Hot n Tot

I like Trilene XL or Sunline Supernatural.

MHF, I have two of those and they are more versatile in my opinion. In Avid spinning rods, MXF would be my preference.

The Avid 6'-6" MF is a pretty good rod for what you are describing. I like it for most all treble hook lures. I have the same rod in the Legend Elite and they are totally different. Give the Avid a look.

I've been unable to find any Skitter Props locally, so I picked up a couple of Kelly J's. Try them out tomorrow hopefully!

Anyone use this lure? How does it compare to the Heddon Torpedos? I understand that it is only 1/4 oz balsa so it weighs about the same as the Tiny Torpedo, and I'm wondering if this lure would fish any different. Anyone have any idea? thanks

I have two of the Avid 7' MHF rods. I found the 2nd one on sale at Gander Mountain so I couldn't pass it up. These rods are plenty powerful for pulling bass out of cover. I highly recommend them.

White Sizmic toad, 7' MHF Avid, Shimano Castaic reel with 50# Power Pro.

Remember when the only Rapalas in the tackle store were the original floaters? I'm talking before the countdowns, Fat Raps and Shad Raps. When you fished during the day it was a pre-rigged creme worm, either purple or black? Evening or night fishing meant tying on a jitterbug ( still my preferred topwater. Tie on a Mepps #4 aglia and you could be into Pike! I was thinking about this today in Gander Mountain looking at two aisles filled with mostly Rapala and Storm products.....most I've never even heard of. I also have my first baitcaster. A Ryobi AD5000V. Bought in the late 70's or possibly very early 80's. I had it mounted on a 5-1/2' pistol grip rod from Bass Pro Shops. I remember the first time I used it I caught a nice chunky bass on a tiny torpedo. My first hard bait was a #7 Rapala, black and gold. I still have it. Over 40 years now...lol

I have: two Steez, two Std Zillions, one 50th anniv. Zillion, one Type R Zillion, two TDZ-105H and oneTDZ-103P. I also got 2 TDZ-100M spools for the Zillions which enable them to toss 1/4 oz baits such as a tiny torpedo a long way. But I gotta say, my 2 TDZ 105H reels are my favorites (for feel baits) Even better than my two steez. I love fishing small topwaters with the Zillions with the shallow spools.

The St. Croix 6'-8" MXF is a great rod. Also t he 6'-3" Avid is nice, especially topwaters and jerkbaits. In the Loomis line, the SJR722 is hard to beat.

Same here, I like to fish the jitterbug best, but the Baby Torpedo is by far my most productive topwater. The Devil's Horse has also worked well for me. I just picked up the Frog Popper by Live Target Baits and I like the way it works. Haven't hooked up with anything on it as of yet though.

Heddon Baby Torpedo, any color.

I had mine on a 7' Avid MHF, and had it spooled with 50# power pro. Caught my personal best with it tossing frogs into the lily pads.

\ not if he is left handed

Congratulations on finding that reel, it' a great reel. I like mine better than my Zillion Type R.

I have approximately an equal number of Loomis and St. Croix rods and really like them all. Obviously I cannot fish them all at the same time, but alternate the ones I take on an outing for variety. I have a slight preference for St. Croix spinning rods, and slightly prefer Loomis casting rods. I have only had one customer service issue with any rod, and Loomis replaced free of charge an IMX casting rod that I stupidly broke misusing. I think Loomis and St. Croix are very close in quality and it's more of a Ford/Chevy debate.

I have both of these rods. I use the BCR for T-Rigs, jigs and spinnerbaits. I really like the CR722 for Smaller T-Rigs, topwater and jerkbaits. Actually the 722 is my favorite rod.

I got this Loomis worm and jig rod in GLX, and am wondering what others are using it for, besides worming. Does anyone use it for spinnerbaits or senkos? thanks

My opinion is that everyone needs a spinning setup for finesse applications; Rapalas, split shotting and senkos for instance. Although many will use casting gear for Senkos, I only use spinning equipment for that.

I would never use WD40 on a casting reel. I have mostly Daiwa reels and use the supplied oil on the bearings. I use Rem Oil on the level wind and other parts as needed.

Purchase a spare spool

I also have this rod, and I think it is perfect for jerkbaits. Fast action, but a very soft and forgiving tip.

For years my go to bait was the original floating Rapala In size 11 or 13, Silver/Black. The size 7 original balsa shad rap is the most productive crankbait I've ever used. These two lures always catch bass...or pike. That said, I think a trick worm or senko average larger fish, at least for me.

Zoom Trick or finesse worms. Sometimes a wacky rigged 5" senko.

I usually fish finesse worms on a split shot rig, with the split shot 12" or so up from a 2/0 G-Lock Gammy hook. This is my favorite finesse tactic and I've caught some really nice fish on it.