J Francho

When Shimano went from E to G series, I picked up a ton of Curados and Citicas on the cheap from DSG....blew them out the door here on the FM. I actually wish I kept a few for myself.

The Aruku Shad is better in rocks or cover where deflection is key. It has a much broader head than the Redeye, and the faster you reel it, the lower the head dips and protects the hooks from hanging up. I prefer it for working rip rap and boulders. The stock hooks on both are fine. While the finish on the Aruku Shad is more durable than the Redeye, it is subject to getting beat up, like any other bait - if you're doing it right Results of doing it right....

I like A-Jay's suggestions. The only add would be that Optimas would be a good choice, if your moving them around a lot. No juice to spill, and they can take all the handling.

No, that isn't what I said. See the general regulations for NY: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/31421.html You can use artificial baits year round for bass. It's artificial baits only during the catch and release season, Dec. 1 through the 1st Saturday in June (when bass season opens).

Just an FYI....artificials only for bass after Dec. 1 and before 3rd Saturday in June. I usually get the boat on the water end of March early April.

I discovered the stuff when my dad used it to clean the scum off the hull of my aluminum boat. It was literally a spray on, wipe off ordeal.

The stuff I linked to works great on rubber floor mats and gets white letters on tires looking new, too.

I just typed "fto spinnerbait wallet" in a google box and came up with three.

Since I just got off the phone with Gary, and recommended the stuff... Try this, for just about everything. I presoak greased bearings in this, and finish with acetone. I've found it is non corrosive to just about every plastic I've come across. It's great on those nasty, gunked up parts. Use straight from the bottle, but WEAR GLOVES! It's rough on the skin. http://www.lowes.com/pd_166923-24296-PS48532_0__?productId=3377990

3" Minnows and Leeches are deadly when drop shotted for deep smallmouth.

Tournaments are usually fun for me, with the exception of really inclement weather. Even then, the adventure is worth it. I do refer to recreational fishing as "fun fishing," in conversation with other tournament fisherman.

All this stuff fits in a Flambeau AZ 8 bag. I also take a couple of speed bags for plastics, and 4-6 rods. If I can get away with it, I also use a Bac-Rac, but some boats don't accommodate it too well.

I use a Calcutta 200B loaded with 20# P-Line CXX for swimbaits under 3 oz.

I don't know about aluminum, but stainless steel bars are made by many manus, and they work.

I vote kayak, too. You can find roof racks used. Yakima is pretty good, and much less pricey than Thule.

I match the hook to the bait. Keep in mind, there is no standard for sizes. I'd use a completely different hook for a 7" worm than I'd use for a beaver type bait. Owner hooks are about the only brand I'll use these days. They have a hook for just about every bait out there. If you want specific recommendations for baits, post up what you'll be using.

I'm using InvisX and Tatsu, in 6# diameter. I've got one season with Tatsu, and four with Invisx. No reason to switch at this point.

It's gonna be in the 50s here, this weekend.

I would not put any reel in the oven.

Some "technique specific" rods are built with tons of angler input and research, and aren't all that great at anything else. Try using a G. Loomis jig and worm rod for jerkbaits - even if it is the same specs as your jerkbait rod - my experience: yuk! Other companies put an honest effort into helping angler pick a rod that will work for the application. What I don't get is that they feel the need to label EVERY single rod in the lineup with a specific technique. Not really necessary. Others crank me up when they list every technique under the sun for their gen. purpose 7ish foot mh/f rods. Uh, yeah. So, what ploy have fell victim to? Aside from a couple of lines totally under performing, most everything I've tried has caught fish. Rods, reels, lines, baits - all have a time and place. Only once did I have one of those "magic bait" moments, and that's when Berkley Power Worms first came out. Compared to what I was using before, the fish really held on longer. You still had to get bit, though.

I know that Rangers are heavy, but that seemed really heavy. I really didn't think it was an error, just caught me by surprise. My Bullet is light, but not that light. For comparison's sake, my 18' Xpress is heavier, around 1600 lbs. So much for aluminum being "lighter." Which means you really have to look at the specs.

Is it really that much? Holy cow. I had no idea. My 22' Bullet is like 1400.

That could be as little as 600 lbs. or as much as 1600lbs. You're going to have to be more specific. I towed a 900 lb. boat and trailer with my '85 Cherokee Chief (2.8L V6) with no issues starting or stopping.

It's sort of like crossing the streams.

I think Big Mikey 5Bass will be at the Daiwa booth...tell him I said he stinks at fishing.