Northwest Fishing Reports

Have never used these before, and I'm going to try for the first time. I have a Lucky Craft Pointer 78SP and a Rapala X-Rap XR-8. What type of knot should I use, a palomar knot or a loop type knot (like a rapala knot)? I recently read about the San Diego jam knot as well for fluoro.

Also, how much will using fluoro line effect the suspendinig action? And, because the water is so cold, how much should I reel, and jerk or sweep the lure? How long should I let it sit? I know it's going to be "what the fish wants," but just a general guideline would be good. Thanks!

Some info here;

link

I tie a regular knot, however to get more action a lot of people will tie that loop knot. I've never been able to tie that knot. It's a good time to use it right now until summer. I like to use 8lb fluro with a fairly stiff rod, medium action, you need a stiff rod to give the bait more action. I like using spin cast for jerk baits, just to cast them farther, but mostly I want the smaller diameter line to have jerk bait dive more.

The bait's name, jerk bait, you really jerk on it, it gives it a crazy action. I typically will do a double jerk and let it sit for a few seconds. At times they'll want different cadences, some times a one jerk or three, or maybe a slower jerk. A good rule of thumb is how warm the water is, slow it down with longer pauses right now, when the water warms up you can speed it up.

One more thing, jerk baits are great for covering water, also it seems to be better with some chop on the water.

Good Luck!

They are great all around baits you had good info given. I got into them over here in WY they catch everything!

The X-Rap is by far my best producing lure for bronzies and lmb. I have no clue about the best technique
in the colder months but when the waters warm,the more eratic,the better. Something like a twitch,twitch,pause,crank twitch....etc. I'm hoping to meet up with you folks from the club and I'll bring the x-rap arsenal.

If the baits have the tie ring on them just tie the palomar. If they only have the tie eye the loop will be needed. The loop will make the lure have better action.