fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders
Johnny Boy
Posted 2/21/2014 10:30 PM (#693158)
Subject: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders




Posts: 68


I just picked up 6 Pounders and 6 Magnum dawgs last weekend I have never thrown large rubber baits. I was told that I am missing the boat by not throwing these that there may be days where that's all they will eat. I just purchased a TI XXHVY 9 footer and need to by a reel just for this application. Could you recommend a reel (lefty) and How do you fish them? bounce the bottom straight retrieve ? would really like to fish these the proper way. I'm sure there are several ways please let me know what works for you.Thanks JB
dami0101
Posted 2/22/2014 12:01 AM (#693171 - in reply to #693158)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders





Posts: 750


Location: Minneapolis, MN
There's really not a wrong way to retrieve them. You can jerk them, rip them, jig them, or straight retrieve them. As for reels, you could look at the high speed Lexa 400 or a Calcutta 401D with 301 gears.
Sidejack
Posted 2/22/2014 12:22 AM (#693172 - in reply to #693158)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders




Posts: 1084


Location: Aurora
Get a launcher and a big bucket for stripping line or, you could just throw them at the reef & bring um in hand over hand.
ToothTamer
Posted 2/22/2014 2:07 AM (#693175 - in reply to #693158)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders





Posts: 311


Location: Lake St.Clair
The p ossibilitys are endless as stated above. No wrong way to work them.
im in the same situation on reels haven't decided on the komodo 350 or a lexa 400 in 6.4 wish it was easier to decide!!!!!
esoxone
Posted 2/22/2014 5:13 PM (#693286 - in reply to #693158)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders




Posts: 424


Daiwa Lexa 400 LH in 5.1:1 should be a good choice but Abu nacl 61 ,Abu toro winch 61, Abu toro 61 work too...

esoxone
cast4musky
Posted 2/22/2014 9:38 PM (#693333 - in reply to #693158)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders





Posts: 865


Unfortunately I don't think they offer a lefty Lexa 400 with a 5/1 Yet.......I hope they do very soon. Sucks being lefty. Sr.
samuwenn
Posted 2/22/2014 9:46 PM (#693336 - in reply to #693158)
Subject: RE: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders





Posts: 163


Location: NoDak
absolutely love my ABUGARCIA TORO NacL reels, i use size 50 and 80# line, but if you dont mind the 1 oz heaver and wider 60 it will hold more line, in abu garcia's size 51 and 61 are left handed, i have both a 5.4 and a 6.4, i use the 5.4 on the dog rod

NacL is a salt water version, come with an extra, extended handle for only 20 more than a normal toro $299 seams way better than $499 for tranx.
genesisperformance
Posted 2/22/2014 9:49 PM (#693337 - in reply to #693158)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders





Posts: 403


Location: Lakeville, MN
Saltist 20hc
Trophyseeker50
Posted 2/22/2014 10:38 PM (#693346 - in reply to #693158)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders





Posts: 791


Location: WI
I would suggest a higher speed reel. Your rod is doin most of the work an it's easier to take up the slack with a faster reel. I lost a monster in open water workin a madussa with toro winch. It hit the bait coming towards me an I just couldn't keep up. Found after that it was easier with one of my faster reels.
toothycritter88
Posted 2/22/2014 11:05 PM (#693349 - in reply to #693346)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders





I bought the lexa 400hs its a 7:1:1 gear ratio with 37" per turn which should work perfect
TC24
Posted 2/22/2014 11:37 PM (#693356 - in reply to #693158)
Subject: RE: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders




Posts: 175


Location: Tonka, MN
Dude, disregard all comments above. Get a Shimano!! They are built like tanks. Go with a calcutta D or TE with a power handle. I have went though plenty of lefty's and nothing holds up. Burnt out my diawas, abu, averts, etc. More power/torque. Any rebuttals are accepted
eightweight
Posted 2/23/2014 5:11 AM (#693364 - in reply to #693356)
Subject: RE: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders




Posts: 209


+2
shimano's seem to be bulletproof!!!

