Jrob78

I can't wait to check out the new Lucky Craft "flake flake" color patterns. The two new baits from Big Bite Baits look awesome too. They will come in regular colors and hand painted colors.

You can buy Abu eva knobs at TW, i'm just not sure if they fit Quantum handles or not. Heck, you could buy an Abu power handle with foam knobs if you wanted to. I think the non carbon fiber handles are reasonably priced.

I'm definitely interested in the KVD Flat, although I don't think it's a shallow crankbait. At least the one I saw wasn't, it looked like a mid depth bait. I'm also a sucker for poppers so the KVD popper will be one i'll buy a few of. That Rage Blade is crazy looking. It doesn't have a head, the weight is offset on the blade. It's cool to see new ideas on proven baits.

What kind of reel? Shimano handles are different than Abu/Daiwa handles. How much do you want to spend? After market handles with fancy knobs aren't cheap.

Exactly

It's a straight up scam. The stuff isn't counterfeit because there is no stuff. They will take your money and you will never see it again. If it seems to good to be true, IT IS!!

If you use snaps you need to remove your split rings and snap directly to the bait. Also, you need to make sure to check your line often and retie when needed. Snaps can help develop some bad habits if you aren't vigilant about your line, you still have to retie.

Very cool concept, definitely not just a paint job. I think I read the Bait Balls will retail for $19.99.

Yes they are. Those suckers are big. I bought a couple packs a month or so ago but I haven't used them yet.

My favorite time of year. I haven't seen much from today yet, but Bassmaster posted some new pics. Some cool new stuff from SK and Sebile. Check out the new bladed jig design from SK! http://www.bassmaster.com/slideshow/41-never-seen-products

Another vote for the PQ/Carbonlite, great budget friendly combo.

Those reels came out in the mid 90's and there are still tons of them in use, they hold up really well. They are big and kind of ugly but very solid. They are good multi purpose reels, you can use them for anything really.

If the reel is in normal used condition and in good working order, that is a good price.

Use it and enjoy it for what it is. I don't see a used 1980's Zebco 33 ever having anything but sentimental value.

That might not be right but that's all I could figure out. I watched the broadcast closely to see what he was using but it was hard to tell, it seems logical that he would use the baits he's been using for the last 10 years.Edwin was with Pradco for years. They make Bomber, Yum, Booyah, Rebel and several others. Right before the season started he signed with Zoom, War Eagle and Megabass. Megabass is his new hard bait sponsor but I can totally see it taking some time to get used to their crankbaits and how they run.

It looked to me like he was using Bomber Fat Free Shads, from his old hard bait sponsor. That's why he didn't give specifics. He signed with Megabass right before the season started, he probably didn't have much time to grow comfortable with their baits.

If you can't look up the model #'s and figure it out that way, you'll have to do it manually. Get a little piece of tape and stick it on the spool, turn the handle paying close attention to the handle position. Count the number of times the piece of tape passes in 1 handle turn, that will tell you (roughly) what the gear ratio is.

That's how I store mine too.

I think people put too much emphasis on changing their baits for night time fishing. If it worked during the day, it will work at night. The fish are feeding on the same bait they fed on during the day. The prey doesn't get darker, larger or noisier at night, your baits don't have to either.

I use the lightest weight that I can keep on the bottom. Sometimes it's 1/8oz, other times it's 1/4oz. I use the Gamakatsu Split Shot/Drop Shot hooks in a 1/0. If i'm fishing around vegetation I switch to the Roboworm straight shank hooks with the keepers and t-rig my baits.

I saw an episode of Tim Horton's show and he said when bass have that real strong smell it means they are in a school. I have no idea if it's true or not but that's what he said.

I prefer Daiwa reels and I'm pretty excited about this one. The Lexa didn't really do it for me but I think the Tatula will be better. I don't mind that it's 8oz and I never minded the HSTA's width. I see a couple of Type R's in my future.

The Vixen isn't made by R2S, it's made by Reaction Innovations. RI is about to start selling them again. The Tackle Trap is taking pre-orders for them now.

Well said, I agree completely.

If this is in your budget, I would get it. It will be very hard to put together a better combo for less. This combo wont leave you wanting something better in a few months and should last a very long time. A cheap reel isn't a bargain if you have to replace it every year.