Dockhead

Good call on the Ugly Otter. Super flippin bait.

Have you checked out the Okuma C3 rods? Seems like that would be a great match.

I agree it is pretty bad when you are on national t.v. using one thing and then blatantly saying it is something else. It is lying, let's call it what it is. A lot of people can live with that. So be it. But there are plenty of pros who use something other than what they are sponsored by - some say what it is, some "decline to mention" the brand. Either of those options are valid in my eyes. I think it is also pretty bad for espn to report something when they know full well it isn't what he said it was. Although I guess they don't want to get into that kind of situation with any angler, so they can just get out of it by reporting his claims. And here's the big question. It was mentioned that Velvick used the duckett rod the first days of the tourney, when the cameras were not rolling. So he goes into the final day with a 6 lb. lead, a lead he established using a particular piece of equipment, and then decides to switch it up? Just wants to see if he can catch em on another rod, the one he isn't sponsored by, on t.v. day? Ok, I gotcha....

I coat my chrome baits with clear nail polish. That helps tremendously. Couple weeks ago I bought something that was with the nail polish, some kind of a protectant to put on fingernails after they are polished. Seemed like a good idea, but...It actually started to eat the paint on one Redeye that I put too much on. Stick with reg. clear polish and just do a light coat, that's all you need.

I love both. I grew up with one spinning rod and one baitcaster (still have and occasionally use the baitcaster 25 years later). Currently I have about 10 baitcast set-ups and 5 spinning set-ups. I think they both have their place. But unfortunately, in my club and in my neck of the woods, most people don't lend much credence to spinning gear. It is looked upon as an oddity by many. I kind of like it that way to be honest, I feel like I have an extra weapon because I can do something most others I fish with can't. I usually get one of two things when I fish a tournament. Either a non-boater who doesn't own a spinning rod ("except for looking for specks") or a non-boater who doesn't own any baitcast gear (because they haven't fished that long, aren't comfortable with it and/or don't fish that often). Doesn't bother me either way, but there are plenty who don't seem comfortable with what they have (please see: indian/arrow). Whatever you choose, just do your best to be proficient at as many techniques as you can. I personally am glad I don't have to choose between the two, I love being able to switch off as the situation dictates. I have done well on days when I only used spinning gear, and vice versa with baitcasters. I fully believe that you should do what you are comfortable with and what is fun for you. Having said all that, if spinning gear and baitcasting is equal, and you can do all of the same things with spinners that you can with baitcasters, then why is it that at the highest levels of professional bass fishing, where anglers can use any gear made, the predominant weapons are of the baitcasting variety?? I know you see spinning gear come out a bit, and some fisheries lend themselves to a certain technigue (i.e., drop shotting) and a tourney is won on that technique, but rarely is it the main weapon of a tournament professional. Just puttin' it out there.

He did appear to have Duckett's on the deck. Didn't see him use anything but the one that appeared to be "different" however. I am curious as to what the rod really was.

Hey! I was being serious Roger. I know a wealth of information when I see him, just looking to get as much as I can. Never even heard of that Deps worm...

Don't hold back Roger. How about colors, weights, techniques?? Please??

Flippin' - June Bug Trick Worm Pitchin' - June Bug Trick Worm C-rig - June Bug Trick Worm T-rig - June Bug Trick Worm Weightless - June Bug Trick Worm Wacky - June Bug Trick Worm And yet, for some reason, I still have 3,456 bags of worms that are NOT June Bug Trick Worms. :-?

St. Croix Mojo - 7' M That's the reel I have on mine, and it is a great set up.

Why the speedy retrieve for shallow divers??

Couple weeks ago there were some big fish coming from the mouth area of the cove, just to the south. The big island near the cove has some good hydrilla also from what I heard.

I like to keep one flipping rod with 20-25# Big Game and one with 50# braid. Tried some fluoro on the Big Game rod, but it was a bit difficult to manage because of the memory. I am still getting used to the braid to be honest, but I think eventually it will be my mainstay on both rods. In the thick vegetation, the pluses so far outweigh any negatives.

Most of the lakes/ponds are private, but there are some in developments that you can fish. Just have to look around really. Lots have the dreaded "no fishing" signs posted. Someone mentioned the by-pass canal, used to be able to also access some spots where the canal passes Fletcher and also Fowler Ave. There are some Hillsborough River spots up at Trout Creek park, and I believe Sargeant park, both down Fletcher Ave. going east.

Seems like a great deal at that price point. Doesn't Abu also have a $10 rebate going right now for reals in that price range? You can add another set of Money Minnows!

I throw mostly smaller size cranks, probably 1/4 ouncers. Do have a couple larger ones, though, so I guess I need to consider those. I would like to go MH, just to be sure I can turn them all away from cover, but most of the rods that are MH seem to be rated for heavier lures (heavier than 1/4) and I want to be able to get good casting distance with the lighter baits. Guess a good real would help.

I was checking this one out at Dick's, it actually didn't seem to be a true mh, that was the only problem I could see. But if it handles the way you say, I guess I can put it back on the short list! Thanks!

I know I just ordered one off ebay - 7'/MH casting. I had been thinking about trying one, saw a deal I couldn't resist and now am anxiously awaiting.

Thanks guys. Appreciate the help.

What is your price range?

Nice article in Bassmaster this month on the technique. I like the actual Flick Shake worms, but I throw them old fashioned wacky style - no weight.

I am looking to upgrade my shallow crankbait rod. I currently use a medium light rod, it doesn't say what the action is but I believe it would be moderate. I mainly throw around/over grass, no rocks or wood. 2-5 foot divers for the most part. So, should I go with a classic cranking action (moderate) and maybe go to med heavy power, or do I go to more of a medium power/fast action set up? Mainly looking for power/action recommendations but feel free to throw your vote in for specific rod (under $150, preferably around $100). Thanks!

Oh ya - Lake Park. Forgot about that place. I used to take my canoe there, but I have heard about folks walking to some of the lakes back in there. Ask the park attendant for specifics. It is just south of VanDyke, directly on Dale Mabry.

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2291580&f=Brand%2F91202%2F&fbc=1&fbn=Brand%7CField+%26+Stream These look interesting, for $60....only at Dick's I believe.

BPS Extreme - on sale they go for 70 bucks.