Use this thread to talk about the tackle that terminates your line, such as weights, snap swivels, leaders etc.
Be Fishers of Men, You catch, He Cleans Trophy Life Member and Proud of it. You got a problem with that?

I enjoy fishing with Tungsten weights because of there small size and extreme sensitivity, but they are very expensive.

I would like to try Ultra Steel, as an alternative.

But first can anyone give any feedback on whether Ultra Steel is good.

Yes, tungsten is expensive. I feel that it is worth the expense as I lose less due to not getting hung up. Three tungsten dropshot weights cost me less than what I used to spend on a pack of smokes and last a lot longer! Tom
Fishin' fool in NE Illinois

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question, you are probably right about buying the Tungsten weights. I will continue buying them.

 

 

Know I have a second question. How do you feel about using Flourocarbon leaders on Carolina Rigs, etc...

I ALWAYS use flourocarbon leaders except when I am using steel or any other metal leader.  That is probably because of my salt water experiences...

 

 

LM since 2005 Bushwacker Deputy Sherif from S.E. Pa.

You guys are fast at answering these questions.

This is probably my last question I can think of(at least for now).

What is the best way to cut braided line, because pliers don't work well.

You need a scissors to cut braided line.
Be Fishers of Men, You catch, He Cleans Trophy Life Member and Proud of it. You got a problem with that?

I like Fiskars for Kids. They cut braid really well and have a rounded tip so that you don't stab yourself if you sit down with them in the wrong pocket. And inexpensive to boot! When using Fluoro leaders, don't use the same fluoro as you would for a main line, spend the money and get leader material, It's worth it. Tom
Fishin' fool in NE Illinois

best size and type hooks for hooking med. to large shiners? also pros and cons of lip hookin bait as opposed to back hooking? Any advice is welcomed

I like Circle hooks for live bait as they seem less likely to gut hook a fish. As far as size goes, I let the bait and target species determine that-anything from a #4 to a #00. Hope this is some help. On where to hook, you almost need to experiment to see what works best for what you are fishing for. Don't forget to try tailhooking. Tom
Fishin' fool in NE Illinois

What style and brand of hooks would you guys recommend for a general panfish hook? Sorry if I'm being to broad, as I don't doo much panfishing.

 

Could you use the same hook for crappie-rigging minnows as you could rigging a Crappie Nibble or Nitro Gem? Would you get the same hook-up success, or are special hooks needed to rig these different baits?

 

Thanks,

 

-Dane

God Bless America! Support Our Troops!

Dane: My ideal hook for panfish would be an Octopus Circle hook with gold finish in sizes 6-14. Unfortunately, they don't seem to exist. I like tying my own snells as it gives me more control over leader material and length. Just wish I could find the right hooks, I'm making do with red and black hooks but find myself wishing for a gold finish especially when fishing for Perch! Tom
Fishin' fool in NE Illinois

i use a size 6 octopus hook.
fishin in eastern PA