#12 ·
3 way with the weight clipped to the bottom swivel with a snap, then a 8” leader to your hook. About as snag free as you can get and still have your bait pinned so it cant swim into the crap.

Also be sure to check your leader material if you are going to be needing strength. Not all lines break at their rated poundage. For instance if you use 65lb power pro main line that breaks at about 80lbs, then get walmart 50lb cheap leader that actually breaks at 30lbs, you are missing a lot of opportunity there.
That's exactly what I use lol
 
#14 ·
I like having a swivel and slightly lighter leader. I have a non-levelwind Penn on a 10ft Ugly Stick Bigwater rod I use for dropping baits in logjams. It's spooled with light braided limbline cord and has a 60lb mono leader. I can't lift enough weight using the rod to break a short 60lb leader without thinking I'll break the rod. The main river I fish has to much current for me to want to drift up against the topside of logjams though, it isn't safe. Fishing with the buddy I usually go with we have drove a post into the bank upstream of a really good jam and lowered the boat down with a rope tied to it. I hold the boat with the motor while he drives the post. We go upstream and fish a while, let the area settle, and use the rope to lower the boat down on the way back. No monsters from this yet but it's an option. Mostly we anchor upstream and cast to the logs.

I have been experimenting with the catfish rattles from whisker seeker. I think they are helping but it's to early to say for sure. This is an area where I think they could help irritate a daytime flathead enough to make him crush that damn sunfish interrupting his nap. Downside is it's one more piece of tackle to lose when you do get snagged.
 
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