THE SPINDOCTOR HAS A PRESCRIPTION FOR LINE MANAGEMENT
Heralded as one of the best sight fisherman in the world, Shaw Grigsby has relied heavily on spinning tackle to amass over a million dollars in earnings as a professional bass angler.
The success that Shaw has enjoyed throughout his career is not the product of just his sight fishing talent, but a testimony to his versatility and ability to adapt to the ever-changing conditions found on the professional bass fishing circuit.
It is this versatility that leads Shaw to reach for spinning tackle 80% of the time that he is on the water. "With the quality of equipment available today, I can use a spinning combo for just about every application out there,” he said. "I can tie on a topwater and cast it a mile or throw a finesse bait with pin point accuracy.
"With heavier line, I can flip a worm into thick cover or skip a tube way back under a dock. I can even back off and fish a drop shot rig. All of this can be done with the same rod and reel setup. In certain situation spinning tackle has always been the best choice. However, with the advances in both equipment and fishing line, I can use this gear in almost every situation.”
Shaw’s preferred choice in spinning equipment is the Quantum’s E30PTi-A reel seated on his signature series performance tuned Quantum spinning rod. The S6105 spinning rod is a 6’ 10” medium action rod with a parabolic tip. The added flexibility throughout the entire rod allows Shaw to use this set up for everything from drop-shotting with eight-pound test line, to flipping heavy cover with a worm and braided line.
Line Management
One of the concerns about spinning tackle has always been line management.
Twist, loops and even overruns are often associated with spinning gear.
Shaw offers a few tips to help ensure proper performance when using this type of equipment. "First thing is I always close the bail with my hand as opposed to turning the reel handle,” he explained. "This prevents ‘spinning of the line’ which, in turn, causes looping.
"After closing the bail, I will give the line a slight pull. This tightens the line as it starts back on the spool preventing overlaps.”
Lightweight lures are not a problem with spinning tackle, provided you employ the necessary line management tips Shaw provides. "If you are using light baits, like a floating worm, often times you will be reeling in slack line,” he said. "This also causes overlaps and will lead to more problems.
"I place the rod tip in the water as I work the bait. The water provides constant pressure on the line and keeps it tight.
