detroit1

Thanks Popeye, i kinda figured as much. I guess it's just wishfull thinking. :-[

I never use a steel leader even when i'm trying to catch pike. Fishing deep cranks or spinbaits are great, you don't know if it's a huge bass or a pike on your line.

Holy crap! $200 worth just try them out? I wouldn't admit to that....

Am i slightly wounding that critter by NOT buying spoons, in-line spinners,buzzbaits, and big(hard) swimbaits? If i don't buy heavily-metalflaked soft plastics does he say OW! or something? Please list some lure types that you will not buy (anymore) and maybe we could slow that sucker down a notch or two...

7' M for spinning, 7-7'6" M and 7-7'6" MH for the bc's. For me, bc's on anything shorter than 7' is a disaster waiting to happen.

Are you talking "balance" as in matching reel SIZE to rod length/ action, or "balance" as in tip/butt heavy? For me, my crank/spinbait rods are tip heavy, my dropshot rig is "balanced", and my jig/worm rods are butt heavy.

Clear/blue flourescent XL in 6,8,10,12,14 #. I HATE braid and florocarbon, and no stinkin' baitmonkey will change that!

I think that 10# is too heavy, and would go to 6 or 8 instead. And, i may be one of the few, but i like XL in clr/blue . It helps me see the line twitch on lite bites better than a clear or low-vis green. (i am a little long in the tooth)

I use a 7'6" M flippin stick for most of my crankin' & spinbaits, but i use a MH for my deepest cranks and soft swimbaits. A ML would be ok for baits to 3/8 oz., but i'd rather use a spinning outfit. A ML baitcasting outfit would give me fits....

For me, MH is for lures 1/2 oz. or more - which really limits what you throw. A softer M action is more forgiving, easier to learn baitcasting,and will allow you to use more of your baits. jmho...

Great reply Joel- the only thing that i would add is that i like solid-painted cranks (no chrome, gold, or partially clear).White or chartruese with a black back work best for me in the rain. Also, gold would be my blade color for spnrb8s. Get off the water even if lightning can be seen a few miles away...

Andrew - don't be shy of what lake you are going to, (unless it's too small to broadcast), there are alot of Mich. folks out here that may have experience on it, and could give you some local tips and spots.

There's nothing wrong with the color of those fish RW,what's wrong is that I should be holding those gooduns. That rockpile mr. Tim found was unbelievable, wasn't it? Someday i hope to find my own fish barrel and catch 5#ers for an hour or two....

Cranks, especially deep, if i can get them going. When i can't - it's dropshotting, spider jigs, worms, deep spinnerbaits,lipless,and then a few soft swimbaits. I LOVE summertime fishing, but then it rarely reaches 90 degrees where i live.

I have some, but don't use them anymore. Got tired of the line wrapping around it. Now i use Owners.

If you fish one brand and length, it would seem to me that you could figure that one out pretty easily - but if you keep changing brands and length, it will be a little trickier i guess....

About 10 yards with a 6.5ft. bc rod. I cannot fish a bc with a 6.5ft. rod, it's too much like a spincast outfit to me. (can't cast those things either). i think that they are better suited for canoes. I can get at least 3 times that with a 7.5 footer, and i too need the distance for the same reasons as LBH.

I have a nice pair that i got at a jewelry-making fair,small diameter,strong, and are very efficient. They stay in the "museum" at home, and that's where i fix my baits.

No trailers for me, although i tried some back in the day. Maybe they are needed for off-color water, but all my lakes are clear, if that helps.

Thank you Paul Roberts for taking the time to share with us, that was alot of typing, but a Great read. I think Paul has been fishing for awile....

Thanks dave - that's the kind of answer i was looking for.

Just wondering - anybody use a steady - methodical retrieve on anything other than a buzzbait? If so, please tell me what lure type and your success as i don't fish that way and am curious. Whatever i throw gets little tugs,snaps,pauses,twitches,or something. A curly-tail grub is about as close as i get to a steady retrieve, but i still work it a little. Am i missing something?

Raul has it right..try all and let your experience tell you what to do. So what if your bait doesn't "track" perfectly during a retrieve, or rolls or skips a little, all the more to attract a fish. Sometimes i want my cranks "toned down" a little. More importantly- wonder if you are in the right area....

FISH DURING THE DAY....

Raul doesn't shop with a wallet. He shops with a breifcase!