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Posts: 205
| I am making it a point this year to use more walk the dog baits mainly weagles since I picked a few up, I have always struggled getting them to walk they seem to sink or pull straight down most the time. Looking for any tips to help me learn to work them better, should I be using a steel leader or fluorocarbon? I use a 7'6 heavy rod should I try a softer tip? Any tips would help. Thanks |
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Posts: 218
| Sounds like your rigs are up to the task. First of all make sure that what you have their are Weagles and not Wabulls. If they are indeed Weagles then it sounds like you're working them too hard. Short downward taps of the rod with a little slack line should get those things dancing on the surface. I would not go to a softer tip and either fluoro or wire leaders should be ok. I have an old St. Croix Premier 6'9" heavy that works great for WTD baits.
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Posts: 2097
| Steel leader, no swivel, work it slower to swoosh it. If it sinks stop begin your retrieve again. |
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Posts: 410
Location: one foot over the line | The retrieval rythm and cadence is important when learning to use these baits. My guess would be that your "pull" is too long and quick, causing the sinking. A short, even pull with a slight pause at the end should get you walkin. As you progress with the bait, then you can experiment with retrieval tweaks, however, like most things, master the basics first. I use regular ol' jerkbait leaders and find that the softness of flouro is counter-productive. The jerk-bait rods that i have used have all been rather rigid, seem to get better reaction from the lure. |
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Posts: 190
Location: Savage, MN | cave run legend - 5/14/2014 9:07 PM
Steel leader, no swivel, work it slower to swoosh it. If it sinks stop begin your retrieve again.
X2. I prefer the Stealth Tackle WTD solid leader. Few quick taps and a pause (learned that from a S. Worrall video on the weagle). Proves lethal, just need to learn to properly set the hooks.  |
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Posts: 306
| I pull more to the side, than down. At least a 45 degree angle, or so. The rod tip is always pointing down, but the line is pulled more level to the water, which makes the jerk a little more constant, than jarring. I think you have to make bigger pulls down, than to the side, to get the same effect simply because you have less control of the slack in the line. And since we are all using 7'6"+ rods now, there's just not as much room to pull down. I think this also leaves you in a better position for a good hook set!
I prefer the stiffer tip. And solid leaders are best, simply because they reduce the chance of the hooks getting tangled during the "walk".
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Posts: 90
| cave run legend - 5/14/2014 10:07 PM
Steel leader, no swivel
That is the key with the Weagle. I use 174# AFW about 9 inches. To much weight on the nose of these things makes them useless.
Keep your leader light and they are the easiest WTD bait I have every thrown for muskies. Fast , Slow or in between. |
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Posts: 897
| I use flouro for everything including Weagles. Works fine. It's all about finding the right amount of slack line and the proper cadence. If your bait is sinking you're probably going too fast or pulling too much. |
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Posts: 7036
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | If your floating wtd baits are sinking on the retrieve....slow down, use more slack to TAP the bait not pull. Then tap harder and harder to get a faster swooosh action (if that's what you want). If it's sinking (not to be a d*ck) it's you, not the leader. |
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Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota | For the most part i love my 9 foot rods. But for walk the dog i use stubby its a 6'6" thorn bros custom. .I just like the shorter rod for walk the dog baits I like the giant Jack pot the best for walk the dog but that is just me. Good luck nothing is better then top water strikes |
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Posts: 1906
Location: Oconto Falls, WI | It's all about cadence, and slack. Each WTD bait is different. If you struggle with one brand that is hard to keep from sinking go to another.
My favorite used to be the Fish Stick HD. Very easy to work IMO even with windy conditions. Last year I got to use the H20 Orton. Love the bait!
So one suggestion is to switch brands if you are struggling with one.
I use an 8'6" rod just fine. I do use a solid strand leader like others mentioned. jerking down or to the side do not matter. Slack does. |
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Posts: 205
| Thanks guys I will try some of those tips hopefully I can master the weagle and phantoms |
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Posts: 205
| well I figured out my issue reel picked up line to fast so I couldn't get good slack line switched setups with more success Lexa 300HS couldn't cut it. |
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