djmax22

I would suggest getting the lightest reel and rod combo possible. If you ever have to throw a jerkbait all day you will thank me later.

The Norman DD22 is one of my favorite cranks in the box. I usually have a lucky craft tied on one rod and DD22/deep lil'N tied on another rod. The suspending models are good, but prefer the non-suspending DD22 probably b/c it doesn't come in my favorite pattern. I like cranking them down pause and letting them float back-up a few feet before cranking them back down. Like most suspending cranks some have tendency to float so you might want to get yourself some suspend strips.

Look in the Flea Market someone is selling a 6'8"M avid for 100 bucks! That is a killer deal. If I was a St Croix guy I would be all over that rod.

I would say no to braid and get some CXX or Maxima 25# test. I have never personally sent a swimbait flying with braid, but after a birdnest or two from hell you will be wishing you had mono. I would also try to pick up a Lunker Punker Jr, small Slammer, or a Wake Jr depending on your budget for some good surface action. Good luck!!!

Last year I threw a lot of shakey head with various worms. My favorite worms were the Jackall Flick shake 5.8. However, I fished anything from a Zoom trick worm all the way up to a 11" Netbait needle worm. The Berkley power worms, roboworm, and senkos worked too. Basically, I came to the conclusion any worm will work, but I has more confidence with the Jackall when the bass had lockjaw.

LMAO. Loomis rods are made in WA not China. Give me a break :

I doubt that many on this board have fished with the new energy (I have not), but rather are just promoting Quantum b/c they are brand loyal. I do know several people on this board that love their MGs. I can only speak for the MG, I have 3 of them and believe this is one of the best reels Shimano has ever made. The question you need to ask yourself is do you want a proven product or take a chance on a new reel (that could be great) from a company that has had known baitcaster durabililty issues.

You would think, but I have still had more success with the Minus-1

X2. This reel is a homerun!!!

Never used this rod, but I think it is a telescopic version. I love my BCFR894 you might want to look at that rod as well.

This is a fair deal. I sold one on the auction site for 85 a couple weeks ago.

I'm not sure the Wake Jr. is a better value. Better made yes, but for the price of a Wake Jr. you can get two slammers. Both are awesome swimbaits. I agree with the st-41's just to be safe, but I have never straighten out a 36 either.

I fully agree, I just don't think guys should have to remortgage the house to get them,lol. The big aim on the baits I am bringing to market is COST/QUALITY I plan to offer the slammer type bait modified to be what the others are not Owner hooks, bulletproof finish, high end O-rings, BOTTOM PATTERNS,....... for $25. 2 for $40. That's a 50% savings when compared to the ones out there now!!!!! With this economy, I hope this helps get more guys into the swimbait scene. I understand where you are coming from, but to be honest most junkies don't mind paying for a high quality hand-made swimbait. It does amaze that these makers slap crappy hooks and split rings on their swimbait. Good luck with your product. How about sending me a free sample. :D

One more thing, I really hate the rubber fins on this swimbait. It makes the lure look cheap.

I think it supposed to sink. Mine sinks but doesnt swim well. Here is a great article I found after I bought mine. http://www.calfishing.com/reviews/trout_plugs/castaic_t-29/index.html

The 7" slammer maybe the best topwater lure ever made. I do like the Wake Jr, the clack clack clack sound it makes on a slow retrieve is killer. Both are must haves in any swimbaiters arsenal.

I have one and they are OK. Definitely not worth $129. They go around $30-$60 or so on the auction site depending on the model color. This swimbait is hit or miss. From what I have read some sink, some suspend and some float. I got one that sinks. Really you won't know what you got until you take it out on the water. I rarely use mine and I am just holding onto it as a collectors piece (probably worthless since they are made in Mexico). I think there are much better options for the money. Sorry to rain on your parade.

How could the LC pointer be missing from any winter lure list?

LMAO. I know exactly how you feel.

If your going to shell out the money for a Legend Tourney just go ahead and pony up and get a Loomis IMX. The Avid is probably the best value out of the rods you have selected. I saw one in our flea market a few days ago cheap!

I would chose this in 2/0 for large wakebaits. http://www.***.com/descpage-OSH2XBC.html

If you have all the paperwork, box, and the reeel is excelltent condtion you can get around $85 on Ebay. I sold one last week that went for $85.

No. Save yourself the headache and go with mono 20-25# test. I like either Maxima or Pline CXX. Why doesn't braid do well with swimbaits ? Please explain. I never use braid with my swimbaits, copolymer or mono only. Here is a link that tells you a few problems with braid and swimbaits. http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1236012994/2

No. Save yourself the headache and go with mono 20-25# test. I like either Maxima or Pline CXX.

I'm not sure. Supposedly after burning a rattln' crank the bass tend to get weary then you want to switch to a silent runner. I got a few of the New Bomber switchback cranks where you can turn on and off the rattle. I am waiting to see if it make a difference. Another loud lipless crank is the Strike Kind 3/4oz diamond shad.