Deadsticking Questions

[BigDaddy]

I've been reading about deadsticking for a while now. This year I've decided to give it a try. I simply put a minnow on a hook, set the rod in a holder and waited (while jigging another line).

My main question is when do you grab the pole and set the hook? Most of the pole tip movement was from the minnow. Although a couple of times I couldn't tell if it was the minnow or a bite. Should I have set the hook or do I wait for a more visible strike?

[JBinSD]

I usually put an Ice Buster bobber on mine.

[BigDaddy]

Quote:

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I usually put an Ice Buster bobber on mine.

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JBinSD, I was hoping for info on deadsticking, not bobber fishing.

[Farley]

Right before it goes down the hole!

I'm not sure, I dont use this method much, but if I had to guess, it would be once you get a "Good Bend" in the rod tip. Right after the "Tick, tick".

[Neighbor]

When you think you have a bite grab the rod and feel if something is there.

You must be fishing for smaller fish? sunnies, perch or crappies?

Any typical northern or walleye bite is a no brainer as far as telling your rod movement from the action of your minnow.

I would just use a strike indicator (bobber) just big enough to keep your bait suspended. With a bobber you should be able to tell what kind of fish is biting, how fast it is taking line, how far etc....

[Gissert]

You might have to adjust where your reel is on your pole. I set mine back a tad more to get the nuetral balacing point a bit more defined.

When you have it right, you should see the minnow working the rod tip like you mentioned. Sometimes the tip will rise up in the case of up biting crappies. I usually hit those fish pretty quick.

If the tip starts to slowly drop, I like to take the pole off the holder while giving line in one motion. This is similar to waiting until the bobber stops moving while bobber fishing. Depending on how big my hook/minnow combination is plays a factor in how soon I set the hook. If I have a good size shiner on, I'll wait longer than with a crappie minnow or a fat head.

[Rick]

Gissert is talking about deadsticking with a Rock-n-Reel which is a deadly method. It even lets the lite biters give a good indication when they are breathing on larvae or waxies. It also works great for preventing your rods and reels going down the hole. Maybe wallEYES, Gissert or TBone will give you an e-mail adress to get ahold of one of these beauties.

Another deadstick holder that works along the same principle is the Lazy Jigger. It's less expensive at I believe under $4.50. You can see that at http://TackleCity.com

Another almost deadstick holder is the Fish-n-Chum. I'll let the other guys tell you about htis one, but it is also a very handy and powerful tool if you don't want to always hold your rod and still like to jig. You can see that one also at TackleCity.com. I was very skeptical about the Fish-n-Chum just looking at it until I said to heck with it and really tried it out. All I can say, Is I'm no longer a skeptic on it. Take my word on it, it's a sweet year round tool for holding your rods.

[BigDaddy]

I'm using a Power Noodle with a solid rod holder. I have a Lazy Jigger but I'm trying to get this technique down before I try my hand at something different.

[hanson]

BigDaddy-

I think it might take a little experience, and unfortunately some misses before you get it down. I don't think I have it down yet but I also miss fish on bobbers too.

I deadstick with a 32" Thorne Bros rod in my Otter rod holder. I typically just set the last 1 to 2 inches of the butt of the rod in the holder so I can pull it out quickly and with little disturbance. The tip is very sensitive so you can always see the minnow's action. Typically the tip of the rod will start to move up and down a lot more than with a minnow and I'll pull it out and set the hook. Sometimes the fish are so aggressive that they set the hook on themselves and then you just reel them up.

I would compare deadsticking to learning how to watch what is shown on your Vex or Marcum. You get to know which colors are your bait, bottom, etc and when there is a change, you know there is a fish there. Similarly, you know the action of your rod tip with the minnow down there and when it changes, however minor or major it is, you've got a bite.

[Gissert]

Per Rick's request (Thanks, Rick)contact Tom at

[email protected]

for information on getting a Rock N Reel.

[WallEYES]

B/D

I see your from Maple Grove...Why don't you attend one of the metro ice leaderevents on Tonka or Medicine. T-BONE or myself will have the Rock n Reels available and demonstrate how they work. The work with any type of rod. Keep us informed.