Megastink

I think Brad got it right, tie it to the cleat of your boat. However, if no cleat (or boat) is available, then at least wrap you hand in your shirt first, then wrap the line around that.... or wrap it around a thick stick.... be creative... but definitly dont wrap it around bare skin: i have cut through watermelon rind with braided line, its tough stuff.

Hey, no problem. But honestly, i would START with the braid. My ratio is about 4/5 with it. But hey, fishing is a CONFIDENCE game: THROW WHAT YOU KNOW!

How did you cut it? Were you trying to pull a snag?

Ok, its your call whether or not you throw braid. Honestly, i dont care for it either. But after many frustrating days on the water, i now EXCLUSIVLY throw braid with frogs. I cant stress enough the importance on braid, and heres why: NO STRETCH! Mono, like what your using, stretches. You know that. But because of the stretch, instead of counting only one second, count two LONG seconds. This will give the bass time to push all water/air out of its mouth through its gills. In conclusion, i want to say one more thing. You talked about how frustrated you are because you miss so many fish on frogs. You also made it clear that you dont like braid, but use mono instead. You say, and i quote, "I dont care for braid"... Dont you think that the source of your frustrations might be the fact that you ARENT throwing braid? Mono works, but is mildly effective. Braid EXCELS when Frog Chuckin'. My advice, give braid another shot. LEARN to love it, and in time, you will. TIGHT LINES!

What line are you throwing it on?

Zell, you didnt like the Spro Frogs?

There is a Gander Mountain pretty close, ill try there... Thanks for all of the advice!

Tarpon, Granted, you FISH them two different ways (and sometimes the same way), youre EQUIPMENT remains the same. You SHOULD use the same length rod, heavy braid, and, you set the hook the same way: strike, pause one second, set the hook upwards. SO, although they are fished differently, they arent TOO far apart.

I dont know what it says on the Rod. Im going by what TT says. The tip is a blend of graphite and fiberglass. They go on to say that it creates a "slower reacting tip". I should mention these rods are designed for use with no-stretch superlines (braid, i guess). What Does this mean for the tip, do you think?

Im from NE PA/SE NY area. We do't have Academy out here.

I wouldnt call the Kerchal "Big Time". Unless youre being fasicious?

Ok, i just read RoadWarrior's definition of rod action vs. power. I get it! Thanks RW, i was always so confused. Now for my question: -The Lighting Rod Shock says they has a Strike Amplifying Tip, and that they say it is "slower reacting". What does "slower reacting" mean? Does it have a stiff tip, or softer tip? Would this be a good rod for crankbaits? Someone please explain so i dont lose any more sleep!

Use whatever youre comfortable with. But i am a DIE-HARD Spro Frog Fisherman, and i throw it on 30# Power Pro. I find that a heavy action rod is best, but with a fast-med. fast tip. A little "limp" in the tip will help to increase your hookup ratio. Personally, with that set-up, i keep a 4/5 hookup ratio. But hey, maybe it just works for me...

BRAID! BRAID! BRAID! BRAID! BRAID! Get the picture? 30-65#, but get 50#, its good all round. Also, IMO, i use at LEAST a 7' rod, and HEAVY action. Try just counting "1 Mississippi" after you see the strike. Go to this link: http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1215907931/30 Simp had the same problem. Read the advise and reasoning i gave him. I think it may help you land some fish.

I can only tell you what i hear: - 1/2 oz weight to get to the bottom quickly and for good feel in the wind. -GULP, from what i hear, is SMALLOUTH CRACK! And they have a special GULP GOBY (worth trying, yes?) -Tube heads; depends on the wind. If its not windy, 3/8-1/2 sure suffice. If wind and/or depth is a problem, Mark Zona has a 1-1/2 oz Fat tube head. It is fatter near the line tie to make your tube look like a goby. -Personal tip: if youre gonna throw a tube on a big head like that, lube the jighead with Megastrike before inserting it into the bait. GOOD LUCK!

I have a 14' rowboat that im putting a deck on. I have a small trolling motor, and i want to buy a cheap fishfiner for it. I'm going to be fishing small lakes, most likely no deeper the 30-40 ft, so there is no need for a big expensive one. This boat if for fun-fishing, and im more interested in temp. and bottom contour. So, for under $120, what should i buy thats DECENT?

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO... my mistake. Learn something new everyday.

Ok, i think there are three possible reasons for your misses: 1.) Your not using braided line: -This is key because of the no-stretch feature and it acts as a machete through vegetation. 2.) Your rod is not heavy enough: - Are you throwing it on at least a Medium Heavy Rod? If not, go get one (Heavy Action would be better). 3.) You are setting the hook immediatly upon the strike. - This is the most common mistake to frogging newbies. You must understand that when a bass sucks in a frog, it also sucks in water, air, and whatever cover youre fishing around. Wait an extra 2 seconds before setting the hook. This extra time gives the bass time to push the water and air out of its mouth, which can get in the way of a hookset.

All of the REVo models have the SAME feature in the side plate, same as the curado. There is a thumbscrew you loosen, and then twist the sideplate clockwise oppositethe reel handle. You can adjust the magnet settings that way also.

This may be a silly question. but what do tyou mean, "take apart every time i want to make an adjustment"?

Its an epidemic, especially on lakes like Greenwood and Hopatcong.

Consistency is key in rod manufacturing. But despite performance, i cant bring myself to buy a Carrot Stick. The reason is that where i come from (NJ/PA) the fishing can be good, REALLY good, but in key spots. A lot of guys run around a lake and see if youre catching fish, and if they see you, theyll come right in on you. Im sure this happens elsewhere too. I just dont want an opposing angler to see a BIG BRIGHT ORANGE BEND in my rod. It kinda makes me stick out like a sore thumb, ya know?

I like the Horny Toad for s swimfrog. I treat it like a buzzbait.

For starters, i would go with Albino, Midnight walker, and Natural Green. The green is for clear water, and whenever youre trying to immitate a frod. Albino for clear days, and MW for cloudy days. Also pick up a Barney or Puddy Black. These colors more resemble bluegill. Bluegill live in the same areas as bass do, and therefore, bass are well known to eat them. They will sometimes trap bluegill against floating mats of vegitation and the shoreline. Throw one of those colors when you notice bass blowing up on the shoreline. AND THROW IT ON 50# Braid!!!!!!!!!!!

I want to buy myself a whole new set of reels/rods this winter while the lakes here are frozen. EVERYONE is introducing a new rod, and they all look tasty. But, i have narrowed my reel search down to two models: the REVO STX or the Shimano Curado E. Both are very attractive in both cosmetics and specs. But I dont know which to choose. Any suggestions? Another reel maybe?