TC24 - 2/22/2014 11:37 PM

Dude, disregard all comments above. Get a Shimano!! They are built like tanks. Go with a calcutta D or TE with a power handle. I have went though plenty of lefty's and nothing holds up. Burnt out my diawas, abu, averts, etc. More power/torque. Any rebuttals are accepted ;)
brianT
Posted 2/23/2014 6:31 AM (#693369 - in reply to #693158)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders





Posts: 427


Location: Planet Meltdown
Funny - the only reel I ever had issues with was a Calcutta TE. Not saying they are bad reels as I love Shimano but just goes to show not all of them are bullet proof. There are good reels out there not just Shimano.
miket55
Posted 2/23/2014 11:40 PM (#693598 - in reply to #693158)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders




Posts: 1249


Location: E. Tenn
If Shimanos are built like tanks, then those Revo Toros are ninja tanks, and are really hard to tear up. Trust me,, if it can be torn up.. I'll find a way to do it!!

samuwenn
Posted 2/24/2014 1:29 AM (#693613 - in reply to #693598)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders





Posts: 163


Location: NoDak
miket55 - 2/23/2014 11:40 PM

If Shimanos are built like tanks, then those Revo Toros are ninja tanks, and are really hard to tear up. Trust me,, if it can be torn up.. I'll find a way to do it!!



i like the ninja tank part, i have to add oil each DAY with my NacL's but when it come to all day assault the comfort is there for me
cast4musky
Posted 2/24/2014 7:50 AM (#693634 - in reply to #693158)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders





Posts: 865


Bullet proof ? NAH I don't think so, I am a person who takes care of my gear cleaning, greasing, oiling when needed. And I had two Calcutta 401 TE's that went back to Shimano three times in one year. I got one back from Shimano Service Worse than when I sent it in.......I understand this can, and does happen with all reels, Its called Human Error....I'm sure if you do a survey You will get Pros and Cons on every Reel out there. I personally sold all my Calcuttas and presently use Less expensive, lighter, low profile reels that have more line retrieve per turn,better drag system, better line out alarm, and come with a paddle and Power Handle and good a good service center. JMO Mike Sr
waterwolfhunter
Posted 2/24/2014 9:25 AM (#693667 - in reply to #693158)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders





Posts: 131


Location: Lake St. Clair
I agree with everyone above in the fact that dawgs can literally be fished anyway you want. I have caught fish just about every possible way you can work a dawg including on a dawg ball...you will learn what that is..hahah. As for reels, I fish pounders from June until the end of the season in December on St. Clair. When I say all year I mean 98% of the time. That puts a lot of stress and abuse on your reels. I wont get into the this reel or that reel as everyone has their opinion and has the reel that has worked best for them. IMO Shimano Calcutta's have been the only ones that have been the workhorse for me. Have had a few issues with the 400B but that wasn't until this fall fishing in 16 degrees when everything freezes. TE's have been my best investment. These reels are true workhorses especially if you plan to fish rubber a lot. I also have a Curado that I used to use all year and that also worked great for a low profile reel. You cant beat Shimano's warranty and ease of warranty repair process. Shimano is the only way to go IMO. Welcome to the rubber revolution haha. Good Luck out there!
buckup
Posted 2/24/2014 10:51 AM (#693695 - in reply to #693667)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders




Posts: 51


My experience, regardless of manufacturer, is a reel that is subpar out of the box stays that way. If it feels good the first time you use it, they do not fail as long as you maintain. Prior to the new generation of reels, I never tore up an Abu 5500 or 6500, until double 10's came along. I do prefer power handles over double paddles and these will really help you "feel" the reel.

