rubba bubba

Do you dead stick it over deeper water at all? Or just near deeper water but over shallower water?

Many (most?) usually don't get quite that specific - i.e. they'll get a "plastics" rod, vs. type of plastics as you describe. In your case, you'll be fine, unless you intend to go heavier on the jigs - i.e. more than 1/2 oz - then it depends on how heavy or light action of a rod you are considering. Typically when fishing tubes it's not with a lot of weight.

Very nice. Can you post back in a few weeks with pics of the toads they bring you?

Is this true for the Bluegill hardbait series as well, or more for the Baby Bass?

Go to *** and get some bulk skirts from him. Another similar option is to go to fishingskirts.com (but we're fond of Russ around here).

Out of curiosity, how old are you?

I got my first Mattlures swimbait the other day - the bluegill hardbait series - and now that I'm done admiring the craftsmanship (that took a few days), I'm looking for help in how to fish it (the darn thing didn't come with an instruction manual). It's a floating model, crappie pattern, btw. For Central region fishing - - with the bass somewhat deep but slowly moving up as they chase the baitfish, what presentations should I work? If I dead stick it, or work it on the ledges, will they come up from the depths to hit it? - steady retrieve? erratic retrieve? - or is it more of a spring / shallow water bait? - other? Any help would be appreciated, thx. Also, should I change out the trebles? They seem small for trophy sized fish.

I agree with what Cart says but would also add line diameter to the equation for lighter baits. You'll need a narrower diameter line to go along with the lighter action rod when casting lighter baits. Your 12lbs mono can work but it'll require more skill. Lastly, a better baitcaster will always help close the skill gap, as they make everything easier. Don't read it as that I am implying the Extreme is bad, I'm just saying even better reels will make it that much easier.

I still have several of the even cheaper Cherrywood rods and they've lasted for many years and caught hundreds of fish. Your Lightning at $20 is a good buy and will serve you well. Keep an eye out in the event there's some chance it might be nicked/scratched from Walmart's handling; and keep the receipt.

Any particular reason you don't PM him? It won't let me pm him since my post count is zero. You have to have at least one post in order to PM somebody. That's an interesting rule I wasn't aware of. Time for you to get eloquent on us, JF, and whip out 10+ quick posts and let your voice be heard. Start with your love for the 3 Stooges and work in a few Caddyshack quotes...

Any particular reason you don't PM him?

I have access to color laserjets at work so buying an Alps printer is a non-issue for me. If you're not technically savvy, getting up to speed on doing something other than fonts in MS Word could prove to be a challenge (or be fun depending on your perspective). Scott - nice work on that decal, bro.

Clearly he's a man who leads by example.

I get the scale out for fish that start in the 3 to 4 lbs range...only to then find out they are really in the 2-2.5lbs range.

Hence the "There will be others that think similarly but the majority..." :)

Winter in which region? ie. Florida winter is obviously quite different than a more northern area winter. A 6" jig trailer is awfully big for coldweather winter regions.

What both Muddy and the Natural state is the truth. Muddy is simply the exception to the Natural's rule. There will be others that think similarly but the majority is definitely hot to trot for sex appeal.

Anyone know the ratio's offered on the magnesium Pocket Fisherman?...

That doesn't even include had you loaded up on the max 3 bags of dents & dings, which is an absolute must.

Out of the mouths of babes. Have your mom get an account on here and we'll explain to her the joys of saving money by going to ***.

If you get it, get it from *** while you can still get 15% off and free shipping. I would also suggest you consider the Shimano Curado 200/1 E. These 2 reels are very high end performers.

Wow, a lot of angst in this thread. I need something to cheer me up now. Hmmm, maybe I'll go read one of Sweet Daddy's posts..... ;D ;D

Do a few guides at a time and then go do something else. Tying all those guides on such a narrow diameter blank will make you cross-eyed. Do a few and then come back to it. Just a suggestion unless time is critical.

Sweet builds for sure. Those have lifetime of enjoyment written all over them.

The CXX is on clearance at TW; so you get it for $7.88 (in a couple of weights) AND you get 20% off. In case anyone wants to pick up some. Not all weights but a few.