docks are going to be my main focus. i’ve got on a 1/2- oz d & M Baits chatterbait with a Zoom watermelon fluke trailer. i used superglue to hold it on better and i’m using 40-lb braid. i haven’t had any problems breakin’ off or losin’ in pilings -it cuts the grass good- some guys fish on fluoro; but the braid is more sensitive and it makes my whole rod and reel rattle. i feel it a lot better with braid. You can feel everything from when you get stuck on a blade of grass or hit a pole or if he just ticks it, with braid, i know more of what is going on.
WB: It seems like a lot of guys say crankbaits for this time of year - what about you? BAILEY: i do throw crankbaits and i got one on it just recently; but it was killin’ me thinkin’ that every cast i could be throwing a chatterbait. it is something i might try practice with a shallow 1.5 in bluegill or shad and throw into the shade pockets and see if they’ll eat. if they will eat it then it’s something that may work better come 11:00 a.m. when it slows down; because it is more subtle.
WB: How long before you stop throwing the chatterbait? BAILEY: once the water hits the 60’s, i will put it down and start fishing the swimbait more.
WB: Tell me about fishing the Punker? Bailey: i’m using 65-lb Sonic braid with a 30-lb monofilament leader. it gives the bait a better action. mono is stiffer than braid; so when you go to walk it, it doesn’t get fouled up as much because it sticks it out in front of the hook. The irod
large Swimbait rod makes walking this effortless -this rod is money. i am adamant about this rod with a Punker, because the right rod gives the bait the right action, i’m tryin’ to get that chuggin’ noise with the Punker and a lot of rods require too much work to work it right. When you cast the Punker up shallow, let it sit until the rings disappear, if you’re fishing in more open water with some chop, you don’t have to worry about that as much.
WB: Earlier, you mentioned how the bite slows down as it progresses into mid- morning - Is the feeding always as pro- nounced morning and af-
Issue 5
October 2012
47