J Francho

I wonder why everyone seems to think that whet they're smelling is what the bass are getting from the product. I'll bet it isn't. The odor you smell is either a mask, or a byproduct of what is in the stuff that is actually drawing and/or holding the bites. I tend to think its the latter. For the record, it does smell JUST like rotting shad.

I'm wanted in several states for crimes against municipal sewer systems. Yes, I am actaully full of ----! ;D

Or a BiC lighter

I too like the GYCB double tail and single tail grubs - and not just for swimming jigs. Something we do for northerns, but have caught bass on is using a swimbait on a jig as a trailer. We used Big Hammers: http://www.***.com/descpageSWMBIGHAM-BHSBT.html

4-8 That was the real purpose of the trip. I think the cranking batt is shot. We only got about 20 cranks before she died. Now, for why the thing turns over on the 1st crank in his driveway is another issue, LOL.

Snap swivels were not made for attaching baits, they were made for attaching weights to your line. They complicate the rig, fail often, and foul more often. We use them when river fishing bottom bounce rigs and slinky weights. The reason I use a Du-Loc snap is not really to make it easier to change baits, but because the baits action is better and I get to use a Palomar connection, which is a very strong knot. I use the same for hard rip/jerk baits and cranks. Over half my baits already have a Duo-loc on the nose. I cut the split rings off as well - they often cause the bait to run foul, and the knot is stringer when tied to the snap, and will never get caught in the split ring's gap. Retie after every fish, regardless of line condition. Check your line and knot every five casts or so, more often if you're fishing heavy cover. When in doubt, retie. Don't let convenience trump a solid connection.

Thanks.

I only peg when casting into wood or pads. Keeps the line between the weight and the hook from draping over cover. I know I like the looks of the bait action better when the weight is free. I don't think it matters in most cases.

Palomar to a Duo-Loc snap.

I have a Thule. Works fine for me.

Wood is tough, but I would also think a pegged t-rig would work out well. Also consider an Arkie jig.

Pump-pump-pump-sweep....pause....long pause.....repeat. That's a start. You can do a ton of things with it - the more you put into it, the more action you get. Note what you were doing when you get bit, and repeat that cadence.

Just curious, why weedless? I love using Bite Me! Big Dudes in 3/4 oz. My deepest is from about 42 FOW, though the fish probably were taking it at about 25-30 feet down. I drag tubes in 30 FOW all the time. Yes, I do lose some, but its worth it.

Truthfully, I like any chance to fish, any time of year. I do like the end of April and October for concentrations of big fish up here. June is what I picked because it coincides with spawn here. I also love the dead of summer, either fishing at night, or jigging the slop

Pink.

3:1 100:78

Berkley Powerbait Trout Worms.

Met up with our club president, Mitch, 8:00 AM this morning to mainly make sure his boat as in tip top shpae for our trip to SML in VA in less than two weeks, and maybe to get some fishing in. We get to the lake, and the "5-15" mph winds are really about 25-30 mph blasting non stop from the north, in a North-south lake. We get the boat launched, I park the truck, and hop in. The wind is blasting so hard, the TM is having trouble keeping her moving in a straight heading. We were able to get out into open water, and Mitch turns the key. The motor is cranking, but it isn't catching at all. Then the worst happens - cranking battery dies. I jump on the bow and man the TM, while Mitch takes a look at the batts. Then we see KaseV, kittasou, and bassguy9 in Cam's boat trolling toward the launch. They get closer, and Cam asks for a jump! LOL, yeah right, we're dead in the water too. Mitch is all disappointed because the motor turned over on the 1st crank in his driveway, and he was really looking forward to fishing with me (he didn't draw me last year). We try to fish around the ramp, but the wind is just wayyyyy too much. Our only hope was to get to the somewhat shielded north end. Fat chance, now we have to figure out how to get the boat on the trailer with nothing but the TM and a hard blowing wind at the port side when retrieving! Mitch was a stud with the TM, and I only got one foot wet, making a running leap from the bow to the shore, LOL. Got the truck, and Mitch perfectly slipped the boat on the trailer. Had to make a minor adjustment before cranking her up, but it was relatively painless. So, boats on the trailer, we're all strapped in, and its only 10:00 AM - nice trip!!! That's OK. I knew there would be some drama, as I've owned a boat, and the first dunk never goes without issue, LOL. So, we got back to our meeting point, and called it a day. I decided to make the most of what was left of the morning to hit a few ponds. Got to Pond B and broke out the crankbaits, and started casting. There three teenagers crappie fishing, but not catching anything. After about 10 minutes, with the wind howling, they left. I tried calling Kase since he lives right around the corner, but my phone was dead. Make a few more casts, and catch a dink. This fish ate the darn crank fully. About ten more casts, and another fish, a little better, but still a dink at about 15". I start moving down the bank, to cast at a narrow angle to the shoreline into the wind, and after a couple casts to a "highly productive structure" I feel a "GLUMP" and then a head shake. Nice and easy pressure, and Woa! This is a decent fish! I got it in, and again, this was obviously a case of giving the fish what they wanted, LOL. I got the fish unbuttoned, and weighed, a nice 4-8. Best fish of the year. I'll change my avatar soon So, all's well that ends well! And, oh BTW: I get home, and Mitch left a message. Boat started right up in his driveway, LOL.

I choose line (and rod and reel) based on cover. For working heavy weed cover, 50 or 65# braid.

The dough works alright, sometimes. try the little pink worms under a float or bottom bounced

Did you try contacting Zebco? http://www.quantumfishing.com/cust_service/parts.htm Hmmm... $10, LOL http://cgi.ebay.com/Quantum-621-baitcasting-rippin-reel-used_W0QQitemZ320357891908QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20090408?IMSfp=TL090408157008r33486

Palomar > Duo-Loc > Crankbait.

These guys are worthless, bottom of the barrel, scum of the Earth.

You should be able to learn any type of cast, and be accurate with either. You can also control a spinning rod by feathering the line with your finger. Where a baitcaster will shine is in the way it handles heavier baits and heavier lines. Speaking of line, there virtually no line twist with baitcasting gear. I think there is also an advantage in the velocity of the bait when cast, especially on windy days. Modern baitcasting reels have superb braking systems, and once set up right for the bait and conditions, you can really whip a bait so it cuts through the wind and hits your target. The last advantage is more a personal preference. I find a casting rig much more comfortable in regards to hand and arm position for a day of fishing. you're hands are both at about the same level, keeping you shoulders and back in better alignment. With spinning gear, you cranking side is always haunched a bit. A couple simple rules of thumb (not gospel): Line <= 8# diameter: use a spinning reel, any heavier, go with a baitcaster. Baits <= about 1/4 or 3/8 oz.: use a a spinning reel, 3/8 and heavier, use a baitcaster. There are exceptions, but it usually requires specialized gear.

And my buddy Cam's 6-0: