CWB

Fat Free Shad Strike King 6XD Norman DD22 All around $6.00 and all work.

If the weeds aren't too matted over, you can't beat a Rage Shad on a 5/0 Owner twistlock hook and 50 lb. braid. Caught several nice ones this past weekend on this set up. My follow up bait is always a 5" wacky rigged senko. Never misses.

Just tried the Craw Fatty and Grass Pig this past weekend and they are actually pretty decent. Not too expensive either.

Many years ago I was wading in my swimsuit fishing a culprit worm that I had just sprayed with fish formula. I had a light tap and the line took off and I set the hook. I thought I had the world record bass on but after a few minutes I saw a behemoth of a carp on my line. I started to chase after it and ended up in water up to my neck. After about 10 minutes (it seemed like an hour) I grabbed him by the gillplate and hauled him to shore. I weighed him on my old trusty 25 lb. Zebco De-Liar and he bottomed it out. After a few pictures, I was going to whack him on the head and bury him but after the battle he gave me, I let him go. Easily the hardest fighting freshwater fish I have ever had on my line, including muskies.

Ditto here but northern Illinois. Favorite night bait is 1/2 oz. double bladed buzzbait in black. Have caught several nice fish using this in between swatting mosquitos. X2 on the Rage Shad. This is probably my favorite all around bait to fish, day or night. Good thing at night is if you cast into a patch of junk, you won't have to burn it in and clean it off. Start reeling and hang on. Much more forgiving. Buzzbait seems to draw in bigger fish but Shad has nailed some big ones also. Don't forget big spinnerbait with single oversized Colorado blade. I think all DT baits are being phased out. The manager at my local Dick's said they can't get them anymore. Too bad.

I think BTD has free shipping over $50.00 all the time. Give 'em a call and see if they price match. I bet they do.

Cabela's has Space Monkeys for $4.99 on sale. $5.95 shipping. 5 colors BPS has them for $4.99 at regular price with 8 colors available. Shipping is $5.50. T.W. has them for $5.39 but they will price match and orders over $50.00 ship free. 8 colors Gander MTN. has Space Monkeys $5.99 + Free shipping. 8 Colors. Decisions, decisions. Go to Dick's. Strike King baits 20% off and no shipping.

Don't quit your day job.

Label says "Fisherman's Choice" Are they a division of Berkley? X2 on the Roboworms.

WTG!!!!!

Just looking through TW and found Bill Lewis Set Lock hooks. http://www.***.com/Bill_Lewis_Set_Lock_Treble_Hooks_12pk/descpage-BLSL.html Look kinda like Mustad Triple Grips. Seem to be a great bargain, especially with 15% off. Anyone have any experience with them? Want to place an order soon.

Probably can still find older rubber skirts on E-Bay. I would try to adapt a silicone skirt somehow. Trim it if it's too big.

Love the Z-Too. One of my favorite fluke style baits. Can use a 3/0 superline hook for casting distance with heavier line and it still stays near the top. Zero's have a habit of floating after a while. Maybe due to salt leaching out. Super Finesse worms in 7" are super versatile. Cut to length. Don't overlook the Lizard for a steadily dragged Carolina rig.

What a hog!

Nice one. WTG!

WTG!!

I've never had a bad Shimano or Quantum. Maybe just lucky I guess.

Went out by yourself? Shouldn't have to do that. Give me a call or P.M. and I'll be there the next morning. I can't stand seeing those pictures anymore. Green with ***. WTG AGAIN!!!

No, It's because they are soaked in Guinness before being sold. The fish can't resist them.

You need to change your name to Dwight "RED HOT" Hottle!! Nice fish!

I'm confused. First you say brakes have everything to do with pitching distance. You say you use your thumb to slow the spool down and you keep your spool free. Where do the magnetic brakes come into play? I always thought mag brakes slowed the spool down at faster speeds so you don't get a birds nest. Pitchin is a slower spool speed method. Again, I could be wrong. Everyone has their preferences and whatever works for an individual is what he (or she) should continue using. Pitchin is not a real big part of my arsenal but I do do it when conditions call for it. I use reels with cent. brakes so maybe I'm wrong to comment about mag brakes for pitchin.

I prefer the 5"... Super Spook.

According to a recent episode of "The Bass Pro's", you are doing it right according to KVD. He set his brakes higher and the spool tension looser. Of course, he was using a Quantum with external adjustable centrifugal brakes. Only you can decide which way is best for you. I don't think mag. brakes do alot when pitchin. I could be wrong. P.S. No one really answered the OP's question about distance.

Good points and that is why I use a stone and not a file to keep as much of the integrity of the hook intact without removing too much material. Sharpened hooks suck? Strong statement but all are entitled to their opinion. I haven't had any issues with any of the hooks I have sharpened but you are correct that there is a limit after which it is counterproductive. Keep throwing a spinnerbait. Sooner or later you will latch onto a hawg Chris!

Just re-spooled my crankin rig with 12 lb. ultra-soft and it seems to cast a bit farther and handle better with no other noticeable difference.