Robertqq

Hello, For the first time this season, I plan on trying a Fluoro leader. I use Power Pro braided line, 10 pound test. Small pond fishing mainly. Is the Alberto Knot the knot to use for attaching the fluoro leader to the braided line ? Are there others to consider ? Pros and cons ? And, is a Cinch knot still practical for a Fluoro leader at the lure end ? Thanks, Bob

For ABW frim OP: "jig to imitate crayfish" New at this. Could you please give me a few details on how one does this, or what to purchase for ? Do you mean a "jig" style weighted hook, with a worm attached, or...? Pix ? Thanks, Bob

Hello, Want to stock up on different color Crawdads. I would fish only the smaller sizes of them, as I do only fishing in a small Pond. The Yamamoto ones are approx. twice the price of all the others on the market, apparently. Other than great marketing, are they, in your opinions, "worth it" ? Why ? If you think the cheaper ones are probably just as good, which brands do you like ? Thanks, Bob

From OP: Dor DocNsan et al: Hi, Interesting regarding the color of a Crawdad and Vitamin A. Question: with "lots" of Vitamin A, is it the whole Crawdad that become reddish, or just the 2 claws ? Thanks, Bob

Hello, Was wondering if you experts think it is necessary, or a good idea, to have a clear mono leader between the end of the line and the lure (perhaps 8" or so), or just tie the line to the lure/worm ? Make any difference ? Ever ? Why ? Fish for Largemouth and Smallmouth, mainly, in a small Pond. I use Power Pro (green) line. And, in general, is a bright Red color for, e.g., a small Rapala crankbait lure, a good color for largemouth and smallmouth ? What colors do you find (most) effective ? Thanks, Bob

Hello, I tend to Pond fish, and fish small lures and worms. Have looked, but just can't seem to find them on Amazon. Anyone suggest a source(s), and Brands, for really small ShakyHeads ? Say 1/16 oz ? Anyone offer anything even less ? Thanks, Bob

Hi, Good advice. Will take your suggestions, as they are well thought out, and undoubtedly correct. Really appreciate your, and the other folks, help. Will be getting a somewhat (slightly) heavier rod for this season compared to what I have been using; a Daiwa Spinmatic UL. Will be an 8 footer again. At my age now, pushing 80, the 8 footer sure does help me in casting a good distance. But like I've mentioned, this Daiwa UL has a way too soft tip. Trying to decide on the Gander Mountain guide series classic crappie one, or one of the crappie maxx ones from BP. Thanks again; nice of you all to take the time in guiding and helping me out, Bob

Hi Guys, Thanks for the information and explanations. Just what I wanted. BTW: I fish off of a dock at the Pond. "decent" depth; perhaps 8 to 10 feet. Regards, Bob

Hello, I do small Pond fishing; mainly Crappie and some (small) Largemouth. Occasionally, a mis-guided Smallmouth. Have been reading a bit on those LipLess Crankbaits. Have never used, and would like to ask the following: a. when, and why, would you use, rather than the (more common ?) ones with the plastic lips ? b. do these lipless ones float, sink, or you can get either kind ? c. advantages, and dis-advantages, of each ? Thanks, Bob

Hi, Just a quick thanks for all the suggestions and replies. Really appreciate it. Great Forum. Regards, Bob

Hello, Usually fish a small pond with lots of Largemouths and Smallmouths. A fair amount of weeds and "cover". Thought this season I might try those small Frog imitations for the firt time and cast (Spinning outfit) right in the middle of the weeds. a. Which brands or styles for the frog imitations are considered the most weedless, or all pretty much the same ? b. Do you folks like a Frog that floats, or one that does not ? Why ? In the BP catalog, they seem to offer many, but are not very clear which float, and which do not. Suggestions ? Thaks, Bob

Hello, Trying to decide on a new 8 foot Spinning rod for mainly Pond fishing. Small Largemouth (2 lb. max; most smaller) and Crappie. Pro Angler rods were suggested to me. Frankly, have never heard about this outfit. Are there rods a "decent" quality ? Reputable outfit, etc. ? Anything that sets them apart from the others ? Would appreciate any thoughts or opinions. And, anyone specifically using their 8 Foot Rod: "9 stainless steel eyelets 17 inch handle Two piece rod Hybrid Rod use Baitcast or Spinning Reel Weighs only 4.2 ounces 4X Backbone" Can this rod be considered a Light (L), one step up from an UL ? Interesting that they say it can be used as a Casting, or as a Spinning rod. Don't think I've ever seen any rod advertised that way. What have they done differently to enable this ? Thanks, Bob

