Vinny Chase

Exactly. I don't want to continue off the original topic, but for most of us, competitive fishing isnt going to be a dependable source of income, so it really comes down to what makes you happy. For me, I buy used LC's and/or wait for them to go on sale, because I trust in their product and I believe they will catch fish for me = fishing happiness. For others, the bombers, normans, and bandits, are all they need to go out and have a good time on the water. I am not a lure collector, but that can also bring someone happiness. There are many reasons for buying a certain lure, and to each their own!

Bargain cave has saved me thousands of dollars.

Just from my experience, they are a dink fish bait, but like others have said they are a well built bait.

x3 LilJake, I am only fishing from the bank when I am fishing the open water river for smallies, and that is more of a sit and slllowwwlllyy twitch/drag technique. NorthStar hair jigs are killer on the Mississippi for smallies, but I lose so many of them that I have changed up my arsenal....I don't have the luxery of losing 10 a day like Chris

Probably the one bait that I EXPECT to catch a 5 lbr evreytime. Love the deep little N

If I am fishing the flip and swim jig deep I like to put on a swimbait trailer, but I can't get myself to spend $8 for 5 swimbaits....I think I am also going to give in and just use them on tourny day.

Isn't that why you had kids?

Swim jig and t-rigged paca craw

Chris, Stange is very knowledgable, but it is hilarious when he thinks he comes up with certain ways to fish that have been out for years. "Today we are going to make history by catching a bass with a jig head/swimbait combo" haha What part of 'sota are you from? Fishing any tournys in the area?

I know a few of the guys on here from MN, but they are far and few between. So all you Minnesotans out there should let us know where you are from, where you fish, and all of your sweet spots

Why not just bring a cooler and then fillet them all at once when you are done with your outing?

I would agree that it doesn't get much better than a NorthStar swim jig. I have tried a grub trailer, but keep going back to a paca craw.

Skeet22, I started really getting into shaky head fishing last year, and to be honest I really haven't caught much on it to speak of. Like you said in another post, it is all about confidence and going into this year, I have the least confidence in fishing a worm on a shakey head.

It comes down to if you are fishing the right bait at the right time, location, rate of fall, and pattern that the fish want on that paticular day. To be honest, has anyone caught them on a rage craw, picked up a paca and they have turned off? I like the action on the rage craws a little better, but if I catch 5 fish on one spot with the rage craw I believe I would have caught those same fish with a paca. Plus, there are a few paca colors that are one of a kind.

NorthStar Swim Jig RI Skinny Dipper Netbait Paca Craw

I just got a Dobyns DX744 and I can tell you that it is worth the investment; unbelievably sensitive, lightweight, but powerful, and the perfect lenght IMO. Also you cannot beat Dobyns customer service. I received the rod with a 4 in. gash in the blank and they replaced it at no charge, and they even paid for ship back.

^ Trust me it is tough, but somedays it is all that will work for me...If I don't get bit on the fall, I reel up.

Tiny Fluke

1/32 oz bitsy bugs are killer when nothing else is working, but they are hard to find and I go through so many!

Who care about New Years?!!? TODAY is the new year for fishing shows Just like you all have mentioned, I got my DVR ready to go for the whole year...good thing I got the 500 GB hard drive.

Don't get me wrong, I love my Paca's in cold water, but I was just pointing out that I have done very well on my sweet beavers and tubes and it all depends on the mood the fish are in.

Hooligan, that is exactly how I am! Haha I have so many DD22's it is just sick. A-Jay, you are going to like the darkside

Like the looks of this bait and have heard great things, but the only problem (its a BIG one) is the price! I understand the whole mend it thing, and i use it, but I still can't get myself to spend that much... So, does anyone know of a company that has a similar mold? Thanks, VC

I would agree with you Hooligan if my all time producing flippin/pitchin bait didn't have "subtle" action to it You have a good take though, there are times when it takes a jig/craw to get them to bite..there are so many variables that can come up on any given day that it is hard to provide a "right" or "wrong" answer.

In cold water I am throwing a very subtle, slow moving bait that will will entice the bass to bite. In most cases, I am throwing a sweet beaver, but the key is to have light line (10 lb) and a light weight (1/8 oz) so the bait glides in front of them. Dont forget about tube baits