Slack Line Issues w/ Tungsten Jig and Noodle Rod

[ppreston]

I purchased my first noodle style rod earlier this year, and was able to put it to use the weekend after Thanksgiving. I was using a tungsten Clam Drop Jig #10 and a Maki Plastic, on a TB Powernoodle wREC and Sienna 500 setup. Line was 4# Fireline. As the subject reads, I couldn't avoid slack in my line...resulting in a number of missed opportunities.

I find it hard to believe that this is a common issue, given the amount of attention and praise that tungsten is garnering. Rather, I am more apt to chalk it up to user error...

I am curious what can be done to avoid slack without hampering the natural characteristics of a noodle style rod and the advantages of using such a light and sensitive setup.

Thanks in advance!

Paul

[Gus]

Go to 2 or 3 pound mono. Ditch the fireline.

I've never been a fan of braids for light stuff.

OR.... the fish could have been hitting your jig on the rise. In which case it just takes some practice to see and sense the up hit. Odd slack = set the hook.

[Vitreus]

Agree on ditch the braid. Stuff ices up at an alarming rate. Also make sure your hole is cleared out. The line may be freezing to the surface of the water. You've got a weak spot in your setup somewhere… Time to get out the old magnifying glass and investigate.

[whitebassman]

yes. I tried braid and Nanofil, never liked it for ice fishing. Too stiff and still soaks water and freezes.

My favorite now is P-line, best of both worlds. fluorocarbon coated polymer line. Clear and supple.

[ppreston]

yes. I tried braid and Nanofil, never liked it for ice fishing. Too stiff and still soaks water and freezes.

My favorite now is P-line, best of both worlds. fluorocarbon coated polymer line. Clear and supple.

Any preference towards 2,3, or 4# P-Line?

Thanks for the suggestions!

[JoeTC]

If you're worried about slack line then stick with 2lb. If you're using a fly or straight line reel you could probably go up to 3lb but I've never had an issue with 2lb on my noodle rod.

Joe

[Lusid]

I'm using 3lb P-line. Figure that it's strong enough for most of the species that I'm after.

[amateurfishing]

also consider a straight line reel, will never have line twist issues again

my setup worked just fine this week....even for 40 fow

TB noodle

okuma 2/3 inline reel

tungsten jig

2 lb line

[harvey lee]

2# P line for me, great line for ultra light set ups with very little to no slack in line. This line will take care of any gill's or crappie's you will ice.

[hamms-scooter]

I use 2# stren hi vis gold. Never an issue.

[Lusid]

I use 2# stren hi vis gold. Never an issue.

When using a hi-vis line, do you guys tie a clear leader line to the hi-vis? Or do you just fish off the hi-vis line?

[ppreston]

Thanks again for all the feedback. The initial plan will be to switch over to 2# P-Line, and go from there. 4 days of fishing coming up next week, so I will report back soon on my observations.

[hamms-scooter]

I tie jig right to the hi vis. Doesn't seem to matter. Gills, Crappie, pike, bass all hit it.

When using a hi-vis line, do you guys tie a clear leader line to the hi-vis? Or do you just fish off the hi-vis line?