..and then the Canal Gods laughed

[labrax]

I have limited experience at the Canal, but I have upgraded my gear this year to a 10' Tica rod (2-8oz), a couple of used 704 reels (30lb fireline on one and 80lb Whiplash on the other). I did pick up a spool on Ande 50lb to use as leader material. Used 40lb last year.

Last year I used a older fiberglass rod (mid 60's Lamiglas) with a 6501 conventional and a Daiwa Sealine with a 6500SS both with 20-25lb mono, and a 710z with 20lb fireline. The Daiwa was rated 1-5 oz, but really 3oz is the max that you want to use with that rod. It could not handle the larger jigs that were needed when the current was ripping.

I believe your Salt Stick is limiting your ability to use the heavier jigs. It is rated to 4oz, but 3oz is probably more the actual limit of the rod as manufacturers seem to overrate their gears capabilities.

The Avenger reel is probably fine, but the 704 is a rugged reel. Might want to see if you can score a used spool and get some 50 or 65lb braid on it. Use a 40 - 50lb leader and use a quality snap on the end.

Definitely listen to what the more experienced guys say. I am a rookie at this, but did feel like I was not able to effectively fish during periods when the current was really running last year, and focused more on the near-shore areas, so that is why I got a rod that could handle the task this year.

[ThrowingTimber]

Take ditch's advise, Powers advice these are two guys know their chit and KNOW via first hand experience what they are talking about.


I run a lighter leader and I tie a semi dry knot so if I hang up I break at the knot.

Good luck, I'm horrible in the canal.. I couldnt catch a fish there with an eel hanging outta my waders..

[Mike P]

It seems to me that even in the past, plenty of guys didn't believe in a fair fight That was especially true in the days of $3.25/lb with no closed season You had $100 worth of fish on the end of the line, when $100 was worth $100, you didn't want to level the playing field

Remember when many of the then-gods used rigs like Harnell or "5M" meatsticks and Squidders loaded with 45 or 50# Dacron? That was as thick, if not thicker, than today's 80# superbraid.

And for every guy like Flap or Ski who ran 16# tournament Ande on the flats, there were guys running 30# mono on Mitchell 388s. Some guys even threw eels on Squidders and Abu 7000s with heavy mono--up to 40 or 50# test. I know--I tangled with quite a few over the years

I kind of split the difference with 20# pink Ande.

There are places where you just can't fight fair--like around the bridges. You need to stop and turn a fish. They get around those pilings, they're gone. Mono or braid--doesn't matter. Barnacles cut any line.

To tell you the truth, I'm still a conventional guy at heart. I like using my Newells for jigging. I use the "new gear" in a few places for specific reasons---casting distance, drag performance (yes, it's true--not a single conventional in my collection has the drag and cranking power of my Saltiga 6000-Z spinning reel), and the fact that the All Star 1209 fishes much better as a spinning rod. I use it in places where I have to stop a fish in its tracks.

As I've gotten older, I tend to use spinning gear more and more for throwing plugs. For the plain and simple fact that it's easier. 30-50# braid helps me match most conventionals for distance. Accuracy suffers a little bit, but with practice you can come close. If you like a fair fight, spinning gear and 30# Stealth is a more sporting outfit than a Newell 229 and 25# mono. Trust me--the mono's stronger, and more forgiving because 100 yards of mono will stretch anywhere from 15-25 yards before it breaks

[zimmy]

5 string- even after you get your gear in order, expect to get beat sometimes. I have posted this so don't mean to repeat myself...but I got beat at a spot on the canal by getting cut off after turning the fish. I also lost an other fish on the same rig in a different state but under similar conditions. So I upgraded to an all-star 1209, abu 7000cl with 80lb whiplash w/ 50lb mono leader. Again last fall same spot in the canal, same week, same tide another real good fish hooked. Had it on for what felt like forever, finally got it turned and thought I had it beat. Felt the rubbing and bang its off. I almost lost my mind. I have talked to a bunch of people and a couple guys suggested what J Powers said about giving slack. If I get the opportunity again and have the guts to do it I might try it. Point is I guess no matter how prepared you are they are gonna beat you sometimes under canal conditions. Best you can do is be as prepared as possible.