Well, Yesterday morning at about 4am I decided I was gonna go on a lil fishing trip. So I stopped at walmart to get a few things for the trip. Anyways, I picked up a Berkley Fusion rod, and a thing of Trilene Big Game 25# line. I was hoping to catch some big cats, had a 5/0 hook on with a nightcrawler, and a 1 oz slider weight. The second cast, I got a baby cat, about 2 lbs, and less then 9 in.

However, after a few more casts, I noticed the slider weight was catching on the knot for the hook. Does anyone have a suggestion to prevent this? I did have several hits after this, but no hookups. Now, I've got a leader on there now (I didn't have yesterday) But this may still be an issue even with the leader knot. Should I Place a bead between the knot and the weight to help prevent this in the future?

I'm thinking about heading out again tomorrow to do some more fishing. Can't wait!

Scott: I always use a bead or two with a sliding weight, keeps the weight from hanging and protects the knot. Tom

Thanks for the info. That's what I was thinking after I started looking at it...Now that it's decent weather, I'm gonna try to hit at least the local lake every day I have off.

I've never had use for a leader when fishing for whisker fish. 

I slide a sliding sinker on the line, followed by a couple beads, tie snap swivel to line, attatch hook of choice.  Only one knot to tie and potentially fail then.  

If you're looking for big cats, then you should be fishing with live green sunfish- the big Flatheads love 'em.   Make sure to only catch live bait from the waters you are fishing, as transporting from one body of water to another is a no no in order to help control the spread of VHS disease.  

Good luck and tight lines!


.