Jrob78

Yes, it's like a soft plastic buzz bait.

CXX is tough as nails. One thing to keep in mind is its diameter is quite large for it's rated lb test. I think 15-17 would be good for main line. Just make sure your leader will break before your mainline so you don't lose your whole set up if you get snagged.

I probably use creature/craws 5:1 over worms.

This is the one I use too. Good scale.

If you really want to kick up a commotion, try the Rage Shad.

I assume you're using spinning gear? I crank with fluoro and casting gear so I probably can't give you good advice about your set up. No matter what you're using though, you need to make sure your line is in good shape. Where is your line breaking? Perhaps you aren't tying good knots or retying often enough? 8 lb fluoro is pretty light but it shouldn't break while fighting a fish if your drag is set right.

I guess I don't see the benefit in cranking with a leader. Why not just crank with straight braid or straight fluoro?

Less line will also lower the IPT of the reel, especially at the start of a retrieve.

The Dick's around here are having the sales, the only problem is they just carry run of the mill stuff.

C'mon man, it's just down this page a little ways. http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/142085-dog-days-of-summer-your-favorite-tactic-for-bass/

I'm a big fan of the Sufix braids. The Performance Braid and the 832 are both really good. I never looked back to Power Pro once I started using Sufix.

St. Croix under rates their rods, at least in the LE's. A H power is going to be really stout. I have a 7' MHF and a HF in the LE. The MH is one of my favorite rods and a great all around casting rod. I'm sure the LT's fish about the same.

A hot knife is a tool. I didn't make any for spinning rods. I use 3/8" heat shrink.

It's called PET sleeving. You can buy it on Ebay. You basically use a hot knife to cut it and keep the ends from unravelling. Use a heat gun to fold and crease the open end and use heat shrink tube to close off the other end. It's really easy to work with. 1 1/4" is the size you need for rods with regular guides, 1" is good for micro guides.

Yep, you're right. I never really noticed the flat side.

Isn't the Yum more round? This looks pretty flat to me.

It's a zipper grub. It isn't made by Zipper or Roboworm though. Could be anyone really.

I've got a bunch of Rod Sox brand and a couple of Gander Mountain sleeves also. Recently I've been making my own. You can buy the material online and it's really easy to work with. All you need is a hot knife, heat gun and some shrink tube.

6.1 or faster. Not something I think too much about though.

My favorite sq bills are the Lucky Craft BDS 3 and RC 1.5.

Some guys absolutely hate split grips. I prefer them. I cast with 2 hands and that butt grip makes a perfect handle for me. It really does just boil down to personal preference though.

Most Spro baits use Gamakatsu hooks. If the 6" does as well, they're probably ok to leave on.

My apologies for the mess in your thread. I'm glad you decided on a rod, I'm sure you will be very happy with it. Be sure to let us know how you like it.

Some fluoro is very low stretch, most is not. To me, the stretch in fluoro feels different than the stretch in mono. Anything is going to feel stretchy when you're used to braid though. For some techniques a little bit of stretch is a good thing.

Beautiful bait.