RichF

I use 3/4oz jigs 55% of the time, 1/2 jigs 35% of the time, and 1 oz+ the rest. I can't remember the last time I flipped a 3/8 oz jig or lighter. For bladed jigs, I normally use 3/8 and 1/2 but will also go heavier in deeper water.

HA! My dad does this with his jigs because I always bust his chops about it. He still catches just as many as I do.

Thanks for the reply. I saw a few pics that compared the old Champion series guides to an older Loomis IMX side by side. The old Champion's guides were smaller which I like, but I believe the new version has different guides.

I'm just the opposite. I like flipping heavier weights around docks and wood. I've had pretty good success fishing behind guys throwing light stuff to the same cover. I say give it a go!

How large are the guides on that 736cb glass? I know the older model dobyns had small guides. Not Micros, but quite a bit smaller than conventional ones. Are the newer Champions the same?

I think a few of those crossover FLW guys have said the talent level is quite a bit higher in the elites. That makes a lot of sense to me since, like already stated, you always see the same half dozen FLW guys in the top 10 every event.

Alright scent fans, time to find out what all the "stink" is about! @A-Jay, you convinced me to give it a go.

I've been drooling over the new St Croix LGC74MHM for bladed jigs since it came out but the 736cb is awfully tempting at that price. I've been trying to talk myself out of buying any new rods and reels this year but...ughhh thanks a lot guys...

Glass or composite 100% I've been using the old TW exclusive Powell Max 7'0 H Glass "spook and trap" rod and it's been awesome for bladed jigs.

Not sure if they're discontinuing the Curado I (I assume they are since it's now a couple yrs old) but you should still be able to get replacement parts. I'd give Shimano a call. I always feel like info on websites is often unreliable.

I don't use grubs all that often but I like 4" Berkley power grubs. I'll throw smoke or green pumpkin for smallmouth.

I think there is a secret small screw you're missing, maybe inside the area the spool is in. I have that blue bomber and I had a similar issue when I tried to clean it. Haven't used the thing in a llloooonnngg time, but I can check it out when I get home later this evening and relay the info back (if you haven't gotten it by now).

1st place co-angler wins a boat. Used to be a $35k boat. Something like a Skeeter ZX 190 with a 150HP motor. The last couple years they dropped it to a $25k boat (an 18 footer with a 115). My dad came really close at Cayuga a couple years ago. He lost one big smallie that would've sealed the deal and ended up finishing 2nd. My best finish was 11th and I got to fish with Ish that day. I also fished a day with John Murray, who was the nicest dude ever. My dad got partnered with: Ike, Randy Howell, Gary Klein, Randall Tharp, and David Fritts. We only fished 5 events.

Flipping in thick grass = 99% reaction bite....the bass aren't going to care about your line. But by all means, keep your line outta the water so you can color it. I'll catch all the fish in between. Thanks for starting that trend Denny!

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Cal_Coast_Fishing_Clip-N-Cull/descpage-CCFCNC.html I think Stephen Browning was using these at Okeechobee. They look really nice, I just hate the price tag.

I only skip jigs or 5-6in paddletail swimbaits texas rigged with a belly weighted hook.

I'll be paying replacement and shipping fees for the following: 7'0 MH Shimano Crucial 7'0 MH St Croix Legend Xtreme 6'8 M St Croix Legend Tournament spinning 6'10 M St Croix Rage spinning Nothing "new" but it'll feel really good having those replaced.

Pretty much all of my arch nemesis' are on here. Let's Go RANGERS!

Yes there are a million different creature baits out there. But, I don't think they're as different as everyone thinks. There's basically a few different types/shapes that every company mimics in some way. The main ones: 1) Brush hog style 2) Beaver style 3) Craw style Every soft plastic company has some form of all these. They all differ in some way (usually minor shape differences). Some certainly have more action than others. It's definitely not necessary to buy every one out there. They all catch fish if you use them enough so I find it best to just pick a couple YOU like, ones YOU think will catch them good.

I like 17lb fluoro 99% of the time.

This must be a Cali-only deal. I catch plenty of pre-spawn bass pitching a jig around cover.

Just fish it more aggressively. That's what I do. I hardly ever put it down.

I'd highly recommend throwing down some $$ if you can swing it. Most tournaments are going to last 8hrs. The last thing you want is to be drenched, cold, and miserable for that long. I have the older Simms Pro Dry and Contender gore-tex jackets. Super pricey but you don't get wet. Cabelas guidewear gore-tex stuff is nice as well and usually on sale. You could also check out the Frogg Toggs Pilot jacket and bibs. I've heard they are really nice and you can still get the set from TW for like $260.

I had an older Quantum Tour Gary Klein Signature Series rod that was spiral wrapped. It performed fine, I just couldn't get past the look. The guide that stuck out on the side got snagged all time when it went in and out of the rod locker also.

I met Jimmy on Okeechobee a few years ago. My buddy invited me down for a couple days. Our first day out was right in the middle of the FLW tour event that year. We launched the same time as those guys. As we were idling out, Jimmy comes up next to my buddy's tracker v-18 and says, "You boys wanna race!" followed by that signature laugh. Dude cracks me up!