MSPbass

I've been looking at these myself lately. In fact, I checked out the Fenwick Techna AV 7'6" at Cabela's just this week and I asked the sales guy the exact same question. I don't know if anyone's seen this trick before, but it completely sold me. He had me hold the the rod in my hands while he took a few steps back and put the tip to his throat. I was like, "What's this kook doing?" And then he started talking. I felt everything he said through the vibrations in my fingers. I just looked at him without saying a thing. He just laughed. How could anyone answer the question better.

How 'bout that! Good trick, huh? That's exactly what I was looking for. Thanks. And thanks again to Wayne P. too! I'm really looking forward to trying out the "Wayne Rig" this season.

Thanks all. I PM'd WP. Also read the Inside Line article. (Thanks RW.) That's not what I was thinking, but still a good option; one that I will try this year. If I got it right, you use a cut piece of worm, thread one side up you line, wacky rig your worm, pull the piece over the main worm and cork the top of your hook off with it. Nice.

I might be wrong, I'm not finding anything when I do a search, but I swear I saw a detailed instructional post on weedless wacky rigging here. I can't remember how the guy put the hook point back into the bait, but it was skin hooked, like a Tex rig. The post had pics that showed just how though. Anyone able to point me in the right direction?

It's odd, I can't find info on them anywhere. I thought I read once that it shortens from 7.5' to 6.5', but I can't even find that now. But I agree, Fenwicks are fine rods. It's all I use too.

I have an Outcast Fish Cat Cougar, 1 man pontoon. There's not as much room as the Sea Eagle, but I'm never lacking space. I love the thing. It's super easy to transport and much more stable than my 11' jon. It only needs 3" of water to float, so I can get into places, and launch from places, that most boats can't. The 4 air bladders are covered in thick PCV vinyl. When inflated, hooks just bounce off. Check out the pontoons if you're not looking to spend the $ a good Sea Eagle costs. I have a motor mount, but haven't ever tried a motor. That looks fun though. http://www.outcastboats.com/outcast/products/default.aspx?series=12

Not only is the entire state of MN frozen solid right now, we have fishing seasons too. The MN bass opener isn't 'till May 23! You guys think it's hard not fishing when the lakes are frozen? Try not fishing on a 70 degree day in spring when you can see the bass from just about every shore you stand on. For me, that's worse than the hard water, as they call it up here.

It looks like they have them in the HMG and Techna AV lines. Anyone uses one of these? How are they telescopic? Is it just the first foot of rod that falls back into the handle? How does the telescope feature affect rod power or sensitivity, if at all? Thanks

Has anyone used the No Knot Fast Snaps? http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0011851110700a.shtml

http://www.northernbass.com/ I went and requested one as soon as I left here and saw they've changed things up a little. I clicked on the "Mailing List" link in the middle of the page and filled out the info. Below that was a check box for a new catalog. That should work. Otherwise, it said elsewhere on the site to call them to get one.

I prefer Cabela's over BPS myself, but the dude was asking specifically about catalogs. Get 'em both man and see for yourself! They have a lot of the same stuff, but there are a certain amount of items exclusive to each company. I still enjoy seeing the pics and reading the descriptions in the old fashioned paper catalogs too. They have a place my home, right in one special room, where I do a lot of thinking. But after I'm done thinking and it's time to buy, I'll go to my local shop, the specific company's web site or TW before either of them. Another fun catalog is Northern Bass Supply. Last one I got was black and white, but was packed with gear.

Huh, I've never thought to look on yt for that. There's quite a few. And that's one amazing little boat. I can't believe 2 dudes are standing on it like that. I've already resumed the plans for the floor on mine. Thanks! (again)

This is so old, but it looks like it's still being discussed so I have to ask: LBH do you have a pic of your jon on the water? I inherited an old 11' Sears Game Fisher this summer and planned to supe it up a bit. But when I put it in the water for the first time, I found it extremely unstable. And that was just the bare boat with me and a pair of oars. I immediately scrapped my plans and decided it wasn't safe. But yours is a 12 footer, and downright sexy I have to say, so I'm reconsidering. I'd love to see it in action.

