Gear

Palmer’s braided line tacklebox

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Photography by
Kyle Jessie
When bass fishing, there’s time to employ finesse tactics, and there’s time to break out the braided line and power techniques. Bassmaster Elite Series pro Luke Palmer has a number of baits that he throws on a baitcaster and braided line.
“When it comes to braided line on a casting rod, it’s all about big rods, heavy cover and big fish,” Palmer said. “I typically lean on braided line when getting the fish through heavy cover to get to the boat is going to be an issue.”
Palmer shows off his braided line of choice for heavy-duty applications.
The Oklahoma pro has a number of braided rods rigged and ready when fishing in the South, especially in Florida.
Palmer starts us out with the heavy-duty flipping setup.
Punching rig with Yum Christie Craw – Falcon Rods Expert Series (Tennessee River Ledge model)
“This is going to be the setup that I turn to when the fish are buried up in really heavy cover,” he said. “As for the bait, I really want something that is streamline like the Christie Craw. It makes penetrating the cover much easier in addition to the heavy weight.”
Texas rig with Yum Wooly Bug – Falcon Rod Cara Series (Amistad Model)
“This is my tried-and-true flipping setup when I still want to use braided line, but a smaller weight,” Palmer said. “The Amistad is the perfect rod for this application because it still has the power to get the fish out of cover, but enough softness in the tip to put the bait where you want.”
Booyah Mobster Swim Jig – Falcon Rods Cara (Amistad or Swim Jig model)
“The swim jig is such a great weapon for covering water when heavy cover is present,” said Palmer. “When it comes to trailers, I really like a swimbait trailer like the Yum Scottsboro Swimbait or a craw-style bait like the Yum Christie Craw.”
Vibrating jig paired with Yum Pulse Swimbait – Falcon Rods Cara (Deep Runner Model)
“I certainly don’t always throw a vibrating jig on braided line, but I definitely find myself doing so more often around heavy cover,” he said. “One thing to keep in mind when throwing a vibrating jig on braid is that you need to soften up your rod choice. The Deep Runner has a soft tip that really handles the bait well.”
Heddon Super Spook – Falcon Rods Cara (Swim Jig model)
“When it comes to the Super Spook, I love how far you can cast it and how much water it allows you to cover,” Palmer said. “That’s why I actually prefer a little bit longer of a rod in the Swim Jig model. It allows me to really maximize my casting distance.”
Smithwick Devil’s Horse – Falcon Rods Cara (Finesse Jig model)
“For me, the Devil’s Horse is a bait that I will throw around specific cover, so accuracy is important,” he said. “I really like the Finesse Jig model because it allows me to make pinpoint casts.”
Palmer also mentioned that a buzzbait is another bait that he tends to throw on braided line.

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