BTW, I got a Toro 61 HS and it was "gritty" out of the box. After 2 seasons, it is headed to Pikemaster to be "pimped".
cast4musky
Posted 2/24/2014 11:36 AM (#693716 - in reply to #693158)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders





Posts: 865


I really do not think any of the Revo Toro High Speed reels Should Never be used on Double 10's or Big Rubber baits on a regular basis.... The slower 5/1 Gears may not have the speed you want but they will hold up much better. I Firmly agree with pikemaster that High speed 6/1 and 7/1 gears are just asking for trouble when throwing Big rubbers and Double 10's with the smaller low profile reels. Unfortunately the reels that are designed for these heavyweights are Much larger and much heavier than most guys prefer to use for hours at a time... My opinion is if you want to fish medium to large stuff all day get a smaller reel and a lighter rod, When you want to Go with the Big Guns use a Rod and reel that was designed to do just that.... Unless something is compromised that's the way it is...
If you want good gas mileage buy an economy car, if you need a 4X4 to use off-road by a Truck........ But to by a either one thinking they will Go Off Road and get 35 MPG is just NEVER going to happen..... yes it is expensive to purchase a specific rod and reel setup for just this purpose but this seems like the only fix to me.... As to Compromising just does not seem to be an option here.....Mike Sr.
dtaijo174
Posted 2/24/2014 12:24 PM (#693727 - in reply to #693158)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders





Posts: 1169


Location: New Hope MN
I've come to terms with the fact that pounders damage reels. All it takes is 1 backlash and your reel is going to take some abuse. I choose to protect my expensive shimanos from this abuse. Instead, I have 2 Daiwa Satlist (20 & a 30). I usually break 1 each fall. I prefer the 20 over the 30 as the 20 is a lighter and easier to cast.
They may not be the easiest to cast or the most comfortable reel out there. However, I can't think of a better reel set up for pounders at that price range.
muskieman23
Posted 2/24/2014 6:15 PM (#693855 - in reply to #693158)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders




Posts: 69


so are we saying that a tranx HG would be no good for big rubber?
muskyhunter47
Posted 2/24/2014 6:32 PM (#693862 - in reply to #693855)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders




Posts: 1638


Location: Minnesota
My pounder set up is a Thorne Bros Predator XX Heavy 9'8" and I have a Tranx HG . picks up line fast so when your ripping and jerking there is no slack in your line. You cant compare a Tranx to a smaller high speed reel .The Tranx is built like a tank has bigger gears and is built to take it.
Drakl
Posted 2/24/2014 6:36 PM (#693864 - in reply to #693855)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders





Posts: 192


Location: Quebec, Canada
muskieman23 - 2/24/2014 7:15 PM

so are we saying that a tranx HG would be no good for big rubber?


The line pick up speed and power is probably one of the best out there for big rubbers, but it's not everyone that will want to cast pounders with a 20oz reel all day long.
cast4musky
Posted 2/24/2014 6:44 PM (#693867 - in reply to #693158)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders





Posts: 865


I myself don't consider a Tranx a low profile reel. I'm talking about the Abu garcis, Lexas, Curados, Quantums, Okumas, and such, a smaller lighter, reel that just about holds 100 yards of braid. ...I think a 20oz. Reel like the Tranx that sells New for $450 to $500 Had #*^@ near better work for big rubber and Big blades...That's what they are supposed to be great at, because they sure as hell wouldn't be anybody's first choice to fish with all day if they didn't work on the heavy weights. Just Saying
muskie24/7
Posted 2/24/2014 7:16 PM (#693881 - in reply to #693346)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders





Posts: 909


I would suggest a higher speed reel. Your rod is doin most of the work an it's easier to take up the slack with a faster reel. I lost a monster in open water workin a madussa with toro winch. It hit the bait coming towards me an I just couldn't keep up. Found after that it was easier with one of my faster reels

I agree 100%
samuwenn
Posted 2/24/2014 11:03 PM (#693935 - in reply to #693158)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders





Posts: 163


Location: NoDak
with 80# powerpro my size 50 NacL holds at least 120 yards, at least
FISHFINDER101
Posted 2/24/2014 11:36 PM (#693937 - in reply to #693158)
Subject: RE: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders




