Papa_Tom

I have used these jigs quite a bit since they came out. I think you will find they are a well made product with a good hook. I mostly throw 1/8 and 1/4 oz sizes in these jigs, and if you try those also you will find that you can bring them over and through most any cover. Usually fish these like a c'bait or slow rolled s'bait. You can follow the bottom, or keep them in the uppermost part of the water column (as I mostly do). Terrific in clear water vegetation type areas. Balance of the jig/trailer is critical, and when you have that you can retrieve the jig at nearly any speed w/o roll-over. You don't have to fish it slow all the time, sometimes burning it back is the answer. When it is running true you can throw it almost anywhere. Having said all that, I prefer a Brovarney jig over all others that I have used for this technique. Balance, quality components and handtied skirt. JMO. I think you will be happy with the Monsoor also. I sometimes will throw this 90%+ of the time, 50* water and up.

I've just replaced the last of my original ones. 3 1/2 years on one, 4yrs one month on the other. Hopefully I'll get similar results with this set.

Most of the issues with operation, staying locked, accuracy, etc., come from guys who have units with internals. At least that is the way I hear things. Mine is external, and I'm quite satisfied. I never considered the theft issue. Good point.

You should see what they can do to a trolling motor also. Dealer gave me new covers that he had, but how can they (UPS) deliver something that looks like it went through a wringer washer and then challenge you on damage??? You may be (sorely) surprised about the coverage on the insurance as well.

Bobby....Here is one to start with. Sure there are others, this is just the one I know of http://www.antiquelures.com/ Would think that Karl White would have something on the web. He's the guy in BASSmaster

Wish they made it in lighter pound tests. 10# and up it is the only mono I use. Not saying it is the best line for everyone, it does have some memory and stretch, etc. Works for me, pitch, flip, cast.

Infidel pretty well nailed it. I saw this on Bass Edge also. Tried it and it worked. Of course, I had to backlash on purpose. Oh well, I guess sometimes old dogs CAN learn new tricks. Good tip.

1) I, too, got the Dancin' Eel when they first came out. Fished it with full faith and confidence. Never caught the first fish. Pitched 'em finally. 2) Dancin' Craw Couldn't buy one w/o the other, besides it looked so realistic. Actually caught some of the biggest bass on this lure. Three pounds minimum. Set PB on two different lakes with this thing. Had to wait to set the hook, big bait. Had to work it very slow or it would roll over. Wish I still had one. I may be the only one, but I did catch 'em on the Craw.

Online catalog says 5-6 feet. My experiences with CB's has always been something less than stated. Bear in mind that I am not much of a cranker, tho.

JT... I think the show is all re-runs at the present. It seems they are all springtime shows, so perhaps they are in production at this time. I like the program, watch it every time it is on. You don't always get a lot of educational information, but on occassion you do. It is entertaining IMO. As stated, you get to see a different side of the pros. Most everything is very positive. As far as Swindle and Luke Clausen, I thought GS was just short of pathetic. I really liked his segments on Classic Patterns. However his behavior/antics on UMF left me with a negative impression of him. Sometimes it isn't the way a man deals with adversity, but rather the way he deals with success that tells us more about his character. Overall, good program.

Can't comment about the Pflueger spinning reel, have never even held one. I have several Sahara's and am very happy with them. I would be tempted to stay with something I know I am happy with. Good luck with your decision.

I would take the advice to call the company and inquire as to whether there were any available. I did this with another company about a discontinued soft plastic color and they had 1500+ units of the lure sitting on a pallet. This particular color had been out of production about 3-4 years. I was able to get all I ever wanted. They didn't discount them as deeply as I wanted them to, but I was happy.

Congratulations!!!! You are right, too. Life will never be the same....it will be lots better. What a blessing.

