ksboy

WOW! I didn't realize that paint job and those mean eyes went back that far. Thanks, Jason.

Wave baits. The scent is killer around here.

Never seen one of these so I have a question: If I turn the blade over, is it the same shape on the other side with a rattle where the bulge is?? If that's the case, that's a VERY neat creation. The bait design doesn't look "old" to me. The eyes having that mean look and the scale-looking paint job make it look newer to me. If anyone has any idea where to get some of those blades, I'd be interested in getting a few.

Very comprehensive review, I thought. I'm considering my first rod build this winter and where to start something new is always perplexing. Thanks

The Elites can probably get some tips from Sam on things to do: That's a pretty exhaustive list!!!! Thanks

Siebert makes a really great jig!!! I bought some from him last year and although I'm not much of a jig fisherman, they work well.

To prepare for the Bassmaster Classic next month? It would be great to learn what prep they are going through before the Classic begins to gear up.

Success is measured differently by different people. Fish a lot, work a lot, be a good person and success will follow you (and sponsors will look for YOU). Best of fortune to you and your team. Hope you win a lot as a result of your hard work..

VERY nice build. Must be a few bucks laid out in the beginning for equipment to start. Would you mind sharing the initial startup cost??

I make my own spinnerbaits and the cost has gone up considerably in the past 3-4 years. About 6 years ago I could buy enough bodies, blades, skirt material, clevices, swivels, and surgical hose for about ten baits for around $2.00 each. Nowadays, the price has doubled and then some. I started going to different wholesalers but then the shipping cost gets prohibitive. You have to decide if you are better off buying retail or you really want to invest the $$$$ in making your own. ANYONE WANT TO BUY SOME SPINNERBAITS?

WOW. Info overload. "She's gonna blow, Cap'n!!!!!!"

I just checked the OK Wildlife and Fisheries website. Sooner is NOT one of the lakes that has levels available. Every time I've been there, the lake has been full. I haven't been by there in a while but I think they are able to keep it full somehow because they need the water to generate electricity. It must be magic because there are some lakes in that area that are down significantly.

I love the palomar knot for most but there are applications where it just doesn't work as well as others. I hardly ever use a clinch just because of what J.Franco said above about pulling on the line instead of the tag end. I recently started using a loop knot for some crankbaits and swimbaits. I like that one in certain situations. Getting on the lake and fishing will help you resolve which knots are better for you. I hope all your fishing days are joyful and blessed. Some guys think fishing is about catching fish.

This!!!!!

It would be expensive but you could use the head end of a big swim bait if you couldn't find anything else. Of course you could make your own mold of the head of a swim bait and pour whatever color you want.

I have 2: 7' MH which I use for a spinnerbait, chatterbait rod and a 7 1/2' MH telescoping which I use for frogs and buzzbaits. I bought them both at walmart for 70-80 bucks. Check the guides before you buy to be sure they are straight. Also wouldn't hurt to be sure the rod wasn't bought, broken and returned. I bought a 7' vendetta at walmart without checking it first. It was in the clearance bin for $30. It turned out to be about 3" short and the tip was very close to the first guide. Oh well, for $30 bucks...... The Daiwa rods are OK. I don't own any really expensive rods to compare them to but I think they are fine.

Don't downplay the importance of the rod: The flex and weight handling ability of the rod are equally important as the reel you buy. I usually buy reels that feel good in my hand and aren't too heavy or too big. Price is an important consideration for me. I've been looking at the Pinnacle reel that just came out a while back (don't remember the model #). It's a $100 reel but is less than six ounces. You might consider that one. I don't have any experience with the reels you mentioned except the BPS. I've had several and usually get them for about $80. Some of them have been great and others not so good. I haven't bought one lately so I don't know about the current quality. Abu makes a good reel (imo) and you can get them for as little as $50. Granted, they won't be the quality of the $150-300 reels but they work good and are reliable. Good luck. I hope you enjoy whichever one you choose to buy.

Everyone gets a lemon sometime. Sounds like you got yours. MK should stand behind their stuff. I'd give CS a call.

Too many good places in the Wichita area, unless you just happen to be going to KC.

I own the XHVY 7'6" Ethos which I got for $15 at Academy when they had like 6 of them marked down. I bought 3, gave one to a buddy, kept two. I broke one setting the hook on a small (prob about 1 1/2 lb) bass. I guess there was a defect. When I tried to return it, they didn't want to trade it out for the $50 one so I kept it hoping to find more on deep sale someday. I don't won any Veritas but I have several Vendettas. I like them a lot.

What type of baitfish does it have? If there are a lot of Bluegill, I would watch for the next spawn, bass will know when this happens and will eat heartily when it does. If the lake has shad, try to follow the schools and mimic their colors with spinnerbaits and cranks and see what happens. I know everyone says you have to fish deep in summer to catch fish but I'd bet there are also plenty of shallow fish there. As the sun goes down, try a black buzzbait with either a black or gold blade and a black trailer, especially in and around the lily pads. Good luck and know that there are lots of guys wishing they could get to a 300 acre impoundment anytime they want. You are blessed to have the opportunity.

I've done this several times. Works like a charm. I use regular spinner bait skirts. They come out about the right length with the knot in them. A paper clip is a nice tool for this and fits in my skirt box easily for quick change on the water if necessary.

There's a great video on you tube on how to make the mold for Senko-type baits. He goes through the complete process from making the mold to pouring the baits. Give it a look.

Yea, it will be interesting to see what RW will have to say. My guess is it's something the Japanese Bassers have been using for a while.

I would add the scent to the plastic when you melt it down. Be advised that some baits are heavily salted and will probably be hard to get the salt to mix well. Also, be prepared for the smell. Cook the old baits in a VERY well ventilated area, outside if possible.