Hello, Re: Gander Mountain Guide Series Classic Crappie Rod, 8', Light If anyone has used this rod, particularly in this length, would be most appreciative for any comments on. I have a Daiwa UL now in 8 foot, but the tip is way, way, too soft. Do mostly small pond fishing for Largemouth. Doubt that anything in Pond is over 2.5 pounds or so, But did get a Chain Pickeral that was probably significantly more. Once. Hoping that this Gander Mountain rod, being a "Light", and presumably one-step up from a UL, would have somewhat of a stiffer tip. Any thoughts or opinions on ? Gander Mountain "quality" ? Thanks, Bob

Hi all, Just a real quick thanks to everyone for all the really good information Nice of you all to take the time; apprciated very much. Bob

Hello all, As always, thanks for the information. Great Forum. Hate to appear ignorant, but will blame it on my age now. What is, please, "T rigged" ? What is: "Rage Rigged" ? Thanks, Bob

Hello, Anyone know of a source for really small (soft bait) Craws ? Perhaps under 3 inch size. How would one best rig Craws this small ? Thanks, Bob

Hello, Anyone know if Power Pro braided line floats or sinks ? Opinions on ? Thanks, Bob

Hi, Anyone have or use the Gander Mountain Spinning Rod: Guide Series Classic Crappie Rod Thinking of getting one in the 8 foot length. Is it a "true" LIGHT, one step up from an Ultra Light (UL) ? Any thoughts or comments on would be appreciated. Thanks, Bob

Hello, Have never had a B n M Spinning rod, but am considering either of these two in 8 foot length. The Difference by Roger Gant Buck's Ultimate (no hook keeper, apparently; surprisingly. And, smaller number of guides ?) General question: How is the "quality" of B n M ? (both rods in question are in the $ 50 range) Any general thoughts on either of the two ? I fish for small crappies and largemouth mainly in a local Pond. Opinions would be most appreciated. Thanks, B.

Hi Folks, I have an 8 foot Daiwa UltraLight (UL) Spinmatic spinning rod that I really like. For the $ 35 it cost, it's an amazing rod; great cosmetics, etc. Can't understand how they can produce it and still make a profit. The only fault I have with it is that the tip is really way too soft/floppy for this length of a rod. So, I am looking to find another rod, and would appreciate any suggestions. I guess the next step up in stiffness would be a regular "Light" rather than an UL. Correct ? The other requirement I have is that it have the old fashioned, classic all cork (foregrip and handle), and not any of this new style cut-a-way cork. And, 8'. Cost should be about $ 50, max. Can't really come up with one. The closest I've found is the B n M Roger Gant Difference. Anyone have any experience with this rod ? Would you term it a "Light", or... ? BTW: they call this rod a "side pulling rod". Have never come across this term before. What construction differences make it a "side pulling rod" ? What is a side pulling rod ? Can it, or should it, be used as a "normal" rod ? I fish mainly for "small" Crappie and Largemouth Bass in Ponds; nothing ever "big". Any other suggestion besides the B nM ? Thanks, and best regards, Bob

Hello, Have never used straight shank Punch Hooks, so please bear with me a bit: Re that black plastic tube, or plastic piece near the eye, that you see on Punch Hooks: What is its purpose ? Is it (only) to prevent the bait from riding up over the eye onto the line ? Or,...? Looked, but couldn't find anything. Is there some Link to a video that shows putting a plastic or other bait onto them ? Thanks, B.

Hello, Was looking thru the Yammamoto site, and they mention: "which holds it up on the new style straight shank punch hooks with the barb keeper. No more baits balled up at the hook bend! " New one for me. What, please, are: "punch hooks" ? What are: "new style straight shank punch hooks with the barb keeper" ? Any Links describing ? Popular, pros and cons, etc. ? Great Forum. Thanks, Bob

Hi, Thanks for info. The only reason I am interested in a thinner wire for these kinds of hooks, is that I have come to the conclusion, maybe, that if I had a thinner wire hook, I would not damage so many plastic worms as I try to thread them. The ones I use are pretty small size, as it's Pond Fishing mainly that I do. The Senko's are pretty "pricey". Best regards, Bob

Hello, Great Forum. Have been using the Gamakatsu EWG offset worm hooks with plastic worms. Sizes 1 and 1/0 mainly. Does anyone know of similar hooks, but with a thinner diameter wire than what Gamakatsu apparently uses ? Thanks, Bob

Hello, Have a question regarding what type/style hook to use when rigging plastic worms. No big deal, but just curious, and thought I'd ask you experts. I'm certainly not. I understand the offset style (of "worm hook") with the small bend right by the hook eye. Makes sense so that you can rotate the hook after embedding it in the front of the worm, and then bringing it out of the worm to direct it backwards. My fishing is mainly with small worms in a Pond; lots of smallmouth and largemouth. But there appear to be (at least) two versions available. For one, the shank goes absolutely straight back to the main hook curve. In the other, there is a very wide circle/arc of the hook going backwards. Perhaps termed "wide gap" or "extra wide gap". Which would one use, and when ? Thanks, Bob