Tricks for fishing in weeds

[mamab]

It seems we're always getting our lines caught in the weeds. Is there a trick for getting out of them? How much does the bait and hook make in getting out tangle free?

[miavassallo]

Thats a really great question... unfortunately, I cant answer it for you because I am always getting my line stuck in the weeds too!

[chipinoh]

I like using topwater lures like the rat when fishing for bass - it's just about as weedless as it gets.

[FourBear]

When I fish in a weeded area, I usually end up reeling in weeds instead of fish!

[miavassallo]

Yeah... at the pond that we fish in all of these weeds are also growing in through the bottom of the water all over the place. When I do hook a catfish or something, I can barely pull it through all of the underwater weeds... but if I dont get anything, then I just reel in a bunch of goop and weeds and junk.

[FourBear]

If there is a lot of bottom weeds, I find that I get stuck less often if I don't let the bait settle to the bottom.

[eldragon]

Aren't there specific types of artificial bait and hook configurations for weed fishing?

[mamab]

I've never tried a rat lure. Is there one that just stands out, one that you have no problems recommending? Is there a special way to present them and reel them in?