collegefishing12

I haven't found light to be an issue on traditional frames unless I am not wearing a hat (which isn't that often). Fit-over frames, like cocoons, have proven to be more difficult because the frame extends much wider than the bill of my hat. I have the Oakley Five Squared now and they block out the light well, and they are also one of the cheaper frame options that Oakley offers.

Glad to hear that the Oakley lenses won't likely break from a flyIng jig... Hopefully I never have to find out.

Nothing will prevent flying jigs from close quarters that are known to take out lenses upon contact. That is my only true fear.

The cocoons were definitely worth the investment, as they have lasted for over 4 years. If you like to change lenses, that is another benefit of the cocoons because multiple lenses options can be purchased. However, I stuck with the traditional lenses and had no complaints. The only downfall would be that they do not fit "airtight" to your face, which allows for light to come in at the top corners of the lenses if the sun is shining over yours shoulders just right (not enough to be too upset about). I would not have purchased the prescription lenses for myself, but they were a birthday gift so I cannot complain. For those of you who have glasses and do not want to fork over the money for high-end prescription lenses, I give all my support to the cocoon company. As for bumping an expensive pair in the lake, I would suggest picking up some fish cablez (sp?) or something of that nature. It will prevent you from losing your favorite $20 pair of glasses or $300 prescriptions!

Had cocoons due to bad eyesight (those that go over perscripton lenses), but recently invested in Oakley prescription sunglasses with polarized lenses. Best investment in a long, long time.

Thanks for clarifying. One last question: Since this line is "softer," wouldn't this also aide in knot tying for leaders? My guess is that the the more harsh line (original power pro) would not be as susceptible to holding its form when tied with fluoro?

He never said any of that

What is the benefit of the 8 strands compared to the original power pro? Sorry this may seem like a dumb question but I'm not huge on braided line -- although I plan an switching a few flipping setups here soon to use braid and fluoro leaders. Thanks in advance!

I'm hoping the answer to this question is a no brainer, but I'll ask it anyways -- what is shimano going to for its lifetime warranty on it's old model rods? I'm assuming that the new rod style will be the replacement? Or is shimano going to maintain a warehouse of the old line of rods for replacements? I have a number of crucials and clarus's that i picked up specifically because I'm tough on equipment, and there "limited" lifetime warranty in the past had been hassle free to provide me with a new rod. I surely hope their need to provide a split grip rod for under 100 doesn't bite me in the ***

see above clarification

I hope my earlier post was not taken seriously. As Roadwarrior properly pointed out, there are more than enough times were one or two baits win an entire tournament. If you are on fish and they like your presentation, there is no need to throw so many baits. However, if your having one of THOSE DAYS, it may take everything in the boat to catch a limit, including the crappie jig that you find snagged to a limb (plus your line) w/ 75 yards of 150lb braid from a bank fisherman. Let the fish tell you how many baits to thrown, not your tackle box.

Personally, I do not think a tournament can be won with less than 12 baits. I mean, look at KVD, Skeet, and all those guys. They have to have at least 20 rods on board at a time, and they win all the time.

Zoom trick worms (any natural green color) Any 3-4" tubes (zoom works good as well-- same color as above-- or black) 3/8oz black/black cavitron buzzbait That should be enough to give you a start

Something tells me "wow, that is way too much to spend." Something else tells me "I have a frog tied on right now that lasted the past 3 years, stop being cheap." I think I should listen to the latter. Anyone got some info on this? I think its an interesting/good concept!

I throw the 7'2" skeet crank rod and love it. I have tried a couple of the other skeet rods and they do not compare. For the price, I don't think they can be beat.

Water*

Try bending the hooks outward about 10-15 degrees from the body of the bait. I have done that to all my frogs and would say that my ratio has went from 55-60% to 75-80%. As far as whether to wait or not, I think it depends on the bite. If they are engulfing it and not spitting it right away, you should be able to wait for the tug. If you notice they are spitting it quickly, set the hook right away. From my experience they will do one or the other, so you should have a good idea of which method to use relatively quickly. If your looking to get an extra 2-3 seconds of hold, try dousing it in some megastrike. Some may disagree, but try for yourself and figure out what works for you and your wat.

Call me studpid but doesn't flipping stick insinuate a baitcasting reel would be used? In any event, I think a baitcaster would be ideal, as you should get a faster line ratio and, in my opinion, get a stronger hookset. But I've heard of people using spinning rods, just not me personally. If you have a strong enough rod and strong enough line, you should be able to get the majority of the fish-- as the key is the braided line cutting through the matted stuff. Hope this helps.

or to sum up my post ... read chris's above ^^

Others may disagree, but I think you can really cut corners on your frog rod (price wise) and still get a great set up. For me, this means a 7.1 BPS extreme reel (which has pretty strong drag) and a 7' MH fast action clarus. All together the rig probably cost me $140. The key is fast ratio on your reel with a strong drag, so that you can horse them out of the cover quickly, and a rod that is capable of giving you a good, powerful hookset and decent length to make the long distance hookups. Best of all, the clarus have the lifetime warranty

Hahaha.. Only if they made a craw- or garlic-scented candle, nothing like flippin' a warn vanilla coca tube to get the bass all stirred up. Uh oh, I think I just discovered the newest scent technology for years to come!!

Also, got any info on the Revo premier handles? Thanks again

21 farms... Great info! Just curious, is the skeet handles any different in size than the winch? Weight? I really like both of your ideas, maybe I will try 1 winch and 1 skeet ?! Also, are the handle nut replacements a requirement if I swap out? Just want to make sure I get the right pieces

Haha. Your post in the flea market is what jogged my memory of my past plan to switch my SX handles over, but I just decided to post the question here rather than spam your sale attempt. Good luck on the sale! Thanks again for the help!

Thanks KenG!! Does that mean I can buy the Revo Winch handle (from the Abu website) and it would be a clean swap, or do I need to get other parts as well, like different nuts, bolts, or anything of that like? I am PUMPED to swap these shafts out, right now I think my SX shafts feel like midget arms