Posts: 345


Location: Poynette WI.
I know a lot of people like to throw big rubber baits now and rightfully so, they plain work and have been proven to catch big fish. Every time i pick a tranx up at a store or think about buying one, I think to myself, will i be able or want to use this all day? I seldom use only one rod and reel all day. I have two main reels that i use; a winch60 and a Curado. They have done everything i needed them to do. I myself seldom use only one rod and reel all day and even if i had a tranx, i would not buy it to use all day long just because it's a high price reel. I would go out and buy a couple pounders/bulldawgs and go throw them with what you have and see if you like fishing with them before buying a reel specifically for them or see if one of your friends would let you use there set up and see how you like using them.
Natureboy
Posted 6/8/2014 4:33 PM (#714573 - in reply to #693158)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders




Posts: 239


Location: Illinois
Ok, this is gettin confusing. From all the things I've read, it seems that the toro winch is just too slow. I like to pump my rod when fishing the big plastics, and I don't feel that the winch will be able to pick up the slack fast enough. I think the nacl version is probably better suited. Any thoughts? We fish eagle lake in late sept/early oct and I just can't get away from the big plastics, so I need a reel that will take the abuse.
Musky Face
Posted 6/8/2014 7:50 PM (#714608 - in reply to #693158)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders




Posts: 558


Saltist 20 or 30. I use the 30 size for the extra line capacity. 35 inches of line a crank for a reasonable price. You will be pleased.
Brady080
Posted 6/9/2014 6:06 PM (#714806 - in reply to #693158)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders




Posts: 32


i throw pounders 95% of the time and the days i get out its sun up to sun down. i will give a few pointers for you. Speed is pretty important for the pull pause method. people get it done with slower reels but faster reels make it alot easier on you. its best to work on your lobbing technique with a mag dawg before you start chucking pounders. put at least a couple feet of slack and try to cast as effortlessly as possibly. overhand with as little strain as possible. as soon as you get it down they fly far with almost no effort. then try the pounders doing the same technique. dont burn yourself out trying to muscle them. cause they will win everytime..............tight lines
Sorgy
Posted 6/9/2014 6:17 PM (#714807 - in reply to #714806)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders




Posts: 304


Location: Lino Lakes, MN
If fishing pounders you "will wish" you had spooled up with 100 # line if you are using 80#.
Backlash + Pounder = New Pounder and Leader

Good Luck

Steve
lennyg3
Posted 6/9/2014 7:14 PM (#714813 - in reply to #693158)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders





Posts: 483


Location: NE PA
saltist has treated me well...
Masqui-ninja
Posted 6/9/2014 7:19 PM (#714815 - in reply to #693337)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders





Posts: 1245


Location: Walker, MN
genesisperformance - 2/22/2014 9:49 PM

Saltist 20hc

+1 Bulletproof!
dami0101
Posted 6/10/2014 2:19 PM (#714951 - in reply to #693158)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders





Posts: 750


Location: Minneapolis, MN
IMO for the price there's no better mag and pounder reel than the Saltist 20.
esox4130
Posted 6/10/2014 4:29 PM (#714966 - in reply to #693158)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders





Posts: 160


Lexa 400 high speed. Hands down the best left hander pounder reel.
greenhyena
Posted 6/10/2014 4:33 PM (#714967 - in reply to #714966)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders





Posts: 240


Location: Oconomowc, WI
esox4130 - 6/10/2014 4:29 PM

Lexa 400 high speed. Hands down the best left hander pounder reel.


Yeah I bought three of them for this year, two for rubber and one for gliders/jerks, and I'm really liking them so far
muskieman23
Posted 6/12/2014 7:10 AM (#715206 - in reply to #693158)
Subject: Re: fishing Bulldawgs,Pounders




Posts: 69


I have the tranx hg and pg and fish with them all season. I don't understand how the weight scares people away. As long as it's on the right rod it's amazing! Yes it is a big reel but after the 3rd straight day you learn the best way to hold them! And I am by no means a body builder! With that being said do yourself a favor and go get a tranx hg. The line pick up on that reel is plain scary!