From crappiemasters.net
Lighten up…Randy Pope
By Tim Huffman
Aug 26, 2006, 08:35
The old saying goes: "If you're not catching fish you need to downsize". Most of the time this statement is true. Going to a smaller bait can help trigger bites from all sizes of fish but especially the smaller ones that may not go for a bigger bait. Therefore, you catch more fish.
Sometimes the change is simply related to the size forage at the time you're fishing. For example, if most of the shad in the lake are 1-inch long the crappie may not like a 2-inch plastic jig. Downsizing to a 1.5-inch or less can make a dramatic difference.
Another time for downsizing is in clear water. The first thing to downsize is your line. No eight or ten pound test diameter in ultra clear water; try four pound.
"I use ultralight all the time," says Randy Pope. This Carolina fisherman has many years of tournament experience, top ten finishes, good classic finishes and is known for his expertise at shooting docks.
He uses four pound test line most of the time but will switch to two pound in the winter. His outfit will often consist of a five foot light-action rod with a spinning reel, four pound Magnathin and a Little Nipper jig. With the light line he likes a loop knot because there is little pressure on the knot and it gives his bait better action.
He says the ultralight approach, no matter what technique, will help most fishermen catch more fish. Better feel, more bait control and less line visibility all play a part.
"In clear water you've got to go light and stay off of the fish."
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