A-Jay

I've sold a few rods here. The shipping is always a profit eater. Only way I've found to take some of the sting out of it, is to sell multiple rods and ship them in one tube. Sort of like a package deal. Always have had to offer them at a very attractive price; otherwise referred to as cheap. But if that's what it takes . . . . Even then, the shipping still feels like it takes a pretty big bite out of crime. Never expected to end up with a retirement fund out of it - but breaking even or losing money hardly seems worth it. Good Luck A-Jay

I hear ya ~ I also fish from a canoe - So that rig requires quite a bit of supply reduction. #downsize A-Jay

One option is to fish your crankbait(s) with trebles that either have the points of the hooks rolled or cut off. Also you can slide a small length of used stick bait over the point of the spinnerbait hook while practicing. Just don't forget to replace the trebles with 'good' ones and remove the plastic off the spinnerbait, before Derby Day. Good Luck A-Jay

And it's not over yet. A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ Any chance you know where they keep the key to that 'Factory Store' ? A-Jay

Ensure they have free returns (perhaps place your order over the phone). Then, order two sizes - keep the one that fits the best (layer with what you expect to wear) & return the other. That's what mail order is all about & good customer service looks like. Good Luck Nice Bibbs btw. A-Jay

A-Jay

Nice selection Me Too - But my success level appears open for debate. A-Jay

I started to include that one. But then I remembered I have used it a handful of times. My version of it made dead sticking a Senko feel like throwing a buzzbait. Did I mention it was slow . . .? #couldnottakeit A-Jay Well that video just cost me $40 . . . Thanks A-Jay

Each brand & type of plastic along with the salt content, can be different as it relates to action. Many bassheads know which ones do what and most all that comes from fishing them. The more you fish the more you know. So general guidelines: The longer the 'appendages' the more action you'll generally see. The softer the bait the more action & less durable it will be. The cheaper the bait the less of the above you're likely to see.(There's a few exceptions). Baits with 'action type' and or 'thin' appendages often have the most action or the 'fastest' action - SK Rage Tail baits for instance Baits with short or thick 'flat cut' style appendages often have less action but these excel in cooler / cold water - Zoom has several. A long ribbon tail worm swims better than a straight tail worm. A straight tail worm excel is finesse or even drop shot applications. Everyone has at least one (or more) favorite brand & styles of baits - but there are a TON of them out there and most all of them will catch bass at some point. Fish enough of them and you'll figure out which ones you like & which ones you don't. Good Luck A-Jay

What a Wild & Crazy finish to this one ! Last few minutes were intense - That cut line changed like 10 times in 10 minutes . . . Unreal. Loved it. A-Jay

Chicken Rig ~ A-Jay

While the majority of what I've added to this thread has been tongue & cheek, this is not. I totally understand the concept of balanced gear. Additionally, the notion that everyone is different and or has different preferences does not illude me. Since I was one of the first responders here, seems I may have placed a spin on this thread that was not exactly inline with what the OP was intending or hoping for; in fact it's been quite the opposite. A classic hi-jack. So to @ResoKP - I'd like to humbly apologize. I've learned from it and going forward will certainly make an effort to refrain from such reckless behavior. A-Jay

With many northern inland lakes still frozen and there's still some ice lingering on the Great Lakes, there's plenty of open water elsewhere. So boating season is or will be getting underway for many of us soon. Before hitting the water, it's crucial to check the forecast for thunderstorms. Here are some other important safety tips. Stay Safe A-Jay

Nicely Done ~ Cue the Hot Fat ! A-Jay

Perfectly, as long it's at least 28 ounces; and balanced. A-Jay (I need to go fishing)

Well, that's got to be it. I'm just an old spewer. 10/0 Penn Senator on a heavy action Tuna Stick - balances perfectly. Who knew. @WRB Tom Knows A-Jay

And that is exactly as it should be. Me too. Our idea of what perfect is may just be a little different that's all. And as long as we dig our gear, it's all good. A-Jay Sweet It may mean that you can only catch 'balanced bass' that live in your closet with that particular rig. A-Jay

While I can agree that rod components have changed over the years and this may have affected blank weights - but there is no way on Gods Green Earth, Today's tackle is Heavier than the fiberglass wands of yesteryear. No Way. In fact, I bet just the guide train on my Dad's bass rod weighed more than both my drop shot rods combined ! Oh btw - those buggers are very balanced. A-Jay

I'm with you, mostly. Back in the day, gear weighted a ton and balance was never a concern. In fact, when the first graphite sticks were snapping all over the place because manufacturers were set on making them light, I went the other way and avoided them - I wanted Heft. Seemed to last longer. Now that they've made some light & reasonably strong blanks, the next 'important' concern was the balance. I can see where some balance in certain presentations is somewhat desirable, but the concept that I can't cast accurately, detect strikes, set the hook or fish all day because my rod & reel isn't 'balanced' is IMO a Crock. If I can't fish with a rig that weighs less than a pound all day, because it's too heavy, I need to give up the sport & take up knitting. I hear that stuff is pretty light. Off the soapbox now. A-Jay

Awesome Smallie ! Congrats A-Jay

Definitely not useless info. It's just that the sheer number of possible combinations of rod & reels would make the actual construction of even a semi-complete library of this info, a seriously daunting, if not impossible task. A-Jay

I would not totally disagree with that sentiment, however, the cost is not the prime benefit of the rig. Initially, the rig is considerably better at coming through any & all kinds of cover cleanly, than a standard jig for me. Also, the addition of the skirt gets bigger bites more often for me than the plain plastic. Not always, but it does seem that dinks are little more willing to get on a plain creature or craw than a rig with a skirt. So while I do fish the standard jig at least 50 % of the time and do OK, when there is dense cover, especially a combination of dense cover (wood with weeds or weeds & rock for example) this rig does most all the heavy lifting for me and has done so effectively for a while now. Finally, this is a shore fisherman's dream rig - throw it where ever - you'll almost always get it back. A-Jay

Nice setup. But to be fair, you need to back off the shot and display the entire length of the rig. Otherwise . . . . A-Jay

Still making it happen. This is the third workout on my 3-day split routine. The ‘Pull’ workout focuses on the upper & lower back, biceps, forearms and finishes with core work. Felt good going into & coming out of this one. Always an encouraging sign. I’ll probably take two days off between this and the next workout; which is back to lower body (legs) again. Eat – rest – repeat. A-Jay