CWB

I'm no scientist and didn't even graduate college but I study the sport. According to every study I've read and first hand information as well, fish populations are the best and healthiest in decades. This is all due to fisheries management which is made possible by the tax dollars we as sportsmen spend. "Tree Huggers" have their place, but not in sportfishing. If it wasn't for sportfishing, habitat destruction would go unchecked, pollution would run rampant etc., etc. Do fish feel pain? I haven't heard one scream yet! A good topic would be environmental impact on fishing and fish populations due to habitat encroachment.

I like the Paca craw better than the chunk. If you need a larger profile you have it. If not, bite some off. I have also used Chompers twin tail grubs with great success. Don't rule out this type of trailer, esp. for swimming the jig.

You would be better off asking if anyone hasn't used it. I would t-rig it but it should work fine on a jighead.

Leader couldn't hurt but I would beef up the braid to 50 lb. You really have to hit en hard and keep em coming and 30 lb is pushing it.

Only hook you should need. http://www.***.com/descpage-GSEGW.html Or get some BPS swimbait weights that attach to the hook.

I love 'em. Great quality, great hook. If you prefer them with the screw on type holder, check out ***'s line. Just got some and they look great.

I have one of each and love them both. The Diawa is 7.1:1 so it can be ruled out. BPS Extreme are fantastic reels for the price. I also have a BPS Rick Clunn which is sometimes on sale for about $70.00. Better than the $200.00 Shimano I own. I have my eye on a Quantum Accurist PT on E-bay so no one else bid on it!

Caught my P.B Musky on 16lb. Camoessent. Bought a 1000 yd spool and use it on my Musky/Frog/Buzzbait setup. A little stiff but can pull your truck out of the lake.

Sounds like alot of people put down Gulp, but I like it. Baits seem slightly stiffer than regular plastics but fish eat this stuff- They do not let go. Maybe it only works up north.

They are available in the catalog:http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_103932_100018001_100000000_100018000_100-18-1 Cabelas and Tackle Warehouse also have them online.

No need to change the split ring. I just open the end of the split ring with my thumbnail and start the hookeye into the opening and keep working it around till it's out. Reverse the procedure to install new hooks. There is a tool but I've never used it. Gone through a few thumbnails though.

I would fish it T-Rigged on 12-14 lb. flouro line and a 6'6" or 7' Medium rod. Don't know what setup you are using but years ago a 6' worm on a plain mushroom jighead was THE BAIT for fishing deep weedlines. You will catch plenty of average size fish with the 10"er but can expect a bite or two from a monster sooner or later. You will need to become familiar with playing a large fish on lighter tackle. Keep tip down to keep it from jumping and try to keep it away from the boat for as long as possible to wear it down. Don't pretend your KVD and crank like heck and hoist it over the side. That's a recipe for disaster! Take a few pics and make sure fish is fully revived before releasing. Good luck!

Give him a break guys- We were all 14 once, some longer ago than others. ;D Medium action spinning gear with 12 lb mono or flouro would be fine. I think we all started out with spinning gear. Some of us never left. As mentioned , be mindful of your hookset vs lb. line. Reel should have smooth drag also. Get the best you can afford, not necessarily the most expensive. Most of all, have fun. (Spellcheck wont hurt either) Just to right of post box. Could save you some unnecessary razzing

Flat A. Seeing a pattern? Anyone remember Poe's RC1 and RC3 wood baits? I still have several of each and they are killers!

Alpster- I sent you a P.M. on info for the trip. Sounds like you da man to ask! Thanks

I would not fish soft plastics without "scent". First it is a confidence boost which is always a good thing. Second, I have very acidic skin which has been shown in several studies to repel fish. In-Fisherman did an extensive study and although "scents" did not significantly improve strikes for most people, the fish did hold on to the bait longer, especially for those with lousy PH skin like me. Al Lindner is God! Although he seems to have caved to sponsorship as all he use now are Shimano, Berkely, and Rapala. Not bad choices but the show now seems to be an ad for all three.

Hmmmm, lets see. The lure cost 15 bucks but If I was worried about losing the money then I wouldn't send it out. It should be replaced with something if lost, even if it is a less expensive one. How does this sound? 2. You may opt to buy a less expensive one but to make up the difference you have to wash a pair of Muddy and Burley's underwear, but that may be considered hazardous material. Sounds like cruel and unusual punishment. I'd rather be waterboarded. ;D

My favorite prop lure is the Cordell Crazy Shad (not sure if they are made any more). I fish it with short jerks or pulls followed by a pause. You will have to vary retrieve to find what works best. P.S. caught two 40" + Muskies on this lure on back to back casts on a 200 acre lake here in Illinois about 10 years ago. Quite a thrill and got started Muskie fishing.

Just because it isn't made in Japan doesn't mean it won't work. I have some of these as well as Cordell Redfins and Bomber Long A's and they all catch fish. I would swap out he hooks for better ones though. That is always part of my Cabin Fever routine on all my hard baits. Check hooks and replace as needed.

X2

You just did! Agree by the shape and eyes it looks like a Norman.

Looks like a ticked off pike. Price is pretty unique also!

I'd love to try one now but it would break for sure- it would be landing on solid ice! Cabin fever does strange things to you.

Try Cordell Super Spot or Strike King Diamond Shad. Much better made for same if not less and they work as good or better. Personally, I've never liked Rattle Traps as even if they are good, they look like they are made by Wal-Mart.

I don't care for the Florida rig weights. They do come out of the bait and you can kiss the bait goodbye when they do. Great idea though.