A-Jay

When I'm fishing a spinner bait & a chatter bait in the same type of cover (namely shallow to mid-depth vegetation) I like to allow the fish to get the bait sufficiently before I detect the strike so I don't pull it away prematurely, missing a solid hook up. Additionally, on a long cast, I need to know that my tackle selection will allow me to put that decent size hook into the fish with authority. I've played around with a few different versions of rod, & line types / size (Glass, Graphite & composite sticks as well as Mono, Co-poly and braided line) and have settled on one that works for me. (The reel only changes in the IPT area depending on the water temps- but it's rarely a high speed model in these conditions). The Quantum Tour KVD Signature Series (TKVD746MA) MH Crankbait rod and 15, 17 or 20 lb fluorocarbon line has produced the best results so far. The 7'4" rod length launches the 3/8 & 1/2 oz baits nicely. The EGC glass/graphite composite blank has a decent parabolic action and backbone. So the very slight delays on the hook set allows the fish to get the bait and then the rods back bone steps in and does the rest. The blanks does a nice job holding onto and landing the bass. The fluorocarbon plays an important role here. Besides the expected sensitivity it offers while using a moving bait, without it I don't feel I was getting anything close to the hook set I wanted. I've been playing around with the 7'10' version of this rod for chatterbaits as well. But it's a beast of a stick and so far I haven't needed it for this application. But I'd use it if I need to. A-Jay

There is a better than average chance that the fact that you & this "Man" were fishing a "Team" event has very little to do with how this "Man" was conducting himself. What you're doing is not who you are. Without putting a label on that performance, it's easy to understand what was going on there. Think if you were fishing with . . .you. Would you conduct yourself like that ? It's not the event, it's the Human. Change what's not working and you'll be fine. If it continues with a different human, the problem may be looking back at you in the mirror. A-Jay

As long as an angler is fishing within the regulations, there is nothing "Wrong" with it per se. Otherwise it's a personal choice. The majority of the research seems to indicate that there is minimal effect on the overall system when done "correctly". However I've decided that I'm going to skip the whole deal & fish for the bass that are not up yet or have finished. A-Jay

Cool ~ Congrats A-Jay

Hello Chad and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

I don't think the balloons are working. A-Jay

Big fan of the Texas Tackle Split Ring Pliers Make sure you get the correct "Size" for your application. A-Jay http://www.texastackle.com/pliers.htm

That guys must have 1x strong triple grip hands & a 2x short thumb. A-Jay

~ X2 ~ Me too - I use the KVD 1x Strong 2x Short Triple Grip Treble Hook and the difference is significant enough that I change them ALL. I have Mustad on speed dial . . . A-Jay

Tying your own allows you the Luxury & Freedom to really customize . . . . . There's a ton of perch up here. A-Jay

Larger Treble hook baits are notorious for being thrown by jumping bass. A-Jay

~ 51 Days ~ A-Jay

Good Luck Tom. We'll be pulling for you. A-Jay

I am currently attending Life University's School of Hard Knocks. The admission process was very easy and it's been an interesting, fun and sometimes brutal course of study. The lessons all seem to be connected to each other in one way or another and the homework has proven to be the most important part. I'm in no hurry to finish and am actually trying to make it last as long as I can. Anticipating a most rewarding graduation ceremony, as I understand it, the diplomas have tremendous longevity as they are made out of stone. A-Jay

I am currently attending Life University's School of Hard Knocks. The admission process was very easy and it's been an interesting, fun and sometimes brutal course of study. The lessons all seem to be connected to each other in one way or another and the homework has proven to be the most important part. I'm in no hurry to finish and am actually trying to make it last as long as I can. Anticipating a most rewarding graduation ceremony, as I understand it, the diplomas have tremendous longevity as they are made out of stone. A-Jay

That's a Super Outing and a Gorgeous Bass ~ PB's are Always a Blast Congrats btw ~ what did she eat ? A-Jay

Hello Doug and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ Good Luck on Lake Milton this weekend. Help a brother out and hit that shift button one time. A-Jay

I caught a ton of very respectable bass (mostly smallmouth) drop shotting a SK Rage Craw texposed on a 3/0 ewg Gamakatsu hook. I didn't start fishing this until mid-July but by season's end it still ended up being one of my top producers for numbers. Dip those claws. A-Jay

Nice First Outing ~ Congrats A-Jay

Yes. I've been resistance training for a bit longer. Started in 1977. Still making it happen. Over the years my triple has moved up & down. More recently I've adopted a new & refreshing perspective. It may not be how much you can lift but how much you look like you can lift . . . Stay Strong A-Jay http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/150128-new-year’s-resolution-–-still-going-strong/?p=1685851

The need for lighter line when fishing in clear water for pressured or spooky bass is well documented and generally believed to be a fairly common & effective practice. Presentations like the drop shot for example, really do come into their on when using 8, 6 & even 4 pound line; and some feel the need to even go lower than that. Since I do not fish any habitat where I would require the advertised super abrasion resistance that fluorocarbon provides, the only other advertised characteristic of the line I could benefit from here is this magic "Invisibility". I have yet to find a situation where a bass would eat a drop shot bait on 4 or 6 lb fluorocarbon but would not eat the same bait on 4 or 6 lb mono. ( and I use braid & a green, clear & smoke mono leader for drop shot) I must be fishing for far sighted bass because they couldn't seem to care less about the wispy little strand of 4 lb line attached to that bait - they just suck it right up anyway. Your results may vary. A-Jay

Yup - from this morning . . . A-Jay

Here's something ~ A-Jay http://www.ebay.com/itm/STRIKE-KING-BURNER-SPINNERBAITS-1-2-OZ-select-colors-/201155133846?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item2ed5c7c196

I looking forward to trying it. Maybe once it Stops SNOWING ! ! ! ! A-Jay

I don't exactly Boats, at least 7 or 8 anyway. It's such a sleeper of a bait. Especially early season as it doesn't have a ton of action. But what it does have is a subtle but killer little roll right before it comes to rest on the pause - Smallies just Can't Stand it. A-Jay