Craiger12

Thanks for the update Chris. Much appreciated.

As far as Dobyns goes, I would take a look at the 735C and DX745C depending on your price range. The 735C will be slightly faster in action with a softer tip than the DX745C.

I prefer a mod/fast action for all treble hook presentations. I find it really helps keep fish pinned. I started out throwing lipless cranks on a 3 power fast action rod and I noticed a significant improvement in my landing ratio when switching to the mod/fast rod I currently use.

Love my Core 51 and it will certainly handle what you want it to do well. I'm sure the other 50/51 size reels that Shimano puts out will do just fine as well, I just haven't used them.

Short answer is a jig. I prefer a pork trailer in colder water.

Huge fan of the Northstar Black Series jigs and would recommend them to anyone. You won't be disappointed.

I have been reading the posts lately praising the Subwoofer as a swim jig trailer and was wondering how they might work as an affordable option for the jr and finesse size A-rigs. Anyone try this? What do you guys think?

Thanks for the help guys. I decided to spool up with some 65# Fireline braid that I had left over from a while back. I also placed a TW order and decided to go with a Picasso School E and School E Jr to try out with some Keitech Swing Impact FATs in 3.8" and 4.8". One thing is for sure - this is going to become one expensive endeavor if I have a good weekend on the water.

I throw straight 16# Toray Superhard Upgrade on my jig rod. I like that it sinks and love the increased abrasion resistance and sensitivity on slack line due to it's density and stiffness. I don't find the managability to be an issue at all on casting gear.

Thanks for the insight guys. I'm planning on picking up the Picasso School E Rig in full size and Jr size. What hooks do you guys recommend? Also, any specific swimbait recommendations? I'm partial to Keitech, but durability is a serious issue. Thanks in advance.

Title pretty much says it all. I'm seriously considering jumping onboard and I have a rod/reel combo that can do it, but I'm debating whether to use braid or heavy copoly. I'm thinking either 50# braid or 17-20# CXX. Opinions?

I wasn't present, but if I recall correctly most of the smallies were caught on small cranks, lipless cranks, and spinnerbaits.

x3

Anyone have any updates on how they're making out around CT so far this spring? I know a few of my friends had been hitting the smallies pretty good in the upper Housatonic the past few weeks. We also managed a decent day yesterday on our favorite lake. Caught about 15 largemouth and one smallie between three of us, with the largest going a little under 4lbs.

Dobyns Champ 733C Zillion 6.3:1 P-line CXX 12# I usually throw 3/8oz and 1/2oz spinnerbaits in relatively open water and find this setup to be just about perfect.

Standard size Brush Hog.

I will probably throw 1/4oz the most and 1/2oz as well.

I would definitely go with the 705. You may want to look at the 705CB graphite version as well.

I'm looking for a football head jig to fish soft plastics in rocky cover. Basically I'm looking for a football shakey head. What do you guys use?

I agree with NorthStar jigs. Excellent quality for the price. You definitely won't be over paying and they are a BR sponsor.

Black/gold. Almost always a Red Eye Shad.

Revenge

x3. I can't stand it when I hear pros refer to medium powered rods as medium action. Bill Dance has to be the worst. It really doesn't help beginners or those who don't understand the difference between power and action.

Amen to that!

x2. Actually I use 10# most of the time because it is so strong and abrasion resistant. I tend to go lighter than most when fishing mono though.