Noboat

Big-O, So, do you run the hook in, down, and out the nose of the bait like a texas-rigged worm, then turn the point into the belly of the swimbait?

I use the Shadalicious and similar 4-5" swimbaits. How much weight (the type molded onto the shaft of the hook) do I need to keep the bait properly keeled? I am looking at some Falcon Bait-Jerk Superline 6/0 hooks that come in 1/32, 1/16, 3/32, and 1/4 ounce packs of four. Thanks!

I have lost about 4-5 fish this year when my knot breaks or just simply pulls loose. I have been tying the "Trilene Knot" for 25 years and have never had issues until now. I know there is a ton of different knots out there, but what are the betterones to use as far as strength, ease of tying, and longevity? I will add that some of the lost fish came after catching a few and therefore causing some stress on the knot. However, this has not been an issue in the past. Also, I am mainly having this problem with mono (Stren if that matters).

I spooled on some 12-lbs Bass Pro brand fluorocarbon on a reel of mine approximately one month ago. There is SOOOOOOOO much line memory now that it looks like the curly chord of a set of headphones. I have never seen this much memory in any line that I have ever used. I put some KVD line conidtioner on it the day it was spooled and again last night. It is a mess!!!!! Is this line always like this? I did notice inthe Bass Pro catalog that "Low Line Memory" is no where to be seen in the product description....

Once again, what is the method for fishing a jigging spoon? Also, what kind of spoon, when, where, etc. Thanks!

Not sure about the sharpie question, other than I have seen that tip in print off and on for nearly the last 25-years. I am sure if it was an issue, we would have heard by now. On another note, have you tried any Strike King "Shadalicious" swinbaits yet? I have never used a soft bait that reaked of solvent as bad as they do. It was like huffing a large permanent marker.. Nonetheless, I caught several fish with the first stinky one right out of the package - solvent odor and all.

Having fished in the same boat as you on many occasions, I would suggest something with a Lamar-like (Revenge of the Nerds) action for your weaker wrists.

Do I really need a 5.x:1 reel for crankbaits?

Is that fancy plastic?

Whats the difference? Why does one hig end reel like the Curado use centrifugal brakes while another like the Revo use a magnetic?

Is the side plate (or other parts) of the Shimano Citica made of plastic? Their web page says "aluminum frame", but nothing about the side plates. It feels like plastic to me.

With all of the reel-deals going on, I am re-thinking the Abu 4600 C3 purchase for my next crankbait reel. What about the quantum Energry PT or Shimano Citica 200 DVP both in 5.X ratio? Both the Energy and Citica are around $100.00 after rebate. What I am looking for is a reel that will have no issues throwing 1/4 or larger crankbaits.

I that mono or fluro?

Im my little world... I would like to not mess around with leaders, etc. if at all possible. I would go with a nice bright fluro if one was available.

What reel do you suggest? (Please say C3, please say C3.... I am a bit on the cheap side...)

I have trouble seeing my line above the water surface using clear mono - and I REALLY have trouble with the flurocarbon. I have tried Berkley Transitions in red, but it wasn't as visible as I thought that it would be. I am thinking of going to try Berkley Big Game Green. Is there any school of thought out there that says that the line will spook more fish since it is so visible? I will be using this line on a plastic worm pole. Thanks!

What is the difference between the Shimano Crucial and Compre baitcasting rods? Especially the TC4 crankbait rods... Thanks!

What should I be looking for in a good rod for plastic worm fishing? I am leaning toward a medium power rod. What would the difference be in a 6'6" rod vs a 7' rod? Thanks!

Ok, so what should I be looking for in a good baitcasting reel? I see where the Curado has 5 bearings and the Revo SX has 11. What does the Curado cost more? Does the number of bearing mean much? The Revo was lighter in weight and seemed a little smoother... Thanks!

Anyone have anything good or bad to say about the above reels to help me make a decision? Seems like te Daiwa Exceler gets a little more positive press?? Thanks!

So, do you really need thay whippy, kind of soft action to the rod to avoid ripping the crankbait out of te bass's mouth?

What size hook/jig head should I use for a Berkley 3 Power Minnow? I have 1/4 and 1/8 ounce jig heads, but was thinking about using a slightly lighter weight. I will be using a medium/light spinning rd and will be using this as a swim bait and maybe even drop-shot? What are some other ways to fish these style baits? Thanks!

I am looking for a 7' medium power, moderate action crankbait rod. I would like to be able to cast 1/4 ounce and heavier crankbaits. I do not want to spend more than $100.00. What rods in that price range do you recommend? Also, I see where KVD's crankbait really bends when he sets the hook like it is pretty flexible through the entire length of the road. I would like to find a road with that kind of forgiveness. Thanks!

I bought a Dick's exclusive Okuma apinning reel.... It lasted one trip to Canada. I sent it back to Okuma and they replaced nearly all of the internal parts.

In this month's In-Fishermen, a Berkley rep was quoted as saying that Vanish was neber designed for "repeated casting and heavy lures". The article stated that it was originally designed for walleye and vertical jigging.