Yesterday was the first time in few years We lost a Redfish that pile wrapped.Cut off is a whole different thread.Wrapping can be avoided by fishing with the current. I mean anchor on the side of the dock with the water flowing towards you.I Never remember a fish swimming against the current to get away from me.Yesterday We had a nice fish wrapped.We gave a lot of slack line several times and the red swam out of the pilings with the current.The slack line did the trick.The red felt no pressure to pull and just swam out.Once out of the area He realized He screwed up and headed back against the tide to try and get to the dock.He put up a great fight and was released unharmed.The other big Red the sinker became hung up and we went to get it loose and the fish saw us and broke off.Nice fish about 10 pounds.When I get a fish wrapped I try and work him out and when it becomes obvious He is hung I give full slack.I just open the bail.No pressure and most times the fish will follow the current flow to get away.If you are lucky He swims right out to you.Learned that 50 years ago from a largemouth Bass fisherman.Try it but remember to fish with the current coming towards you.
Thought about making long leaders made from that flexible wire.Maybe a 6 foot leader of thin wire might prevent break offs? Any thoughts on that?
Stonoman
I use short leaders and heavy braid mainline for dock fishing
2180 Ranger Bay w 150 Yammi
I use a leader that is shorter than the circumference of the piling; they can’t wrap it all the way around the piling. I’m ready for those big schools to break up, so I can fish my Wando docks again.
“Faster Cars, Younger Women, Older Whiskey and More Money” [Tom T. Hall’s secret for happiness.]
I just use 30 pound straight braid, Why do you guys use leader? the only reason i ask is i have never felt the need to use it and wonder if maybe im missing something, do you guys use it because the fish are more receptive to clear line? jw why people typically use leader
I personally do that because it is how my friend fishes and he taught me everything i know. There have also been several times where i was in a hurry and tied directly to braid, and didnt catch a thing. Probably doesnt matter, just my experience.
Don’t have a knack for makin motors crank,
But I’m pretty good at drinkin beer
The best way to a fisherman’s heart is through his fly.
2002 Florida Skiff
90 Merc.
Seems to me like braid cuts a little easier than monofilament of about the same strength. When I’m fishing docks or around rocks or artificial reef I splice in some slightly thicker mono(at least 20 lb test) then my sinker, jig, or whatever. It sort of works like chafing gear. Works well for bottom fishing on the reef.