Darren.

20lb braid + 15lb leader on casting 20lb straight braid on spinning

For me, I have used it fully spooled, but I just don't like line management and I don't like using line conditioner to compensate for coiling, etc. All my reels, casting and spinning, have braid for mainline. I have 100% confidence in my braid-to-leader knot. I use either a uni-to-uni knot, or my favorite, an Albright knot with 8-17 wraps up, and 6-10 wraps back down. Tie it cleanly, don't overlap, moisten well, cinch it down and strenght-test it. Then snip the tag ends tightly. Use a dab of superglue if you feel you need it. I never worry about the leader knot any more.

Even the smaller baits? I realize it's a thicker hook all around. Perhaps I need to upgrade one of my setups just for this purpose.

Welcome aboard!

Hey guys, So I've recently been fishing the Storm Wild Eye Shad in 3" Pearl (have 4" version as well). Has actually worked well, I've caught huge crappie, and one bass so far (only been a week or two fishing this). Problem is, I've had hooked and lost right at the yak, 6 HUGE bass. Absolutely mind blowing and frustrating beyond belief to lose them like this. I've seen each and every one of the lunkers as I get them within feet of my net and they jump and spit the bait. I'm so disgusted because I'm virtually certain one or two would have been personal bests for me. So here's the question: is there a better way to rig these smaller swim baits? Or is it just a case of bad luck? I've seen people cut off the single hooks on the larger ones and tie one or two trebles on the back. As far as gear goes, I've used my Chronarch 50e + a Medium Fast rod. And yesterday I went out and threw on a spinning setup with a softer rod - but I did catch with that setup. Like my casting setup, I got every fish to the side of the boat. I know for bigger swim baits you want a MH - H rod. I didn't think this would be necessary for such a small bait. Oh, I also tried the 4" of the same bait, couldn't buy a bite. But when I put the 3" on they slammed it last night.

That's downright rude of anyone to block a ramp. I often go to a reservoir that has a small boat launch and not much parking. Everyone is generally gracious to park far enough away to allow access, but sometimes people will pull up and park there and fish despite fishing from the ramp not being allowed and not part of the "shoreline permit" fishing designations. Fortunately I have a kayak and can, if necessary, drag it around them, but that damages the bottom if I don't have my cart with me. At least the situation was resolved. I'd have called the park rangers if I were faced with this situation.

Senkos and Senko-style baits do NOT catch fish, do NOT tell your friends about them either.

Jeffrey! Welcome aboard!

I'm split between two colors: Watermelon Magic and Hot Pepper Frog (BPS Stik-O). They've been "money" colors for me, but there have been a number of other colors that have caught me lots of fish.

For me, wacky, by far. Other methods have also been successful (TX, Mojo, weightless TX). An all around great bait.

I LOVE this line. I use 15lb a lot -- as leader material only. I also use Yo-Zuri Hybrid, but like this line quality much more.

PowerPro yellow, as mentioned by others, is great. It does fade over time, but bleeding is minimum, if even at all. A few years ago I tried red PP, and man did that bleed! Not so with yellow.

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard, Michael!

Welcome aboard!

You'll get a lot of opinions. Here's mine: Wacky 3" can be from a size #4 to a size #1 Wacky 4" size #2 on up to a 2/0 5" Size #1 - 2/0 and so on. Types of hooks: Gamakatsu Wide Gap Finesse and Split shot/drop shot Caught my PB on a size #1 Wide Gap Finesse rig (7 ½ pounder in thick salad slop).

Let's see. Terminal tackle box. Battery. Rods. Life preserver. Four different trips that didn't last long.

Wish they could endure Virginia temperatures!! Nice haul, mate.

Welcome aboard!

That looks sweet. But I love my swept handle on my 50e!

Hi John! Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard CrazyJoe!

Welcome aboard!

Hoosier, The U12 models are fantastic boats, and infinitely customizable. My U12 is 55lbs w/o the seat. The FX series have been somewhat redesigned, the pontoons are more square inside so as to be a better standing platform. That said, i like mine just fine. The diff between the Commander and Ultimates, besides the seating, the Commander pontoons come into the boat, the Ultimates are convex. When I tested both boats in-store, my personal preference was the Ultimate. I just liked the seat better, and I preferred standing in it. I personally wouldn't get an angler model unless it is set up the exact way you want it. I am constantly evolving my setup. I've added a 30lb thrust MinnKota to mine, similar to the bassyaks.com mount. I've raised my seat up to sit across the gunnels. The FX models have the new seats that mount high or low. Very nice. If I were in the market again, I'd seriously consider one. I never sit low in my U12 any more. Ever. Sitting high has changed the game for me comfort-wise, and it's 100% easier to stand as well. Anchor trolleys - the FX is nice with two. My U12 has the adapt-a-track which you can attach bow/stern skirts to, etc. Useless to me, and I've been pondering removing them and adding a trolley to the other side of my yak. With my seat high, I can keep a LOT of tackle underneath me. I even added a drawer from a fridge underneath the seat in which I keep 4 3600 size tackle boxes a spare prop, and several other items. I haven't swamped my U12 yet. Is far more stable than any canoe I've owned. As me any other questions you have, I'm happy to offer thoughts and opinions.

Welcome!