BassnMan Mike

My favorite line is Maxima Ultra Green BassnMan Mike

The craw lure is an Original Bagley Small Fry Series.

The original post asked for $40.00 and under Hard Baits. For the over $40.00 hard lures, when they are keying on bass, like I stated, I like the Matt Lures Hard Bass. When they are keying on trout I like the 3:16 Free Style and Real Deal but they are very expensive. For soft trout swim baits its hard to beat the Hudds but the Matt Lures are also an excellent choice.

I'll play, BassnMan Mike

I like both the Trout and Shad depending on what the bass are keying on at the time. The reason I like the slow sink is because you can wake them as well as fish them deep. In my opinion, the best of both worlds and like I said, its hard to beat the price. By the way, I agree with you that the Matt Lures are great. The Hard Bass is difficult to beat when they are keying on bass, shhhh, thats a secret.

My list is pretty large but its basically Abu reels mounted on Loomis rods. BassnMan Mike

I believe Bird Dog is talking about the "Old School" Black Max reels from way back. They were the Swedish made Ambassaduers and fantastic reels. I've still got a couple of them laying around that I use as backups. BassnMan Mike

The BBZ 6 inch is hard to beat for the $20.00 price tag. They do catch fish and while there are better baits out there, expect to pay considerably more. I like the Trout and Shad in slow sink. BassnMan Mike

Welcome to BR Ellery from California, The Land Of Fruits And Nuts. Nice bunch of people here with loads of knowledge to share. BassnMan Mike

Welcome to BR Dave from California, The Land Of Fruits And Nuts. Nice bunch of people here with loads of knowledge to share. BassnMan Mike

Welcome to BR Colt from California, The Land Of Fruits And Nuts. Nice bunch of people here with loads of knowledge to share. BassnMan Mike

A cheaper and just as effective alternative is a quart size zip lock freezer bag. Just be sure to re-seal the bag and place it in a storage compartment before making a run.

Daiichi Bleeding Bait or Death Trap treble hooks are so sharp if you look at them wrong they will hook you, HA!

I agree with the statement to get the biggest you can afford. When I first started tournament fishing I fished the MBAA circuit, which has a draw format so I had the chance to ride in alot of different brands and sizes of boats. Out here in CA the wind can pick up in a hurry and it can get down right nasty. I've been on the water in 3-5 foot swells and it gets down right scary at times. While its true that alot of it depends on the drivers ability I always felt safer in the bigger boats. Not only that but I'm a big guy and the bigger boats are of course more roomy and comfortable. Oh yeah, my first boat was a Champion 186, my second boat was a Champion201 and my current boat is a Champion 210 Elite.

Congrats on your new boat! Have fun, catch fish and enjoy yourself.

Get yourself a pair of split ring pliers, they are not that expensive and it makes life much easier. As to changing the size, its usually best to match the size. The lure is designed to run true with the weight of the hook they put on it. Changing the hook size "COULD" but not always, cause the lure not to run correctly

Watch eBay or Craigslist and pickup a used Revo and a decent rod. Personally, I love the Loomis rods but they are not cheap.

I recently did an indepth write up concerning shades on my site, http://bassnman.com/fishing-gear/sunglasses-which-ones-are-right-for-me/

Yet another thumbs up for Maxima Ultragreen. I use different sizes but my favorite would have to be the 5 pound for split shotting. I learned about that size from the inventor of split shotting and a great man, Dick Trask.

I've got 4 Optimas in mine. Would I buy them again? Yes, in a heart beat. IMHO, well worth the cost.

Welcome to BR Joan from a fellow Californian. Where abouts in CA are you? Nice bunch of people here with loads of knowledge to share. BassnMan Mike

IMHO, these bugs are almost as good as live bugs. They come pre-rigged with weights and a fine wire that you just insert a hook from the underside, they suggest a size 6 drop shot hook. Me personally, I like a size 4 or 2 Daiichi Bleeding Drop Shot Hook. Go through the metal eyelet and come out the top, between the eyes. As far as durability, they are pretty durable. Secret tips, insert a small glass rattle and cover it with ypur choice of attractant. I like Pro-Cure Craw. Fish them slow, try to imagine a crawdad crawling along the bottom. BassnMan Mike

Welcome to BR from Sunny California. Nice bunch of guys here with loads of knowledge to share. BassnMan Mike

Welcome to BR Jon from a fellow Californian. Nice bunch of guys here with loads of knowledge to share. BassnMan Mike

Welcome to BR Josh from Sunny California. Nice bunch of guys here with loads of knowledge to share. BassnMan Mike