A-Jay

The Terminator T1 Spinnerbait features something called a SnapBack Titanium wire frame. Though not indestructible it usually 'lasts' a little loger than many other brands I've used. Additionally, the Megastrike Strikeback spinnerbait seems to last almost as long. The hook or tail section moves freely. This seems to reduce some on the damage sustained during a fight, especially the wildly vicious head shakes almost any size pike can dish out. Coincidentally (I just git an e-mail from @Bobby Uhrig ) they're on sale - use promo code: Spring18 for 20% off. http://www.megastrike.com/strikeback A-Jay

Yes - I'm iced in for a few more months so I have't fished it yet. But I'll offer my 'in hand' impressions. While not exactly the same blank, when I compare the older TBC71MHF to this newer LBC71MHXF and then look at the advertised specs - the new stick is clearly XF. Also the base of the bank (right at the handle) on the LBC has a slightly larger diameter than the TBC stick. Not in a bad way - just when I compared the two. The 'tip' appears 'lighter & softer' on the LCB but definitely XF in performance. (it's suppose to). In hand the new stick feels 'right' for what I'd expect. It casts & loads like I'd hoped and feels light & fairly balanced with the reel on it. (Quantum EXO PT 100HPT) The older version of this rod was deemed a 'Swimjig Finesse ~ Excels with swim jigs and smaller jigs worked in heavy cover. Its unique design combines a very powerful butt section with a light and sensitive tip.' Without having fished it yet that seems about right - especially when you consider how I just described it. That said, I like it and expect that after I get it bent over a few times - I'll like it even more. Hope that helps. A-Jay

Very Sorry to hear this Tom A-Jay

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ A-Jay

Glad everyone was OK - which is nothing short of a miracle btw. Been to way too many of these scenes - vast majority still haunt. I can see the selfish cell phone use continuing and with it - more of these brutal incidents unfortunately. Handcuffs & Litigation. A-Jay

The Trailer on both baits is a Strike King KVD Perfect Plastic Blade Minnow ~ I tie my own skirts - fairly easy deal really. And yes I catch OK on Both baits ~ Might have more to do with where & when one fishes these baits, than the baits themselves. A-Jay

Biovex Stangun ~ And the Megastrike Strike Back ~ A-Jay

IMO - You're off base and Life's too short ~ Good that you learned how to properly spool your reel though. A-Jay

This is the first I've heard of this one. Have not fished it. Interesting design. Of course, the past two or three seasons, the good folks at Rapala have worked over time feeding the Hype Machine. In most cases the baits have been OK - but that's about it. This one appears to be in that category for me. A-Jay

Loved it ! btw - I'd be changing out the hooks & hardware on plugs thrown at those beasts ! Congrats again A-Jay

You Know I'm watching everything you post up - A-Jay

Dynamite Double & Great Photo ~ ! Congrats A-Jay

No Doubt. A-Jay

While I'll agree that in many situations with mid - 50 degree water temps, topwater may not be the deal. However last fall (mid-Oct) the smallies were still willing to get on a Pop Max early morning. A-Jay

LMB seem to transition slowly after ice out but will still often bite - a little. SMB - are ready to go. As soon as there's open water - I'm fishing. Here a clip from a killer day I had on a lake spring 2016 where the smallies we're chewing up a jerkbait pretty good and there was still quite a bit of ice on the water right next to where I was having the most success. A-Jay

The SK 1.5 & 2.5 have been effective in mid to late August for me on the brown bass - especially when I 'burn it'. A-Jay

Hello Cory and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ I have a new one and I really like it. Instead of working on it - I'm fishing in it. A-Jay

Hello Don and Welcome to Bass Resource ~ Congrats on the New Rig and Best of Luck to you & your son. He's One Lucky Boy. A-Jay

Hard Water Carp ~ A-Jay

Sweet Bass and Killer Pics ~ ! There's that Mojo again . . . Nice way to start the new year Congrats A-Jay

Now THAT"s what I call by-catch ! Would that be Surf & Turf or Field & Stream ? A-Jay

Having owned several black trucks in a row and now the boat - I can relate. What I've found with the boat is maintaining a coat of quality wax on the hull, besides looking good (initially) can reduce some water spotting. However, if one is not eternally vigilant with rinsing & wiping down the entire hull directly after every use - there will be spots; to what extent may vary but if you're in an environment that promotes them - they will come. Additionally, wax can make spot removal a bit easier -(relative term). What's a very bad plan is to try to use a cleaner wax to remove water spots - hasn't worked for me. Only made the eventual spot removal that much more challenging. So the 'system' for me is a coat of wax applied pre-season on a clean hull. Rinse & wipe down with fresh water only after every use. Vinegar bath when needed. By not adding ANY product to the hull - I'm only removing the spots (and not everything else I've chosen to spray all over it day after day to 'help' because nothing really does) so they come off really easily - just spray & wipe. Otherwise - It's a PIA. YMMV A-Jay

Yup X2 ~ Cheapest & most effective water spot remover - - A-Jay

OK - and I'll apologize to your bill fold in advance . . A-Jay

Although I haven't fished them yet - Megabass came out with a squarebill version of the 110 that is billed as a shallow runner that suspends. http://www.worldfishingnetwork.com/gear/video/megabass-vision-110-squarebill http://www.tackletour.com/reviewvision110blueprintpg2.html https://www.thehookuptackle.com/fishing-Jerkbaits/Megabass/Ito+Vision+110+Square+Bill A-Jay