J Francho

I'd be leery of a fibreglass boat...you can find real decent tin cans in that price range.

That bait is missing a prerequisite, LOL.

LC Slim Shad

Its easy to make big generalizations when for the majority, its true. At least around here, it seems that way. Here is one example of the "selection" of sponsors one local kid lists: OAKS CREEK INN ULTIMATE SMARTLINKS LURE SYSTEM PRO STAFF TYLURE CUSTOM BAITS PRO STAFF BASS ANGLER'S GUIDE THE MAGAZINE PRO STAFF BLACKWATER INTERNATIONAL PRO STAFF TORAY USA PRO STAFF BEAR PAW CUSTOM BAITS PRO STAFF TRITON PRO STAFF OMEGA CUSTOM TACKLE PRO STAFF REACTION INNOVATIONS PRO STAFF ARDENT REELS PRO STAFF POWELL RODS PRO STAFF NICHOLS LURES PRO STAFF MUSTAD HOOKS PRO STAFF JACKALL LURES PRO STAFF And he's trimmed this list by at least 1/2, LMAO.

3/8 to 3/4, depending on how deep you want to run, and white, chart., white/chart, firetiger, black, white/blue are all productive colors for me.

I don't think the blades make much difference in the "lift" category, instead I rely on weight, head design, and retrieve speed. That isn't to say I don't bulge Colorado blade baits, or avoid slow rolling double willows....like I said, nothing in stone. I just find a Colorado blade spins better at slow retrieves, and a willow can be burned faster due to less resistance. I think we anglers probably make wayyyy too much out of this stuff most of the time, LOL.

I think Jeff has seen enough competitive bass anglers to recognize the differences between Ike and KVD without having met him. And since when is opinion policed here? It isn't hard to dislike what we see in Ike's on camera behavior, its often uncomfortable to watch, all the fist pumping, fish shaking, screaming, spitting, throwing gear around, breaking equipment. I've seen Ike outside this arena, and what you say is true, he is calm, cool, collected, and seems like a pretty decent guy. KVD isn't immune to being overcome by the spirit of competition either. His comment, "I think Squirrel just dropped a nut!" came as a little surprising and out of character to me. Bottom line, its pretty easy to jump to the same conclusion as flukeman. Look at the results, and look at the footage. And not for nothing, I noticed a bit of a change during the classic in Ike's demeanor, and for the better. I'd like to see him do well, and stay focused, even in discouraging circumstances. The guy is so versatile. He certainly has the raw materials.

Raul, that's backwards from what I bet most do. Any reasoning? Anyway, nothing's written in stone, but I tend to go with willows in high visibility situations, like clear and/or shallow. For low visibility, I like single or double Colorado blades. The tandem blades are great for those "no sure what to throw" moments, and I probably have more of these than anything. One tip, on bright sunny days, I'll downsize the big blade to a #2 or #3 blade. Brands....SWL, Stanley, Terminator.

That was good for a chuckle. ;D

If they are stockies, you'd probably do best with Berkley trout dough, since its formulated to match the commercial feed.

I cut the split ring off, regardless of shape, and use a Duo-Loc snap. I feel you get better action, and i can use a solid Palomar connection. Don't let the convenience of the snap lull you into not retying, though.

I start with e clean reel for these types of things....

These are truly sexy pins: http://www.kingpinreels.com/

I don't really put spool bearings in the same camp as sensitive blanks, premium line, quality bats, etc. I also like upgrading things on my reels, but the gains are minimal for most guys, and for others create problems. If you have the means, and access to the parts, go for it. But also try a fair comparison with properly set up OE bearings, and you'll see what I mean.

I've been throwing mine on a fast action rod, simply because it seems easier to to pop and clear weeds. A fast reel does help. I'm using a St. Croix LTBC70MF "Teaser" with a Zillion SHA loaded with 10 or 12# CXX.

No need to replace the bearings, just soak them in solvent to remove the factory grease, and oil with one drop of Bantam Oil. You'll be able to cast farther than you can set the hook. But I believe they are 3x10x4, off the top of my head.

Find cooler water and weeds. They spawn in creeks at ice out. Season up here opens May 1.

Gently laying your bait on the slop is not punching. Add some velocity, and you'll get through. We have the same stuff up here, even thicker when water levels drop, revealing tops of thick coontail. The Ike rod will work fine, but I'd use a metal framed reel, with a strong drag. I use a Kistler XH/M, Daiwa TD-X103HSDL loaded with 65lb. braid. Pegged 1 to 1.5 oz. TT weight, and 4/0 to 6/0 Owner bent eye SSW hook, snelled.

I'd just keep googlin', something will turn up. A want ad on TT might help, too.

JPF, Platt, Ichiban....

For punching, you want a XH/moderate or mod.-fast rod. As fast tip is a weak point in the rig. You want to distribute the force of the "set and lift" evenly across the blank. Moderate action rods suit this better.

Crazy Germans! http://www.bigcatchtv.de/video/vu0_hechtangeln-als-k-der-dient-eine-digicam-mp4 Note at the end, "How not to hold a pike!"

What are you trying to do?

This rod will cover 90% of all bass fishing. I have several 7' MH/F combos.

I'd just follow the ones responsible around for a few weeks, waiting for them to break ANY law.