I use ball-head jigs for this. The two that I use are 1) The Luck E Strike that is available at WallyWorld and ...2) Davis Shaky head with long shank hook. Most often I add a HitcHiker corkscrew, attaching it to the eye or the stem of the hook. Jelly Worms, Trick Worms, finesse or some type of floating worm. Always straight tail for me. Others like Spot Removers, Spot Stalkers, Spot Stickers. I recently bought some Omega Savior jigs. More of a pointed head, stand-up with a screw built in. Hope to try these next week.

Have used a lot of Mann's products over the years. In the hardbaits, the Model 79 is one of my all-time favorites. Wish it were still in production. In the Minus series, I have used a bunch of the Baby size, a few of the Mid and full size 1-. Because I had always been happy with what I had bought I got several of the 4- and 8- when they were introduced. The oval rings would jam on the 8-. All of them (4- and 8-) had the finish split open. Never understood how the Baby 1- could be so good and the 4- and 8- were anything but. I caught a few fish, but the bait quality was not there. I'll not buy more.

Parasite Worm weight clip. I haven't used these, but have used a Fast Lock snap or a Crane swivel in the larger sizes (1 or 1/0). We've done this for a while. Actually after the Eagle Claw HP hook came out, the one with the clip. It helps. The Parasite may work better with the offset bend, but a Crane swivel will do it, too. Just slip one loop on the standing line and stick the other loop over the hook before burying the hook on your T-rig.

I just got a Citica 200 this winter. I've only had it out three times so far. I really like it to date. I have had Curado's for a good while, and Curado SF's (all 200's) when they came out. I'm looking to get another soon. Very smooth. Compact. I have to get used to the dropped gear box and change my grip a little, but no complaints. These are 4 + 1 on bearings (or so I understand). Where did the one bearing thing come from?

Use the BPS HPR series. Gore-Tex. Bought bibs and parka. Lightweight, but in colder temps I layer on warmer clothes underneath. This will be my third year with them, nothing but good things to say so far.

Thanks for the reply. I know that it is an inside tube head with a 60 degree EWG hook. No fiber weedguard. I kind of "think" I know how to do it, but thought if someone knew for sure that they could enlighten me.

I just replaced a trolling motor battery. Bought another Everstart Maxx 29. Purchased the one that went out in Jan 2003. Had one go out last summer. Perhaps I should have bought both last year, but I didn't. Got three years + out of one, four out of this one. These are in my Ranger, leave them plugged up all the time, monitor the water level every month. I have no complaints with this product.

Anybody got the skinny on how Terry McWilliams (Indiana BASS Fed and BASS Master Classic) is rigging his tube and Bite-Me jig? I know the head is inside, and it is weedless. Thanks.

The most oft-heard recent comments I have noticed concerning straight shank vs. offset is in regards to flipping. Some are saying that the straight shank will come back through the cover easier. Plus, the hook pull is more direct in line. Gary Yamamoto and Denny Brauer are the two biggest names you hear with this stance. Casting, the offset does seem to help (MO) with keeping the bait in place.

I can't be the only one here old enough to remember when the Beetle Spin came in some larger sizes. On the larger ones the profile was not too much different than the Scorpion, the Colorado blade was smaller tho. About all that was available in off the shelf product back then in small towns. Used to buy them in Mr. Bechle's (sp) hardware store in Bonne Terre and fish smallies in the Big River.

Have two HMG's, both MH. One is 6'6" and the other is 7'. I use these rods for throwing 1/8 and 1/4 oz swim jigs. I am particularly sold on the 6'6" as it has (for me) the best blend of power and action for this technique. Bought them in the early spring of last year and am very happy to date. With the exception of one G Loomis, all the rest of my rods are Falcons, but I will probably get another 6'6" HMG.

Here is a link to fishing jigging spoons. Refers mostly to the electronics interpretation end of things, but does also include some technique info. I found it very interesting, and you may as well. http://heartlandtackleservice.com/spooning.stm This man, LTBama, posts these items on another site. You can research his posts. Good stuff, and most all of it is captured in this. Hope this helps.