THE SPIN STOPS HERE 

Gary Laden - The Peacock Doc

Some anglers have a preference for spinning gear, but believe that it is not appropriate for peacock bass. This is simply not the case. Numerous anglers have landed some of their largest peacock bass on spinning tackle. Knowing when and where to use this tackle is the key, however. During the course of a fishing day, I will frequently alternate between spinning and casting outfits, as each calls for different casting, reeling and retrieval mechanics and will work different muscle groups of the wrists, arms, shoulders and back , thereby lessening overall fatigue and soreness over the course of a 10-hour grueling fishing day. Spinning rods are very appropriate for casting 4-6” jerkbaits, 1/2 to 1 oz topwater lures and when working ¼ to 3/4 oz. bucktail jigs. A quality spinning rod will tame the toughest peacock bass. A versatile angler should be proficient with both spinning and casting outfits.

Don’t fret if you’ve simply given up on the idea of using baitcasting outfits for peacock bass. Many anglers have great success using only spinning gear. The key is to balance the tackle properly. If you are going to cast large propeller baits on spinning gear, secure a medium/ heavy to heavy action spinning rod and pair it with a smooth reel that can cast 65 lb braided line. If given the choice, however, I do think that the casting outfits allow you more retrieval action, better leverage and power to fight trophy fish (especially if you have large hands and palm your casting reels) and offer less fatigue than spinning gear when fishing large propeller baits.

For those of you who are strictly “baitcast anglers” and think that spinning gear is too light for peacocks, is inaccurate and simply does not measure up to baitcasting gear, think again. Although most anglers proficient with baitcasting equipment can cast very accurately and control the lure by applying thumb pressure to the spool as the line feeds off the reel, they have not yet mastered the concept of feathering the line as it comes off the spinning reel spool to control lure accuracy. After making a cast, your index finger should immediately feel for the line (see photo above at right) as it shoots off the spool. This is like thumbing a baitcast reel and will control distance and accuracy. When you are ready to close the bale of the spinning reel, use the index finger to tighten the line and this will avoid line coils in the spinning reel.

If you’re a frequent traveler to South America, consider purchasing three-piece travel rods (see photo left). High quality break-down casting or spinning rods can be easily carried aboard both commercial and charter flights in short rod tubes that will fit in overhead compartments. They also make it easier on small plane charter pilots who often complain about having to try and find space aboard their planes for 7-foot rod cases.

Spinning tackle is very effective for peacock bass. Although you can certainly use your spinning gear for every lure in your peacock tackle arsenal, this gear is most appropriate when working medium-sized topwater lures, small to medium sized jerkbaits, spoons and bucktail jigs, but is not as effective when fishing large topwater plugs. Secure spinning reels with durable, strong gears and an excellent drag system. Consider a light saltwater spinning reel (as they usually are built to handle tough gamefish) or a quality medium to large freshwater spinning reel (around 11-13 ounces). Make sure that the line roller (the part of the spinning reel that the line glides against when your reel is engaged and a fish is taking out drag) is made of stainless steel or titanium and not plastic. A plastic line roller will develop cuts in it from braided line and eventually cause fraying and failure of your line.

When playing large peacock bass using spinning gear, do not attempt to retrieve line while the fishing is making a run and stripping drag. This will result in line twist inside the spool. Instead, allow the fish to run and, when he stops, or makes a run back to the boat, start retrieving. Use the leverage of the rod to fight the fish and to gain line, but use the reel to bring the line back on the spool. You can also use your fingers on the spool to assist the drag in stopping a fish from running, especially if he is heading for cover, such as stumps, rocks or brush. This takes a bit of practice, as you don’t want to exert so much pressure against the spool that the line breaks. As with any type of tackle, it is best to use the rod to pull in the opposite direction the fish is swimming. When he starts pulling to the left, slowly start sweeping your rod to the right. If he swims directly away from the boat, sweep your rod downwards and towards the boat. Every time he changes direction, use the leverage of the line and the power of the drag to tire him.

Consider spinning gear on your next trip to South America. You will be amazed at how much stamina you will have by switching between baitcasting and spinning gear.