There hasn't been many technique threads on here lately so I thought I'd throw one up for discussion. With area rivers on the rise, leaves are a problem......especially for those pulling plugs. Just curious what technique some of you use to keep leaves off your plugs? Yesterday, I tried a bead chain 5 ft above the plug. I also left an inch long tag from the knots that connected the bead chain to my mainline for extra "grab" It worked ok but I still fought leaves on my plugs. We hooked fish but it was a frustrating day.

Other thoughts?

Thats the only technique Ive heard too Eric. I have been leafed out before. Arrrghhh

I know what you mean about all the debris from the recent rains. I'm a plug pulling fool...what I usually do is run a swivel about 4 feet up the main line. With all of the crap I saw yesterday in the water, I don't know of anything that would have kept the plugs clear of leaves, branches, etc. What really got my goat was all the litter floating down the river left by scumbags on the bank. Fishinfreak and I spent some time cleaning up the bank yesterday before we left our fishing area. I must be a dumb F***, but someone please explain to me why some folks can carry full cans down TO the river, but can't carry EMPTY ones back out!

How about half-hitching a rubber band or two on that bead chain? Can't remember where I heard that one, but can't take credit for it either. Haven't fished from a boat since I heard it so can't comment on it's value. Seems like it might provide for some added deflection though.

Try a trolling rudder, it works as well as anything. I use this mostly with spinners but have used it with plugs too