Just a few questions...

[xjchad]

After a lot of thinking during and since last weeks outings I've got a few questions floating around in my head. I'm sure there's several opinions on each, but I'd love to hear the different points of view.

1.  How many poles do you fish with?
     -I'm thinking at this point I should stick with one, but
      can't help but think. My odds would increase with
      another bait in the water.

2.  Are there any online dealers for fresh mackerel?
     -I don't have much time to fish for them and they're
      not very plentiful up here.

3.  What is the best low profile knot from the 40lb main line to the 80lb shock leader?

Thanks in advance guys!

[spideyjg]

#1 I've started using 2 but only one long rod and the other is a baitcatching rod. I'm hoping to hook a perch, croaker or something to use as fresh bait. After dark fish shut down but rays and small sharks pick up.

#2 I wish but not an option. I go to the asian markets and get the freshest pacific fish I can find. I got 2 small yellowtail at $1.99 a lb and have 10 baits freezing up. BTW the Mackerel in them is from Norway not Pacific macks. They sometimes have baby Bonito but depends the condition.

#3 Don't know.

Jim

[BackBayMan]

1. Depends. I like 3, bait rod, 2 long rods. Once I've got bait, I like to fish 2 long rods if the salad will let me.
2. Asian markets. Some will have pacific macs but it's hit or miss. Same thing with bait stores for frozen.
3. Don't use a shock leader on my spinners. 65-80lb braid straight to leader.

[WheresMyBeer]

#3 ... have been using a 4 wrap uni to 3 wrap uni for my 40/80 connection. Have had no problems or fail whatsoever, but I only run about 12' shot of 80. Flies through the guides easy since its high in the cast load.

[sasquatch]

One rod. Sometimes a small rod for bait but not often.

Happy with my bait shops frozen mack but hit 99 ranch at times.

I use a short spider hitch to make a loop then a no name knot to my leader. Two knots, but smaller profile.

[vdisney]

Used to fish 2, but now only 1.  On a couple of occations I would be doing the "bat drag" and my second rod would go off.......not worth the hassle for me (once Denny picked it up and forgot to level wind it, did not end well).  As far as knots go, I use an Improved Albright.  Verne

[raychavez91]

I fish 2 on occasion, 1 heavy(sharays), plus 1 medium for soaking squid for bass and what not. If I'm going somewhere new, then just 1.
For braid to mono I use an fg knot, its legitly 1of the most low profile knots. And mono to mono(40-80#) I use a uno to uni, on the 40 I'll do 5 wraps, and on the 80 I use 3 wraps, works damn good.
As for Mack's I buy from my local tackle shop or asain market. If they don't have Pacific Mack's, I've found foreign works fine.

[Pinoyfisher]

1)  One rod if from a beach that allows no take. 2 if I 'm allowed to catch something for bait.

2)  Best bet is to catch your own or go to an Asian grocery store and buy the freshest you can find. I typically pick up the macks or bonies and give them a light squeeze to see if theyre mushy.

3)  Uni to uni. But since I've been running straight braid to my rigs recently, line to line connections are no longer needed.

[sasquatch]

Mike, you better look up the dfg definition of take. Pelagics too maybe. Make sure you are good in case you get hit up by a less friendly warden.

[Pinoyfisher]

Mike, you better look up the dfg definition of take. Pelagics too maybe. Make sure you are good in case you get hit up by a less friendly warden.

I stay within the rules, can't afford not to.

[vdisney]

3.  What is the best low profile knot from the 40lb main line to the 80lb shock leader?

Thanks in advance guys!

Just started tying this today.  Been watching Ramon using it for 2 years, guess I'm a slow learner 

http://www.saltstrong.com/articles/fg-knot/

[xjchad]

Awesome, thanks for the advice guys!
Time to tune things up and get out again.
Hoping to start building my own terminal rigs here soon too.
Thanks!