Fish finder rig info

[Scott]

Hi all. I’m getting ready to go on vacation this Friday and hope to catch some summer flounder. We mostly drift and troll for them using minnows and squid strips. The rig setup I have been using is the wire double with a sinker at the bottom using pre made green bucktails. I have been reading about the fish finder rigs and I would like to make my own rig. I’m looking for the following info:  supplies list, what lengths to cut, suggested knots, suggestions on how to put it together and any other helpful info. I’m not sure how many here are familiar with Chincoteague Bay but most of the water is fairly shallow there. Also we fish for fun nothing too serious. I’m just looking to try some new tactics. Thanks for any help.   

[Capt. Ed]

Hi Scott,

Are you using braid? That is the single best thing to improve your catch ... and it matters for the fishfinder. There are "braid resistant fishfinders (i.e. they are yellow, blue, etc. - not white - those are for mono).

Please see picture below:

1. I put a red/orange #8 bead on (this protects the rod tip if you reel up too far.

2. Then slide on the fishfinder.

3. Then another bead red/orange #8 bead (to protect the knot you are about to tie.

4. Tie a uni knot to a good barrel swivel (90 lb. or so).

5. Then tie a leader with a snelled 4/0 english (kahle) hook to the other end of the barrel swivel.

6. Add the weight you need.

Can be used for many species including fluke, sea bass and stripers.

Please note pcitured is the "white" fishfinder for mono. Ask the Bait and Tackle shop for the braid resistant ones if you are using braid.

Good luck,

Capt. Ed

[Scott]

Hi Scott,

Are you using braid? That is the single best thing to improve your catch ... and it matters for the fishfinder. There are "braid resistant fishfinders (i.e. they are yellow, blue, etc. - not white - those are for mono).

Please see picture below:

1. I put a red/orange #8 bead on (this protects the rod tip if you reel up too far.

2. Then slide on the fishfinder.

3. Then another bead red/orange #8 bead (to protect the knot you are about to tie.

4. Tie a uni knot to a good barrel swivel (90 lb. or so).

5. Then tie a leader with a snelled 4/0 english (kahle) hook to the other end of the barrel swivel.

6. Add the weight you need.

Can be used for many species including fluke, sea bass and stripers.

Please note pcitured is the "white" fishfinder for mono. Ask the Bait and Tackle shop for the braid resistant ones if you are using braid.

Good luck,

Capt. Ed

Thanks Ed I have been using mono line. What benefits make it worth switching out for the braid? I'm still new to all the fishing tackle. I know enough to be dangerous and have been fishing for about 5 yrs but am just now starting to get into the science of fishing for the flounder  . Also in regards to #5 on your list what length should this leader be? I know he is looking up for his food so I'm guessing a leader that is to long would be floating to high above his line of sight? Thanks again

[Capt. Ed]

Hi Scott,

I start with a leader of 30". If I am not catching, I start shortening it, especially it fast current.

For me, braid (I use 50 lb. Power Pro) has no stretch and lets you "Feel" the bottom. It allows me to feel slight hits and set the hook more reliably than mono, especially in deep water. There are some other benefits, but those are the most important to me.

Good catching,

Ed

[Hotrod]

I have that set up on 2 poles with braid and 2 with mono.  Last outing with 6 oz'z in 5' of water I couldn't feel the bottom with my Mono lines, Switched to braid and it was like night and day..

[Scott]

Hi Scott,

I start with a leader of 30". If I am not catching, I start shortening it, especially it fast current.

For me, braid (I use 50 lb. Power Pro) has no stretch and lets you "Feel" the bottom. It allows me to feel slight hits and set the hook more reliably than mono, especially in deep water. There are some other benefits, but those are the most important to me.

Good catching,

Ed

Ed is your leader braid also or is it something else? Thanks

[Capt. Ed]

Hi Scott,

The leader is 30 lb. fluorocarbon or a line I like from California, Izorline. Any decent mono should work.

I do vary the leader strength depending where I am fishing. I use, approximately:

1. 20-30 lb. for deep, rough bottom
2. 15-30 lb. for sandy bottom

I try to use a leader that will hold up to the punishment of the area I am fishing and yet break-off if I am snagged. I would rather lose the hook than the weight these days.

Good questions ... sorry I missed these details,

Capt. Ed

[Scott]

Hi Scott,

The leader is 30 lb. fluorocarbon or a line I like from California, Izorline. Any decent mono should work.

I do vary the leader strength depending where I am fishing. I use, approximately:

1. 20-30 lb. for deep, rough bottom
2. 15-30 lb. for sandy bottom

I try to use a leader that will hold up to the punishment of the area I am fishing and yet break-off if I am snagged. I would rather lose the hook than the weight these days.

Good questions ... sorry I missed these details,

Capt. Ed

Thanks Ed this is the kind of info I'm looking for.

[mboy]

Ed's the man!

[fnsmag]

I used this basic fishfinder rig last week and had my best day of the season...5 keepers and 2 throwbacks...I think I'm gonna stay with the K.I.S.S. method of flukin