Get the Patriarch.

It may not be the most critical aspect of a buzzbait, but I do agree, color does factor into its presentation. In clearer water the silver/lighter blades might present a more subtle bait (If you can call a buzzer subtle). Darker blades are more of a target. As B_F said, the bass see a bigger silhouette from below.

I will continue to use Chatterbaits early in the season as well. I've caught all sizes of bass on them and, I guess, I still think they're fun to fish. In fact, I just got a couple of the Z-Man Pro2 baits for the first time. I like the big, red, eyes and the skirts are extra sharp.

Vision Lures' Honeybuzz buzzbait. Awesome design.

Just wanted to clarify. After your last post, I wasn't sure. But yeah, if all the breaks were off, your spool with spin pretty fast and that's hard to control. I think most folks set their brakes with 2 on. It should be done in pairs, by the way. But don't feel dumb starting with them all engaged; and that would be pushed out, not in. (Sorry, just want to make sure again.) It's a hard thing to learn though man. It takes time and practice. You'll get the hang of it if you stick with it though. Try 4 on/2 off, at least. Once you can cast that a few feet, take off the next pair and I bet you'll be surprised at how far you can cast. You'll also be able to feel how much faster the reel spins with less brake engaged. I know it's not a Bass Fishing RG article, but Google "baitcasting 101". That's a handy article.

You said Criterion, right? Does it look like this? http://www.pfluegerfishing.com/products/criterion_lp_baitcast_reel.html Is there a dial on the side oposite the handle; like on this reel: http://www.pfluegerfishing.com/products/products.php?p=6

Thanks for the input everyone.

I'm noticing new "topwater" rods coming out and they seem to be shorter sticks. How do you all work topwater baits? Would you throw a buzzbait (my recently re-found favorite) on the same rod as, say, a Spook or Skitter Pop or Sammy? They are very different' but still all a "topwater" baits. How about as Floating Rapala or any jerk bait, for that matter?

I have to agree with the above. I only use Pflueger reels and recommend them often. However, I also suggest staying away from the graphite models. Of course, they're a little more dough, but stick to their aluminum frames and you can't go wrong. That being said - backlashes are a part of learning to use a baitcaster dude. It's just part of baitcasting really. So your problem might not be the reel so much. In fact, your Criterion might be a great reel to learn on! And learning how to throw lures on a baitcaster should be your priority in the beginning. Once you can throw baits on that, you'll probably look at baitcasters in a different light. For now, practice thumbing your spool, adjusting your centrifugal weights, setting your cast control knob properly and avoiding bird's nests. And believe me, they happen in the beginning of a cast just as much as the end; maybe even more. And do it on dry land; in the yard, on the road, wherever you have some space. Don't even worry about how far they go right now. I suspect you'll be throwing baits with that Criterion pretty far after some practice though. Who knows, you may even end up loving the thing! Good luck

Here you go: http://cgi.ebay.com/Costa-Del-Mar-Logo-Sunglass-Neoprene-Classic-Strap-PINK_W0QQitemZ360113217462QQihZ023QQcategoryZ79749QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I did pretty well with solid body frogs on my ponds this year. I second the Stanley Ribbit. Probably for the same reason, buzzbaits worked great for me too. In fact, by the end of the season (I'm in MN) I was throwing buzzbaits all the time. My new favorite bait is now the Vision Lures Honeybuzz. It's Awesome. And then, like most everyone else, an unweighted Senko or Reaction Innovations Dominator Worm. But, I did try out that *** shop, you see on here a lot, and I'm glad I did. I was pleasantly surprised and will definitely stick with them for a while. Their stick worm is excellent.

Except that you may never want to upgrade from a Techna.