gobig

I have got several that I like for different situations but if I had to choose just one, it would be a Luhr Jensen speedtrap. They cast like crap and they are not that durable but they flat out catch big fish. I don't own another crank that has put more fish over 5# in the boat.

I scratch alot of thing but a crankbait aint one.

I would blow all you guys off just to fish with my grandpa one more day god rest his soul.

Berkley line is crap

Short of live bait... a swimbait hands down.

Bingo!!!

I swing as soon as I can't see the frog. I don't count or wait to feel them. If you can't see the frog you have waited long enough.

My ideas of where and when I could throw different baits has changed dramatically since I first started bass fishing. You would be amazed at what you can throw in around heavy weeds.

There are some good suggestions. But if you want to get in the fast lane you need to surround yourself with people that are good. Find guides that are known for the techniques you want to learn. Fish Pro-Am's and make fishin friends that will help you step your game up. Fishing with people above your skill set will force rapid growth.

Great looking spinner. I will definitely be giving one a try. Will there be blade options?

If you have never ripped a lipless out of the weeds you are missing out.

The only way I would use a ewg hook for punching is if I had no other choice. A straight shank hook with a bait keeper is far superior. Personally I use the paycheck hooks which are made by Gamakatsu. I like the idea that I can put the bait keeper where I want it on the shank. I don't know that the brand matters as much as function. When I look at a flipping hook this is what I want, a welded eye, secure bait keeper, enough gap for the bait and the hook needs to be strong enough to tow your boat. I use a Snell knot because it perfectly compliments this system. It causes the hook to cam out for a better hook up ratio. There are several reasons for missing fish. The first thing I would look at is how you were tying your Snell knot. If it was backwards that would equal all kinds of frustration. I know this one from experience. The next thing would be the hook set itself. If you use a snap set you will miss a lot of fish. If you set the hook to the side you will miss a lot of fish. The hook set should be firm and in an upward direction. I reel down until the rod starts to load before I set the hook. I continue reeling through the hook set. This helps keep the fish moving the right direction. This should be smooth and fluid, not jerky. Other wise the shock from the weight will blow the fishes mouth open. An under powered rod will also cause missed fish. Especially larger fish. Generally when they hit a punch rig its with complete intent to kill and the bait will be in the crushers. If your rod is to wimpy you will have a hard time moving the bait enough for good hook penetration.

The 8in rof 5 and 0 huddlestons do not come with hooks. I would not junk this bait without playing around with the rigging and seeing how it performs. Its look makes me think of a stocker trout which is simple and ugly. But it has stuck many pigs.

Short of sending it in to someone. You are going to have to take it apart and see what is missing. Might just have things back together wrong. http://www.mikesreelrepair.com/schematics/albums/shimano/Shimano_SN2500FB.pdf

Very similar to what I do. Depending on the rod and reel I fill it with cheap braid as a backer.

I will have to check them out. Looks a lot like a big hammer.

When it comes to chatterbaits they are not all created equal. They vary a lot like spinnerbaits. They look similar but the action and areas they excel change brand to brand. For instance some do better coming threw the weeds, some fish better deep. The vibrations are different, some excel at faster speeds, some at slower. Right now the baits I like are zman, revenge and D&M. I only throw three colors, black/blue, bluegill and white. I really dig the swimming senko as a trailer.

I need to find a rich one, so I can divorce her and take half her money.

There are several variables. The major difference you are seeing in casting distance between your rod and your friends has to due with how the rod is loading up on the cast. You can take two identical blanks and build two completely different rods. The reel seat location, number of guides and there location all have to due with how the rod loads. Your flipping rod is designed for just that, flipping. That's not saying that it won't work. But it probably will not work as well as a rod that is designed for the specific application.

The hookset on a light wire jig and a dropshot are not that different.

If someone has to sell you on the idea of swimbaits your probably not ready for them. They will most likely sit in your box. For the most part I agree with speeds comment. Another thing to add on what he said is generally the cheaper baits do not perform to the same standards as a quality bait. The last thing that you want is some kind of failure when you hook a big fish. Or a bait that does not swim right out of the box. Or something that lays on its side on the bottom instead of upright. A lot of people on here talk about baits like hollow bodies and skinny dippers which have their place for sure. But they are a very small glimpse in to a very different world.

I would try baits that are noisy, move a lot of water or both. You have quite a few options. Swimbaits, chatterbait, scrounger, speed trap, LV 500, A-rig just to name a few. Don't think that just because the water is cooler that you can't use faster moving baits. If you do have to go to finesse type baits like a senko. Try going larger than normal. It will move more water. Or on a dropshot go with something like a brushhog that moves more water. Just remember that the more subtle the bait the more casts you will have to make due to water clarity.

Personally I do not like offset worm hooks when I texas rig. I use a straight shank with a shrink tube barb. Another way that I like to rig beavers is with keel weighted swimbait hook that has a twist lock to hold the bait. This gives it a real nice gliding action.

With trap style baits I generally throw craw patterns in the spring and summer and shad in the fall and winter.

Depends on the cover. The Delta has some crazy thick mats. A punch rig is way more compact than a jig.