CWB

Can't go wrong with anything in the Rage lineup. The lizard is my new favorite soft plastic, followed closely by the craw. Will definitely be using the Space Monkey this year. Hey Big-O, Where can I get them in bulk? ;D

I use these and the Strike King Shadalicious (which are the same bait) and have had great luck on the 4.5" I take them out of the package and boil them for a couple seconds. Gets rid of the smell and softens them up. I have one that I have caught 16 fish on and still counting. I use the bellyweighted EWG hooks, not the screw in hooks and the head stays in tact longer. Add your favorite scent such as Megastrike to increase the odds.

That was the standard line in every fishing magazine for years. If it worked in cold water it stands to reason it should work as well or better in warmer water. Then pork slowly started to lose popularity. IMO, if it worked in the day, it should still work now. I do still use it. The only time you have to replace it is when you lose your jig. Only drawback is there are so many options with plastic, pork has been overlooked.

Anyone looking for the Evolution jigs- Try here: http://www.proanglers.com/catalog/fishing_catalog.htm Best price I have found. Megastrikes's site has free shipping on orders over $50.00 also.

Fluke or Z-Too Senko Spook Redeye Shad

X2. I rarely end a day that was less than spectacular without spoonplugging a few laps around the lake. Caught some of my biggest fish doing this.

And on my back Great (or should I say sick) minds think alike. What do you expect from a cheesehead and a White Sox fan. ;D

Could go either way. Was there a drastic temperature drop? Usually deep fish are not as affected. But if there was pretty good rainfall and the lake is generally clear water, you might try to find an incoming creek creating current flow which will draw fish. The key would be having access to deep water nearby. 10 feet near a 3 foot flat is deep.

6" Slug-Go, Arkansas Shiner.

Read my mind. T-Rig or weightless it will catch fish shallow to deep, Skip under docks, shimmy down into weeds, wacky rig where you might pitch a jig etc.

Done. Short and sweet. You can send me the lure now. ;D

I think you liked fishing from the bank better anyway! Everytime we pulled in you were casting to the rip-rap around the marina. Great lake. Caught bunches of fish in snow, wind, rain and for fishing the lake for the first time , I was impressed. Too bad we didn't hit numbers of bigger fish but got enough of them to keep us interested. Uncle Leo's 4lb+ fish from 1 foot of water was pretty exciting. Caught fish on everything we threw- topwater, cranks, jerkbaits, jigs, shakey heads. I think you would have to try to get skunked on this lake. We usually had our first fish in the boat within the first 10 casts. Thanks again to all involved for the work put in and the help and advise given. Alpster- A special thanks to you and sorry you couldn't make it. Hey Cart- I think my dink beat yours. 4" if you stetched it.

All good answers. Start with sharp hook. Most are plenty sharp out of the package but test them on your thumbnail. If they penetrate without too much pressure, they are good to go. If not, touch them up. A sharp hook makes a smaller hole in the fishes mouth therefore staying put better. Also, as everyone else said, keep rod tip low and fight the fish at right angles to where he wants to go. Sometimes no matter what they will throw the hook but you should be able to improve your odds.

Do you have a pic or link?

Feeling the fish is a good idea but if I get a hit and the lure disappears or I see the line moving, I hit 'em. If a fish is there, I hit 'em again. Sometimes if you wait to feel the fish he has already spit out the bait. But most times with trebles on a topwater bite, they'll at least get a start of the hook in them anyway. If you are getting plenty of hits experiment with when to set the hook and go with what works. If you do get a hit and miss, don't panic. let the bait sit for a few moments and start your retrieve again. Chances are, you'll get hit again.

Work something out with the boat owner. Find out how much room is available and pack accordingly. Check how many rods he would be comfortable with you bringing and go from there. Most guys have way too much gear and in a pinch, the nicer ones will let you use some of theirs. Just ask first!

I'd love to spend a day with Jimmy Houston for laughs or Ike or KVD for intensity.

They are absolute garbage. Send them all to me immediately and I will make sure they get disposed of properly.

I use it and it does work. That's not to say there aren't similar colors that work just as well. I have been doing better lately with Chartreuse Sexy Shad. It has a bit more Chartreuse in it. Remember, fish are basically stupid. And they don't watch or read commercials But they do know what looks like it's good to eat so experiment with colors but don't go overboard.

I use this tip for trailers on spinnerbaite and buzzbaits also. Only difference is I put one on each side of the trailer to keep it from going up the hook or down the hook. The dead grub is also a great way with a small punched piece of coffee can lid on top.

X2

Not to throw a wet rag on the Spro party going here but I like the Snagproof Bobby's Perfect. Just a little softer than the Spro IMO.

Green Pumpkin will work anywhere. Green Pumpkin/Red Flake or Pumpkinseed/Chartuese good in darker water. Don't be afraid to try anything. Sometimes "thinking out of the box" will surprise you (and the fish).

Scuppernong Jelly Worms. All you need.

Hat's off to all you guys! Great job.