flippin and pitchin

When the wind is howling, the front is no advantage. When you are skipping docks, it's a significant advantage. All said the guy in the front can set you back with little fishable water if they want to. Ultimate Match Fishing. Others can set up the boat so you are equal. I fish with courteous boaters and return the favor...always.

Yes. I have a few.

It's just a Gambler Ugly Otter morphed into a crawdad.

I experienced the same issue with one Premier and one Winch. I removed the cast control cap, one drop of oil on the spool end and the squeal was gone. Did some of the oil make it to the bearing ? I don't know. But it worked for me. My SX's and STX's never had this issue. Wierd.

I did this poll about a year ago. Split grip barely edged out traditional grip. I like all cork configurations but have a preference of split grip on spinning, and full rear grip, no for grip on casting. I have to have a full rear grip for flippin/pitchin and crankbait rods. Some brands have such a small rear grip your palm ends up on the blank. It's interesting that Dobyns offers both configurations in several models.

I took Kent's advice over a year ago. My spinning rods are all Yozuri, my casting are almost all Yozuri from 10 to 20 lb test. I have not broken off a fish on this stuff to date. It handles exceptionally well.

I just read the article. It makes alot of sense, especially with plastics and the copycat baits. I have said, " I need to use up what I have before I buy more stuff " but I love to try new baits and see what they do. At least that is how I deflect my hoarder's complex.

I love the way Cliff problem solves.

Any time the bait has to penetrate the cover the weight is pegged. I insert a section of dried spagetti noodle in the angle hair pasta size so when it absorbs water it expands, is soft and won't nick my line. Just kidding. Bobber stops for me too.

I can't speak to the TL1H but can comment on the Tournament and Tournament Pro models. They are exceptional performers. If the TL1H is the high end refined model of the line it must be sweet. I have no issues with setting my TS or TP models up. Two brakes on and magnets all the way off. Smoother than my Revo Premiers. They are worth serious consideration.

I love my Lews. I fished my 5 BB1N models for over 24 years. I really like my new Lews as well. For spinning, the Shimano Soros and Symetre have been great performers. There are so many quality reels out there it's amazing.

My first flippin stick. It was a Fenwick HMG Dee Thomas model. No trigger, straight metal reel seat. I still have it. This was in the day when stubby pistol grips were the norm. I taught myself to pitch before it had a name. I watched the video ( real VHS mind you ) called Flippin with Dee Thomas. I went right out to my local back water slough and flipped my brains out and caught my first flippin fish, a 15 incher. At the time, that was neatest fish I had stuck to date. My old 1972 Terry Basser, 55 HP Evinrude and 36 lb thrust MinnKota was the deal. A black 3/8 ounce Arkie jig and a black #11 Uncle Josh pork frog. That was some seriously good times.

My local dealer has Stradic FI models at 25% off on the select Shimano dump going on. That would be my choice and I have 3 Soros' and a Symetre.

Okuma is very popular in the PNW with salmon, sturgeon and saltwater anglers. I have two Stinsons on panfish set ups and they are a great value.

I spoke with a Pure Fishing rep several weeks ago about Havoc baits. Berkley has seen a diminishing market share with the Powerbait line and they sprung the Havoc series to meet a demand for value priced baits. It was a hype until enough consumers, at least tried the baits. I myself was some what skeptical but tried three baits. They all produced and earned their price tag and them some. This is one product that I can say, "don't knock it until you have tried it." It's no miracle bait, just another viable option.

Go deeper, depth wise and or deeper into the available cover. When the low light period is gone, they seek safety in depth or cover. Even a shade line at times is enough. My local lake is shallow and has a lot of pads that border the shore lines. During low light or when it's cloudy and windy, the bass will roam. Once the sun penetrates the water column or it gets slick, the bass move to the heaviest cover and hunker down because there is no deep water to access. It sounds like your instincts are pretty well on. Try deep in the cover and then deep, as in outer break lines. A frog and a football jig could be the deal. You'll find them.

Smelly Jelly is quite popular in my region and I have used it for years also. I hear great things about Mega Strike but my supply of crawfish scent is far from done.

Okay, don't throw stones yet. My co-worker is looking for a Popiel Pocket Fisherman for a collectors thing. He comes up with the strangest stuff and this is one of them. I just sold my last one. Kidding. If anyone has one and is willing to part with such a well known piece of Americana let me know. I won't even take a finder's fee. Doug

Tony, that is a great fish ! You can be proud of that one. Good job using your arm for a reference. Small mouths make for BIG smiles !

Find Captain Ron Large. He will set you up. His ORI is NC I recall. Great guy. MP ????

Yozuri Hybrid #10 on Revo Winch(s). You will like it.

Stormhide. Light, flexible, super dry and well made. I've had mine 5 years and they are great. I live in the Pacific NW where rain gear gets a workout.

I would identify the transition spots that were used by the fish to get to the spawning areas. Not all fish spawn at once so I will start shallow and work my way out to the up and down locations. Creek channels, drains, bars and points are common route locations. The crankbait will be the deal to cover water and depth changes. If I can get bit at a specific depth range, I might focus on that depth, at least for a while. Fish lie. If I can find vegetation with edges in 6 to 10 feet of water, I will always work that. It's a confidence thing. Grass equals oxygen, shade, cover and forage so it's a good bet. Stay hydrated.

I tried the Fatty Craw and Pit Boss last week. Caught fish on both of them. The Pit Boss was the most suprising and actually has some good features that make it a good F and P bait. For 2.69 a bag it was worth the test.

At 4.49 to 4.99 each, Normans are the best value I have found. Luhr Jensen Hot Lips are my second choice. I have a half dozen SK baits but find myself going back to my tried and trues. Confidence is a good thing.