A-Jay

If you don't mind sharing . . .What was it about the Dredger that you did not like ? A-Jay

A braid to mono leader is about as versatile as it gets. You can use a fairly wide variety of leaders on the same braid main line. For the application you mentioned, I used a 30lb braid main line and then attach my leader; 10-17lb. If a stronger leader is required, I might not use one. I use this type of leader line set up for several rigs. A-Jay

Initially sent as a pm - and now posted here ~ OK – so swim baits – The thing I wanted to pass on was fishing hollow body and solid body swim baits on a jig head. Really a super effective way to catch brown and green bass as well as walleye and pike. I first read about this method/presentation which was written by In-Fisherman editor Doug Stange who is a fanatic about this presentation. I think it started back in the Oct/Nov 2003 issue. He has written several articles about it and I’m certain if you google it, you’d find quite a bit to read. If you subscribe to the magazine then you might already know all of this. Since 2007 I've been really doing very well with this and there are a few times a year when fish will tear these baits up. The rig is simple and there are several baits you can use but the two I’ve had the most success on are the Berkley hollow body swim bait (4,5 and 6 inch size) and the Berkley Power Bait Flatback Shad. The jig head of choice is an Owner Saltwater Bullet in ½ & ¾ ounce. The hook is good and these baits fit this jig head well. Others might work also. The baits are always rigged “flat” or sideways rather than the standard method. The baits have more action this way. Don’t worry how it looks – as long as it’s rigged straight you’ll be happy. Tackle is nothing special – any med to med-hvy casting or spinning tackle will work. The line choice is whatever you like but these baits are a bit beefy so keep that in mind. I use 20lb braid on a spinner and 30lb braid on casting tackle. 6ft – 7 ft rods seem OK. How to fish it; Cast it let it go to the bottom and reel it in – fish it like a crank bait. Strikes come on the move and on the drop. An occasional pause is good. It will allow you to stay in contact with the bottom and will often times induce a strike. The 1/2 oz is good down to 15 ft or so and anything deeper the 3/4oz bait works well as it will stay deep and still allow you to keep the bait moving. As for where to throw this rig; It really excels as a search bait. So search; along the inside and/or outside of a submerged weed line, down a drop off, up a drop off (my personal favorite) and across a deep or shallow flat. Once you find some fish you can repeat what you did to get bit and maybe zero right in on them. There is no mistaking the strike – fish eat these baits so you’ll know when to set the hook. And this is not necessarily a Big Fish method; you’ll get into different classes of bass but very few real dinks. And so there you have it – hope this helps you get on some fish. A-Jay

My 15' 3" Old Town Predator square back weighs in at 113 - bare hull. They rate it at being able to carry 1700lbs people & gear - I've never actually weighed all my gear but it supports the load well and stability has never been a concern. Gear includes - 2 mod 29 batteries, 55lb thrust minn kota, cement block at bow for ballast (when alone) and way too much tackle and rods. (plastic baits really weight a ton) A-Jay

I haven't tried that one yet. But if you place a slice of Bologna into each one of your shoes . . You'll feel funny all day. A-Jay

Glad you're OK friend - That must have been quite a scare. A-Jay

I'd go if I could ~ but it doesn't look good . . . . A-Jay

After rigging a hollow body or solid body style swimbait onto a jighead, insert a toothpick all the way through the bait, right against the hook where it starts to bent upward (directly in front of the hook bend). Then trim the excess off closely. This is quite effective at helping to hold the bait onto the jighead. A little super glue at the head helps too. A-Jay

Nice Zonker Mod ~ A-Jay

While I can respect everyones stand on this matter - I'd say we are perched precariously on "The Line" here. A-Jay

Exceptional post Chuck - loaded with info. Thanks for taking the time. btw - nice rig. A-Jay

You're Killing me ~ Love the Zuppa Di Clam ! A-Jay

I'm going to either go with my parabolic style flipping stick or my swimbait rod - either way that new 300D will be pressed into service. A-Jay

Check out the Yamamoto 4" Shad Shape Worm ~ A-Jay

I've been fishing from the Old Town Predator square back for 5 seasons now - love it. Suits my needs well. Very Stable and holds a lot gear, more with some modifications. A-Jay http://www.bassresou...attach_id=21513

Man - I'm having a heck of a time trying to keep up . . . . . . . A-Jay

1). 3/8oz T-rigged Jig 2). 1/2oz T-rigged Jig 3). 3/4oz T-rigged Jig 4). 1oz T-rigged Jig And by simply changing the weight I have all four baits from this one rig. A-Jay

That's one Mutant crankbait - Since it came out, I've taking more fish on the 6XD than all the other cranks combined - so I'm a big fan. If 10XD comes out in time - I'll be bringing a few down to Lake Baccarac in March. Maybe this "big fish" bait can work some magic in Mexico . . . . . A-Jay

Good Stuff ~ A-Jay

Here ya go - A-Jay http://baitwerks.com/store/get-your-lures-painted/

Check out the Bull Shad - the 5" & 6" are solid producers Also recommend looking up the Custom painted versions by Dwain Batey at Bait Werks Custom Bait Shop I fish these two - he does good work - and these baits catch. A-Jay

I gave up on Rapala crankbaits - didn't want to but had to - they are just too fragile. Normans, Spro and Strike King have replaced them .... but There is a new kid on the block and the baits are proving to have quite a bit of potential. The Crush 50X & the Crush 300DD made by 6th Sense Custom Lures are a very durable, great running and high quality crankbaits without the usual high price tag. For the clear water angler, the very realistic finish on these lures is made to order. Check them out, I think you'll be pleased. A-Jay http://www.6thsensel...e-products.html

I'm a member (and Club President ) of "Add To Cart Anonymous" - Additionally, I do not believe that I do much different than any other anglers here ~ Except there are hardly anglers here (fishing for bass) so that helps. Also, I am willing to do it during the cool, black and scary Night time . . . . . . A-Jay

Go to your profile then go to settings then open the 'manage attachment' on the left at the top it will tell you how much of your limit you're using delete some . . . A-Jay

I would tend to agree with that. But would add that fluorocarbon seems to be a different beast when it comes to knots. Tie a bad one or the "wrong" one and you and your lure (and fish) will be parting ways. I believe a Palomar is strong but tying it is a pain especially at night. I have gone to a double line 3 or 4 twist improved clinch knot almost exclusively. Does well on split rings and hooks and still provides the double line strength at the contact point which I like. And is a bit easier for the old blind guys like me to tie. Passing a couple of trebles through that loop when tying a Palomar rarely happens smoothly. A-Jay