Mike L

Ok First let me say I don't own a boat, never have. But when I do fish it's almost always in someone else's, either in tournaments or just messin around. If there is one thing I can add to help you that hasn't been touched on yet, is when you're approaching an area you want to fish, don't arrive on plane, shut down, and start throwing. Shut down well before you get there. Let the momentum you built up take you within stricking distance. Also, when useing your trolling motor try to keep it on consistently when covering water, and at the lowest speed, as opposed to keep starting and stopping as you move. Just something I've noticed with almost every successful boater I've been with. Good Luck Mike

You can always paint them on yourself if you think it will help. A friend of mine uses finger nail polish. Mike

T Rig bounced and/or dragged Shaky head with a heavier head than you would normally use to keep it anchored to let that long thin tail do it's thing. Mike

Another option that is just a killer this time of year down here is a magnum speed worm. You can skim it across the top or swim it at your target range. I use an unweighted 4/0 Skip Gap hook. Mike

Thanks Fellas Mike

So I was cleaning out my terminal tackle box and came across a few of these that I forgot about. Haven't used them yet. So to those who have, what type of plastic do you use and have had success with? I was thinking about a punch type bait (pit boss or sweet beaver) Or a craw bait with a lot of tail action (rage bug or craw) Or maybe a trick worm? Thought's? Mike

The most success I've had with it is in depressions surrounded by shallow, stained water with very little current in the middle of a hot humid day. Mike

Get him a River 2 Seas "Whopper Plooper". Guys from the NE swear by them. Based on a recommendation from some here on another thread I ordered one and tried it last weekend for the first time. It just doesn't move water, this thing spits water. At first I thought it was one of those novelty lures you see advertised but I see where it could be a top water killer in certain waters. Didn't get hit, but it was probably just me playing around with it. Mike

Or like a Shakey head, or wacky rigged and let that tail do it's thing, or cut in half and use as a trailer....want/need some real crazy action, put it on a scrounger head and throw it through grass just like a swim bait. Point is it's a very versatile bait that can be used many different ways to give many different looks. Mike

I've been useing the Medlock double weed guard flipping jig lately and really like it. Been able to fish in areas that I couldn't before with any other type of jig. Mike

Love dem Cut R's! I throw mine on a 4/0 skip gap hook with the rudder up. Mike

IMHO, In this order.... Jig Walking a top water (frog, spook etc) Soft paddle tail swim bait. Good Luck and have fun! Mike

Ahhh, Thats great!!! Mike

I use either a RI Skinny dipper or a Big EZ depending on if I want a faster action tail or a more water displaying thumping action. Either a 5/0, 1/4 oz. twist lock keel weighted hook... Or a 1/8 oz, tungsten bullet weight pegged to a 4/0 twist lock hook. Now for very stained water I rig a 1/8 oz. keel weighted 6/0 Gambler Duz-It rig with a #4 nickel spinner. Mike

Those are the ones I use also. Another reason I do, is that they will balance the plastic much better. They land straighter, and don't roll as much. Mike

All this time and you still have both... You Sir, are one lucky man!! Mike

Whew! My head hurts... Mike

Ok...That seals it for me! Mike

Ditto Mike

Well we have the 2 day Gator Div BFL tournament this weekend on the Big O. Tomorrow should be ok but with the new track sending her right through the middle of the state coming in from the south, Sunday seems a little ify. I may have to tweak my strategy a bit. Hopefully my boater draw has a full tank of fuel..could be a wild ride. Mike

For your price range a custom build makes the most sense IMHO. You get what you want and how you want it, plus the advise and expertise of someone who does it for living. Can't ask for more than that. Mike

Well Said.. Mike

This pretty much sums it up for me also... Mike

Casting... Spinnerbait/Chatterbait Frog/Top/Soft swim bait Punch Soft plastics Spinning combo... Light finesse Mike

If it was in 2ft of clear water and I can see what's underneath for 10ft around, maybe. Gators, Pythons and I don't get along too good. Mike