Boogey Man

Congratulations on the fish! The crankbaits I use most often are Bandit 100's and 200's and Strike King Series 1 and 3.

Me personally, I use snaps but remove the split rings but I just re-checked KVD's book Secrets of a Champion and it reads: "I prefer to use snaps on jerkbaits and crankbaits to increase lure action. I've found that line cinched to the split ring can inhibit the action on most hard baits." "On jerkbaits, the snap provides a loose connection and gives the bait a more erratic action and gets me more bites." "On crankbaits, especially the big baits in the summer time, I like to reel them down into the cover so they ricochet and suspend momentarily. The loose connection with the snap-just as it does with a jerkbait-gives it a little more action." He writes he uses a Berkley Cross-Lock snap in #3 size. It's a 75# snap. As far as removing the split ring, he writes: "Don't remove the split ring; hook the snap to the split ring or you won't achieve the same action."

I think that's the main reason for using an attractant. I figure if it buys me an extra second to set the hook, that's a good thing.

I completely agree with this. I like the hook keeper design, but both of mine are already rusty after just a couple months. Anyone using the 6'9" trigger rod? I was considering getting one of these for pitching 3/8 oz jigs and stuff. I've got one. It's my primary worm and jig rod. Great stick. I've got the 6'9" too. I mostly use it for worms and jigs but the last couple of trips I've used it for spinnerbaits too. It's a good rod.

Bobby needs to add a bluegill repelling ingredient. Little boogers kept biting the claws off my baby Rage Tail craw this past Sunday Seriously though, it is good stuff.

Had chance to use this rod again last night. I caught 9 on a buzzbait. Nothing big, the biggest was about 14 inches. I was using a 1/4 buzzbait, which was a little light for this rod but casting distance was still great. I also caught a couple on a wacky rigged Dinger. I am extremely impressed with rod. It's a light, well made rod. I was going to post pics but SoFlaBassAddict beat me to it: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1276219191

I've had good luck with Zoom's Tiny Chunk. I've got some Rage Tail baby craws but I haven't had a chance to try them yet.

You can't put spinner baits in the buzz bait holders and vice versa. The holders are completely different. Later, This is why I asked:: I slide the buzzbaits in just like the spinnerbaits and they stay upright. On the 703, on the buzzbait side it looks like the buzzbaits lay over on their sides. http://falconrods.com/index.php/tackle-organizers/fto-boxes/fto-700.html?SID=15692d2aef8f7ee5607d36b48338e39a

I set mine 2 on, 4 off.

I have the 701 and use it for spinerbaits and buzzbaits. I've had it for 2 or 3 years, no problems with the latches. Trailer hooks do get tangled up, though. Also, sometimes the skirt strands will get under the lure next to it, so you have to move one bait to be able to get out the one you want to use.

I just received this rod yesterday. Here's the specs: 7ft. heavy power, fast action Recommended techniques: spinnerbait, buzzbait, frog, casting worm and casting jig Lure weight 3/8 to 1-1/4 oz Line weight 12-25lb. Fuji ACS reel seat Fuji Alconite guides, 10 total. It has a Texas rig hook keeper, the handle is split grip cork. These rods also feature a lifetime warranty. The guide wraps (thread and epoxy) are clean and even, no lumps or over runs. I don't have a scale to measure it, but as far as weight, this rod feels as light or lighter than some shorter rods I've used. Now for the fishing. I put a BPS Carbonlite reel spooled with 14lb mono. on it and headed to a nearby pond. The first lure I used was a 6 inch Texas rig worm with a 3/16oz tungsten sinker. Sensitivity was great. Even on a long cast, I could feel the 'gills munching on my worm. I ended up catching 5 on the worm and 7 more on a buzzbait. The biggest one was about 15 inches. This rod has a lot of backbone. I think as far as spinnerbaits, this rod would excel at 1/2oz and heavier. I think worms and jigs is where this rod will really shine. With the Carbonlite reel which weighs 6.7oz, the rod balances well. I plan to experiment with different reels to get a feel for which one balances the best. Pinnacle1 says these rods will retail at $144.99-169.99 and I'd say for this quality of rod you'd get a lot of bang for your buck. I hope to try it again this weekend (weather permitting) and will post more then. I think Pinnacle has a winner and I hope people will give these rods a chance. It's always a win/win when we as anglers are given more choices for great products at great prices.

I have one I bought as a combo with the Carbonlite reel. It's the 6'9" MH extra fast model. I use it for jigs and T-rigs. I just got it this spring but so far I really like it.

I've only had it happened once. It was on a Storm Chug Bug.

If it's an early morning trip it's frosted chocholate fudge Pop Tarts. If it's later in the day I usually don't take anything except something to drink.

X2.

Any of the three would make a good choice. Try them and see which one you like best. And it sounds like you've got a good neighbor!

OK, I think I had a dry bearing. I had oiled the bearings, the one the spool shaft and the one in the palming plate but I put another small drop on each one. The noise is better, I don't know if I'd say cured, but better. Thanks so much for the help!

Yes, this just started this fishing season, last fall it was OK. I haven't tried adjusting the mag brake to see if it makes any difference. I'll try that this evening. And it does only happen when the spool is spinning fast.

Yes, it's only during a hard cast or a fast retrieve. On a normal cast or fairly slow retrieve it sounds OK. I was thinking something is loose in the Mag break as well. Might be my project for this evening ;D

Tight enough that there's no lateral movement of the spool during the cast and retrieve.

Need some advice about a Fuego baitcaster. I makes a rattling sound on the cast and on a fast retrieve it's a combination rattle/clacking sound. I took it apart and gave it light cleaning/oiling but same noises. Could it be the Magforce Z? Thanks in advance.

Sounds good, then. I was thinking maybe if your rod was too stiff they may not be inhaling your bait or if it was too limber that's why they were throwing the lure.

What rod are you using (length, power, action)?

I only reel right handed, even on spinning reels I put the handle on the right side. But I did teach myself to cast left handed and it's been really helpful. I makes it easier to hit a target like a stump, laydown, or dock. I can cast several times with one hand as I come up to something and then switch hands and make a couple more from the other direction. A buddy I used to fish with was horrible at boat control so that's really why I learned to cast left handed. That way, no matter how he had to boat positioned I could still get a shot in somehow.

12lb Original Stren.