Real weeds?

[pikerliker]

I have a question that was ignored on another forum and thought maybe I could get some help here. Have any of you used the new "real weeds" (I believe they are called). If so are they mainly something that is used in shallow water and for suspended fish, or can you use them in deep water 20+ ft? Have you had success on area lakes with them?

Thanks ~piker

[ec30_06]

I have used them from 8-20 ft of water. I have tried them a least a dozen times this year. I have not noticed any improvement in fishing with them down, but they do not scare fish away or make fishing worse. They did make a big mess on mille lacs when a 29" walleye wrapped around them. I will try them this summer at the end of the dock.

[Crappie_Slayer]

I believe they are 25 feet in length. Although the weed is only 5 feet in length at the bottom of the weighted line. I have used them several times with success, although I have also fished without them in the same areas with success. So, I dont know how effective they are. It seems the bluegills and perch are attracted to them more than any other species. Obviously it cant hurt in lakes with little structure.

[harvey lee]

I have used the weeds with pretty good success. I will usually position them in a v position and fish inside the v. Sometimes I will put them in a line and fish one side or the other. I have used them in both shallow water and also in the deeper water for suspended fish.

I have watch these panfish with my camera and they will hoover around this homemade weedbed. In water less than 10 fow, iwill set them so the bottom of the weeds are touching the bottom of the lake. In deeper water if I am marking fish in the lower portion of the water, then I will place them towards the bottom. I have also placed them for suspended for those wandering crappies.

I believe they can be a real asset to you when trying to keep these fish close by.

Here is a link to show you how to place them and other info.

http://www.fishingminnesota.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=907784&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

[Team Otter]

I've seen Tom put these to use and it's pretty fun to watch. The only thing he frowns upon is drilling holes in and around his "weed layout".

[harvey lee]

you got it. please stay away from my fish beds.

[Tyler Holm]

I'm a believer.

The winners of 2 of our 4 panfishing league events have been using ReelWeeds. They come with 40' of cord. I have set them up in 28 FOW several times with success.

One thing I will note, is that they are not magic. You need to use them in spots where fish are present. They will simply hold the fish in your area a bit longer and they will also attract fish. Like I've said before, "It's like setting up decoys to lure in geese" except your doing it with fish.

[katoguy]

That is not a very good analogy. A good analogy would be putting an artificial school of fish in the water while angling!

I know... splitting hairs.

These may help momentarily hold fish, but it puts a damper on mobility. If you sit in one spot, then it may be worth the effort and expense. Some like more toys, but I like minimal stuff while ice fishing so I can keep moving... several rods & reels, a couple very small tackle boxes, a portable heater, a couple buckets, vex 18, and my trap.

Fishing line can cut through real weeds, but not artificial weeds so you may have issues if you hook a large fish.