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That wouldn't explain the severe damage to the spool. Furthermore, it's just one spot on the spool.

The 6' 6" MF would be fine for jerks and topwater because you generally want to have the rod tip near the water when you impart action, especially for topwater. The extra length and mod action will suit the crankbait better. What's the price range you looking into?

These are bargain bin material. I don't think they're big sellers.

7' MM 7' MHF

I dunno, but spinnerbaits and cranks should never twirl if they're tuned correctly. These are two lures that are least likely to need a swivel on the line.

;D LOL Forget all that BS... Back to the topic. I wish we could definitively figure out what happened. What did ghoti suggest, Francho? I don't want to be the next guy...

A 7' Med power, Mod action is very well rounded for crankbaits. I throw anything from tiny 3/16 oz balsa Rapala floaters to 3/4 oz lipless cranks on it. It also makes a nice rig for small, 1/8 to 1/4 oz buzzbaits in not-too-heavy cover. But if you want to primarily use heavier, deep diving cranks, then look into MHM power rods because the drag from the large diving bill will overpower a MM rod.

Rigging your own would be best, but getting one of those 3/4 oz pre rigged setups will give you a pretty good idea what Carolina rigging is about. Then if you decide you like them and want to use them frequently, you can go out and buy the tungsten sinkers in 1/2, 3/4, and 1 oz, with glass beads and different clackers, etc. Carolina rigging isn't for everyone. A $2 pre rigged setup is a good place to start.

+1

Last year, I mostly fished them weightless on a T-rig. I either skipped them under docks or threw them at bass that blew up and missed my frog in the lily pads. They're chunky enough that you can fish them weightless and still throw them on heavy tackle in thick weed cover.

I can't believe I've never tried these. They look like prime skipping baits.

Well said. Thanks for posting that informative video. I always C&R bass, but I will keep crappies and sunnies before the bass season opens up in late May. I may have to start keeping some dink bass once in a while, instead of buying halibut, salmon or swordfish on the way home from the lake, which I've done many times after fishing gets me in the mood for fish for dinner.

The Gulp Maggots work well.

On the retrieve. Too much drag from a mid sized to large spinnerbait. You can still set the hook, but it didn't feel right to me.

I've never really liked the feel of a U-40 sealed rod handle, but I know of some that believe in using sealant. I'd like to know what you think. Any reasoning behind your choice or recommendations that you may feel like adding would be appreciated. Thanks

"...eats mounds of junk food and tries to move as little as possible." What a life. Get a job lady. :-/

Sammy Smith Nut Brown Ale.

Also, stuff some newspaper into the end of the tube so the rod can't slide back and forth.

Sorry to hear it.

I answer all the questions, but I don't list my phone #.

Haha, good point. Way to "Go Green!"

I think they were designed to drop shot. That's how I've used them.

When the water is very stained, I fish clown or gold colored jerkbaits with shorter pauses so the fish can still easily track it.

Mix it up but keep it rather steady. Rarely has a strictly Yo Yo retrieve been the best presentation for me. Cast it out, work it with an erratic rod-tip and frequent, short pauses. Sometimes I slow roll it trying to get the lure a little deeper. I let it tick the weedtops in 10' of water and when it hangs up, I rip it free with quick snap of the wrists and let it flutter for a second before I begin again. I've had good luck with just a simple slow and steady retrieve with the rod tip held high, too. This is a very versatile lure. Don't stick with any retrieve for very long if it's not producing.

Flukes are one of my favorite Spring baits. I tend to fish them more gently than a hard jerkbait.