Rattle Reel rigging??

[BLACKJACK]

Broke off a couple of rattle reels last weekend when I set the hook, was wondering what how other people set up their rattle reels. They have fly line on them, then a swivel, then about 5 foot of six pound test mono, with either a hook or jig on them - no leader. Kind of light but don't want it too heavy in case a crappie takes it. Was thinking of going to an 8 pound test or maybe a 10 pound Fireline tied to the fly line.

On my tipups and some of my rattle reels I have quick strike rigs which because they're made of cable are more heavy duty, they are what I'll use up north on the Red but was wondering if there is some compromise between light and heavy line?? Plus hooking a fathead to a dual hook quick strike rig seems like overkill, too much terminal tackle that would scare a wary fish off.

Thanks for the help!!

[20lbSloughShark]

Its possible you set the hook on a pike. Your set up sounds fine, just make sure your knots are good and don't set the hook so hard.

[harvey lee]

I use a 6# mono, 3ft leader on my rattle reels with 20# braid as my main line. Only reason I used the 20# braid was I have a huge spool of it.

You should be fine with that set up, just a freak deal or as mentioned a pike. Line could have had a nick in it also.

I had a pretty nice eye on last weekend on one ratle reel with new line and the 20# braid broke. Don't know how but could have been a sharp edge on the bottom of the hole,maybe a nick or, just bad luck. It happen's.

[live4chrome]

I use 8 flouro on mine

[Redlineracer12]

6-8lb floro or mono and you should be fine, as mentioned don't set the hook quite that hard if you're breaking it on the hooksets. Assuming your knots are good you should be able to catch just about any Walleye on that setup.

[Hawg]

Way back when we all started using fly line on rattle reels it was 90% because it didn't tangle and was easy to see. I have since switched to the vinyl tip up line with the same results and not as obnoxiously thick, bright, and heavy. I agree your setup seems fine but 6# sounds light to me for quick strike rigs. Where does the line break?

[BLACKJACK]

Way back when we all started using fly line on rattle reels it was 90% because it didn't tangle and was easy to see. I have since switched to the vinyl tip up line with the same results and not as obnoxiously thick, bright, and heavy. I agree your setup seems fine but 6# sounds light to me for quick strike rigs. Where does the line break?

Right by the hook. Maybe the line is getting old?? Or as people have said, probably setting the hook too hard. Did a search on here for rattle reels and a common theme was to pull up the slack until you feel the fish, then start pulling them in, no jerk required. Will try that. Hopefully this weekend

[Eric Wettschreck]

I use 6 lb braid on mine. I don't really set the hook, just pull up until i feel it, then keep on a pullin up.

[Hawg]

6# on a quick strike rig and snapping on the set is just to much. Breaking at the hook usually points to bad knots though, are you wetting the line before pulling the knot tight? Old line could be it also, but line lasts a lot longer than they want you to believe.

[BLACKJACK]

are you wetting the line before pulling the knot tight?

Never heard of that!!! Do you just lick it and then tighten or actually dip it in water??

[Hawg]

Just lick it good to moisten it. It makes a world of difference because tightening a know makes a lot of friction. It may not cure your problem but it will help. Are you tying correct knots for the best strength?

I'm guessing you're a northern fisherman? If not, why quick rigs?

[broman]

I sometimes tie right to the fly line without using a leader. One less point of failure.

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

Had the same problem last year with 6#. I switched to 8# this year and haven't broken any lines.

[FishLocker]

One of the big fishing/hunting magazines did a knot strength study and found saliva was the best knot lubricant. Was a few years ago, and I do not remember the issue. There is a site that has a number of knots, and when you click one and view the diagram, scroll down and you can watch an animated video of the knot being tied. They also include in the basic instructions to use saliva or water to lube the knot.

http://www.netknots.com/fishing_knots/

[Stick in Mud]

Had the same problem last year with 6#. I switched to 8# this year and haven't broken any lines.

Yeah, I personally don't like 6 lb. I use 8 lb flouro instead.

I don't know if I'm the only one, but I have the tendency to set the hook too hard when using tip-ups or rattle reels. My lack of fine motor skills therefore necessitates 8 lb, and in the years where I've experimented with both 6 and 8, I've never seen a difference in bites.

[Eric Wettschreck]

Don't be so hard on yourself, we all give em the onion when the reel starts jingling.

6-8-12-20............I don't think it really matters once the rattle is making noise. I think it's more of a nice easy pull that does the trick.

Having said that, it's really hard to get out of the habit of not setting the hook.

[BLACKJACK]

I'm guessing you're a northern fisherman? If not, why quick rigs?

Yes. I like the quick strike rigs when I head for the Red or on my tipups during the day. In my fishhouse or at night I like the lighter rig - fly line, mono, and a hook.

[Guest]

You can get 14lb test powerline ice line that's literally only 2lb test dia.

[Hawg]

6# line and northerns is never going to end well.