CWB

Per Rapalas website they come with a rear sureset hook. Will not affect action and is supposed to get the short strikes or slaps. I've found that Dicks sometimes gets baits that might be different than normal but they are usually marked down.

Ive switched to braid with a flouro leader. 6lb Hybrid is fine. Use some KVD lure and line conditioner and good to go.

Keep all unused line out of direct sunlight and it should be good for a few years or more, especially Flouro. Braid should last forever.

Did a lot of research here and elsewhere and ended up getting the BB1 Pro.

I would say yes. Just got the BB1 Pro in 7.1:1 from Valley Sports and can't wait to use it. Had to give it a good cleaning to remove the grease but not a big deal. At least they take the time to lube the reel to prevent any possible corrosion.

5/0 Gammy weighted superline hook, 1/8 oz. I always seem to rip the screw-in type hooks out of the bait and wreck it. Can catch several fish on the Gammys.

Megastrike and JJ's.

I think the Shellcracker is overlooked as a swimbait. Perfect for lakes that have an abundance of smaller bluegill to feed on.

Try sautéing them lightly in a wine/garlic sauce. Then let them simmer for about five minutes. They'll be fine.

Usually when I hang one up in a tree I can't reach or snag something I cant get it off of I give up.

If I recall, that rule applies to you too doesn't it Mike. My sons last year playing ball at College and most of my spring will be spent in the stands watching him. Then I have to start paying for it. Ughhh

You can check their site but I think it's one year. From what I've read, they take pretty good care of you. I'm not worried because if something does happen, God forbid, I'm sure a quick call to Ron will get things straightened out.

Just got my BB1 Pro from Ron at Valley. Couldn't wait for all the "sales" and got better price anyway. Now just have to wait for 2 feet of ice to melt.

I have several Veritas rods and love them. Not one problem in over 3 years. Also have 2 Revo STX Gen 1 and a Premier that still perform like new. Would like to Try a Rocket.

Anything but Rattle Traps. My go to baits are Xcalibur 5/8oz One Knocker (deadly bait) and regular, Red Eye Shads and lately the Rippin' Raps. Clackin Raps are good too but pike have taken a few away from me. Biggest thing is find a couple you have confidence in and use them. Cordell Spots have had a place in my box for many years. Love the suspending model.

I use a Gammy 5/0 1/8oz weighted superline ewg hook and it fits the bait perfectly and you can cast it a mile and also work it at any depth by allowing it to sink.

This is only on the 5-1. Seems a lot of oldtimers love this feature on their cranking reel. Gives them a split second longer to let fish inhale the bait deeper maybe? Not sure I would like it or get used to it.

150 yds at $20.00 or more. A lot of reels 150 yds. wont be enough unless you are using 17lb. your choice though. Definitely want backing with braid but that wasn't the question. Best cure for backlashes with braid is to throw out a long cast, pull off several more yards, and put a piece of electrical tape over the rest of the line and reel it back in so if you do get a backlash, which you will, it won't be very deep and should be pretty easy to get out.

At TW, look under Swimbaits and then Soft Hollow Body.

Get ahold of Ron at Valley Sports. I just got the BB1 Pro for a great price. He'll take care of you. tell him you're a member. Definitely go with the Pro. Almost an ounce lighter and externally adjustable brakes.

Write it on your hand.

Short answer, no. If you want to save a little $$ put enough backing on so you have enough flouro to make at least 1 and a half real good casts.. Doesn't have to be Mono either. recycle some line from another reel.

Not to start an argument but counting to 2 won't do any good unless the fish has your bait. If he doesn't, and this will take patience, don't set the hook but try to get it up on top again and slowly twitch it in place. A lot of times he'll come up and blast it again, and hopefully get it. if you feel anything, even though you might think its weeds or slop, by all means hit him.

Big-O showed me this on KY Lake and I've been doing it ever since. Slide on a bobber stop, put the weight on, then slide another bobber stop on. One of the old timers, Bud, showed me something as well, Put a red bead the same diameter as the weight you are using in between the weight and last bobber stop next to the hook in dingy water. It did work for us.

Stock hooks seemed pretty sharp and stout to me but I did change them out to Gammy inline MagicEyes. Seems to balance the bait better.