JKarbo214

I was recently able to get my hands on some original pre-rapala wiggle warts and had a few questions. What are the best brand and size hooks to replace the original hooks still on the baits? Also, the ones I purchased don't have a snap or split rings on them. I have noticed that some people use snaps, swivels, and/or split rings and I'm trying to figure out what works for the best action. Should I be using a snap or split ring or is it best to tie the line directly to the wiggle wart? Any help would be appreciated.

What is your favorite tube bait for smallies? Include brand, size, and color. Looking forward to hearing from everyone.

What do you mean by rigging it backwards? Do you have a photo of what it looks like the way you like to rig it?

I also play Fantasy Fishing on Bassmaster.com. Does anyone know if there is a limit to the number of groups you can join? I am reading that the limit is 3 on the FAQ page on Bassmaster.com but I don't see anything in the official rules and it does allow you to join more than 3. I just want to make sure I am eligible for the big prizes if by chance I ever had a really good year. If anyone has an answer, it'd be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hot Mess

It is not breaking at the knot. My guides all look good, especially since two of my poles are brand new.

I do get some backlashes and when I do, I do the best I can to pick them out. However after one backlash and a few casts later the line snaps. This is the problem and very frustrating.

The line is breaking near the reel on long casts. I do use a palomar knot but I don't think that is the problem. I usually have to pull the lure in by hand since the line is breaking down near the reel on long casts.

I have been using expensive fluorocarbon on my baitcasting rods. Once in a while I do get small tangles in the line but when I untangle it and cast it back out, it's no big deal. However, I am finding that lately the fluorocarbon is breaking fairly often when I send out long casts. It is 12 lb. Seaguar InvizX and this has happened numerous times, sometimes a few days after I've put brand new line on my reel. I've tried KVD Line and Lure Conditioner and this doesn't seem to help this problem. Anyone have any reasons and/or suggestions so I can avoid this in the future?

Are you still offering free shipping on orders of $20.00 or more?

I backwards rig it with a 5/0 EWG Superline hook with the eye of the hook at the top of the Ika where the "tail" is. However, I have been having trouble keeping the sharp end of the hook in the Ika. It kept popping out of the bait. Any suggestions?

Has anyone else fished these yet or any of the other DUO North America baits? Interested to hear how the other DUO Realis baits are.

79 Thanks for the opportunity!

I had an opportunity to throw the new DUO North America Pencil this past weekend. This topwater "spook" bait is absolutely amazing. It walks so easily and the action was something the bass absolutely loved. I typically only fish topwater in the morning but I couldn't put my rod down the way the bass were biting this lure was all day long. I'm looking forward to throwing some of the other DUO baits since they are now being carried by a variety of online tackle shops. Anyone else had the opportunity to throw this yet or other DUO baits?

Evolve Nervous Walker. After fishing many different brands of frogs this one seemed to "walk" the best and I had the best hook-ups with this particular frog.

What is your favorite brand spinnerbait and color? I have had quite a bit of success over the past few years using spinnerbaits and always go back to the War Eagle. They always run true and flat out catch fish. Looking forward to hearing from everyone else.

This was all very helpful. I've never tried the reel hook set. Looking forward to trying it. Just to clarify, you're simply continuing to reel in the jig until you feel the fish pulling on it the other way, then you set the hook while continuing to reel in?

Just got back from my local Wal-Mart and they had nothing worthwhile on sale. Certainly no gammy hooks on sale. Oh well, maybe next time...

I am thinking about attending a FLW professional event in the near future. I don't have a boat but was planning on spending some time at the expo and the weigh-in. Any recommendations of what to do while I'm there from people who have attended these expos and weigh-ins? Thanks for your help!

How does everyone fish the plastic hellmagrittes from case? I see some people mentioned dropshotting but how else do people fish them?

I know the Luck E Strike 3-J jigging spoon is not being produced anymore, although I thought I heard it was going to be coming back. With that being said, does anyone know of any similar spoons or maybe even better spoons that have the same type of action?

Where does everyone find the best places to buy lake maps are? I've been looking for some local lake maps but haven't had much luck. Any help would be appreciated.

What is everyone's favorite swim jig? Include brand, color, and trailer.

Looks like it was discontinued a while back. Similar to a spook but many people felt it was better than a spook and since they are hard to come by, the prices have increased significantly.

Do you fish these with an exposed hook with the bait covering the weighted part of the hook?