MNGeorge

The number of rods I carry varies from trip to trip, but I usually have 1/2 of what I'm using for the day rigged with some kind of plastic.

The 3/4 oz. ones come with a 4/0 hook.

No apology necessary...it's all good.

Thanks for the response but since the hook is not molded into the jighead, any size hook could be used with any weight head.

1/2 and 3/4 ounce.

Does anyone know what size the hook is on these jigs? TW doesn't know despite the fact they sell them and I can't find any contact info for Bass Patrol on the web. Thanks.

Nice report and really nice pix...looks like a fun little river to fish. The water has been way too high all year on the upper Mississippi to even think about wading, but it's finally coming down now...might get some wading in yet this year.

We've been using them as soft jerk baits for Mississippi River Smallies with good results. Also, when the nose gets too torn up to use, cut off the tail section...makes a very usable swim jig trailer.

I like the Houdini color in the lil dipper...river Smallies like it too.

Grass Pig in Swamp Gas has produced some Smallies for me on the river. They have pretty good swimming action and they hold up fairly well. I've fished it on a weighted swimbait hook (Moaner, of course) and also on a Sling Blade Flutter...caught fish both ways.

With all the recent talk about the keel weighted hook being such a good way to present various soft plastics, I was wondering if anyone has tried a tube on a keel weighted hook. It certainly would have a different drop action than an internal weight or pegged worm weight. I plan to definitely give it a whirl when our Bass season finally opens Memorial Day weekend and I will report my results...just would like to hear if anyone else has tried it already and what their results were.

I'm in with all 3 email accounts.

Not exactly the same circumstance, but I have been asked for some JJ's more than once after out producing my partners with the same bait they were throwing and fishing behind them.

Tubes are an absolute "must have" for Smallies here on the upper Mississippi River. I have some from just about any source you can think of and they all work at one time or another...color is usually the deciding factor more than any other characteristic with length being a distant second. Regardless of who made them, they all get a bath in JJ's before going to the river. The only tube I do not like at all is the Tiki tube from Wave...never caught one single fish on them for some reason.

I just got some Moaner hooks in the mail and sent an email telling them the hooks had arrived and were in good condition. I also asked if they ever thought about offering a 3/8 oz. version. Here's a cut and paste of their response... George, I so glad the hooks arrived already, sure hope they work well for you. As for your inquiry about a 3/8oz, you will be happy to know we have not only considered it but, will hopefully have it available in the next few weeks. We have been testing them and making a few revisions to be sure they are just right. If you just check back to our website from time to time, they will be available in 5/0 & 6/0 shortly. Thanks for the reply, Matt

You should find some Walleye boards to advertise those Spottail Shiners...Spottails are a mainstay Walleye bait in some parts of Minnesota. I bet you could sell a bunch of them.

Nothing wrong with the Moaner hooks, but they only go up to 1/4 oz. Many times in the current of the upper Mississippi, 1/4 oz. is not sufficient to keep the bait on or even near the bottom. Reaction Strike makes weighted swimbait hooks in weights up to 5/8 oz. and hook sizes up to 10/0. I looked on our major sponsors' websites, but couldn't find Reaction Strike on any of them. They are available from TW, however.

Used to be a big Paca Craw fan until I tried some Rage Tail Craws...now I'm pretty much all Rage Tail when I'm fishing a craw. I haven't tried the Lobster yet, but the regular Rage Tail Craw and the Baby Rage Tail Craw have both brought many a Mississippi River Smallie to the boat.

Welcome from another Minnesotan.

Welcome from another Minnesotan.

Welcome from another Minnesotan.

X2...many Mississippi River Smallies have come to the boat hooked to a Pointer 78, my favorite hard jerk bait also.

Back in Minnesota, safe and sound. Great trip, despite some wild weather, and especially great to finally meet some folks in person. I'm already looking forward to Roadtrip VII, where ever it is.

I got your PM, despite there was no notice of it here. I sent you a reply just to see if it goes through. Your PM answered my question...see you sometime Sunday.

Lund Explorer, check your PM's.