philsoreel

If you're using a baitcasting set-up and a low stretch FC is what you're looking for....Shooter is the best choice in my opinion, Toray Solaroam is a close second, with Tatsu being third. Spinning gear, Tatsu for sure. I've found TackleTour's test data to be pretty accurate.

Let's play a game.... $1 via paypal to anyone that can name a rod that Hooligan doesn't own or didn't own at one point in time. ....freak

Which Duckett? Which Dobyns? Most models...Dobyns, but I do like one casting model Duckett Micro Magic for close-quarters and overhanging limbs to throw light cranks and topwaters with. I could have sworn it was a 6'6" Medium Light (not available anymore ???) maybe a little shorter but I can't find it on their web-site. I'll post the model number later when my fishing buddy calls me back. He owns it. I have much nicer and lighter rigs but that Duckett rod paired up with a Revo works very well. It was just the right action, balance, and feel for those baits. If it were mine it would be a dedicated small topwater popper and small shallow-running crank for hard cover only. Basically, a two purpose rod only. The Micro guides make it much lighter than it would normally be. If not for them, it wouldn't even be in the ball-park as a Dobyns Savvy Series. PS: I'm in no way biased because I don't own either anymore and don't have them on my wish-list either. No offense and they are both nice, they just aren't for me.

G-Loomis SHR822S 6'10" Mag Medium Extra Fast. It's labeled from the factory as a shakeyhead rod, but it doubles as a killer wacky-rig rod.

Would love to have one of those bugs, but I'd settle for the rod and reel.

Normally, on fluorocarbon I just use a Uni because I've never had a knot failure with it, that includes a 10lb 4 oz. and a 10lb 10oz. this year. I started using that knot on Toray Solaroam because Tackle Tour's test data showed it to be the strongest knot for that line. Now, I'm using Shooter and TT's test data shows the Improved Clinch being the strongest knot for Shooter. That's why I'm using it. The regular Improved Clinch I can cinch down without much stress on the line, but doubled through the eye it get's tricky.

Has anyone ever tried tying an Improved Clinch knot, but instead of making just one pass through the eye of the hook make two like a Trilene or Uni? On Knot Wars, knots that went through the eye twice outperformed knots that only went through once so I thought I'd give it a try.

X2 Great idea, Fluke.

They are worthless baits. PM me and I'll give you an address for proper disposal.

Yeah those work good to. Gives a good thump, thump, thump like a colorado bladed spinnerbait.

Roughly speaking with Gamakatsu off-set round bends... Zoom U-tail- 3/0 Culprit- 4/0 10in. worms- 5/0 I've fallen in love with Rebarb 4/0 medium wire straight shank Gamakatsu hooks. They hook up so easy and are the perfect size for most flipping baits. I use FC for all t-rigs except punching, so bending them isn't an issue. Tungsten worm weights from 1/32-1/2oz. all depending on wind, depth, and cover. 3/16ths. is a good starting point. Increase with wind and/or deeper water. Decrease with heavy grass/weeds. For a long time I used the lightest weight I could get away with, but now I prefer the most I can get away with for better feel and contact. Fall-rate is another thing you have to play with. If they are feeding a slower fall-rate works better for me and a faster fall-rate when I'm after reaction strikes. Flipping a t-rig I usually use a 3/8-1/2 flipping weight. So much of this stuff is personal preference. These are just some of mine.

Any twin tail grub will work, but I use Dichoso Custom baits so I can match colors how I want them. One that works very well for me is a SK Blue Shad jig with a smoking blue twin tail.

The Largemouth from Japan that tied George Perry's world record catch was caught on a 4" bluegill.

Yeah, I should have said that a softer rod for treble hooks is the popular school of thought. It has done wonders for my treble hook lure fishing. I don't lose many fish with them anymore.

I wouldn't throw any topwater, or any other lure, with trebles on a heavy action rod with braid. A soft rod and mono will greatly increase your hook-ups.

I have no experience with the newer Prolite, but I bought one in 04 and it's still kicking strong. In fact, that reel will hang with everything I have in straight up distance. I can dang near spool it with a Super Spook or Repo Man.

TW, BPS, BTD, and Wal-Mart

The last four or five bags of u-vibe speed craws and brush hogs I've bought have had a lot of deformed baits. It wouldn't be as big of a deal if the deformed places weren't right where you rig them. I think Zoom's quality control is slipping up. Anyone else seeing this to?

Middle of the road gear, I'm open to whatever feels the best in comfort and quality. I own Shimanos, Daiwas, Abus, and PFluegers. However, when it comes to the higher end market it's Shimano. Nothing wrong with the Steezy, except the price, but it just wasn't for me. The Core wins hands down. Plus, if you send it to DVT for a servicing/cleaning and Carbontex drag washers it becomes a whole new animal. Long distance casting becomes effortless. Literally, it's like a different reel after he gets finished with it. The drag is crazy smooth to.

OMG! Those are some killer deals. Why can't any of the stores I go to have sales like that?

Where do you put your swivel on your drop-shot rig?

Do you use a swivel when fishing flukes weightless t-rigged to avoid line twist or is there a better way?

The Reaction Series is the one you should be interested in. The first Cumaras were designed for bottom contact techniques and the Reaction series for "reaction" baits. One is not better than the other per say, just built with different purposes in mind.

Yes, looks kind of like a Lucky Craft BDS 3 or 4. What about the flying lure? Anyone remember that?

Come on Stig, I already have those in 12 different colors....at least try to keep up.