FL_Sharpshooter

this.

Whoa, that black and blue one is really sick looking!

I haven't tried without a jig trailer, but what I can tell you is that they WILL grab the claws of a craw. I was fishing a bed a few weeks ago, and every time I threw it back, the female would grab the bait by the claws and eventually tear both claws off by spitting it out of her bed. I never tried to fish it trailer-less, but that might be a good idea. I was using a rage craw, but I suppose you could use something that has a little bit more durability, such as the rodent.

Thanks for clarifying this, I figured someone would have more info on that. I picked it up and totally hated it. I generally don't believe everything everyone says.

Absolutely, don't think just because I bought two bass pro brand items that he pushed them on me. I asked to see both the rod and reel before he said anything. On every rod and reel I picked up, he explained the pros and the cons. He was like I said, unbiased in terms of saying, "well "this is better than this." Like I said, it felt nice to me, so that's what I ended up with. It sure is! Yeah, it's an awesome setup for sure. The PQ is beyond smooth, I love it. Thanks .

Lol, you're right there. I probably would've got the evil eye on that one. I'm just not really a name brand-type of guy. It doesn't matter if its a 70 dollar rod and reel, or a 700 dollar rod and reel. If it feels good to me, that's all that matters. I definitely didn't second guess myself on my pick, because I tried everything I wanted to. Everyone has a different preference for these things, so what works for me may not work for someone else.

I would have gotten a Z9. Haha, don't think I didn't look! True, but I swear I must have tried out every combo in that store. Honestly, the carbonlite rod and bps reel just felt the best in my hands. Just a comment about the loomis rods, but the guy that was helping me out said that there was a rod by a different name supposedly made by gary loomis, but he said gary couldn't manufacture the rod under the gloomis name. He claims the blank in the rod he showed me was a $300 blank, but the rod was only $100. The name of the rod was Temple Fork Gary Loomis Signature. I tried it out, and I didn't like it. Don't know if that whole thing is true or not, but the guy seemed to know what he was talking about.

Thanks alot . I think I did good too. Yup, I always keep original boxes and receipts for everything, thanks for telling me too. I'm sure my stuff with be fine, but you never know. I'll be sure to post pics of fatties I catch .

Just went to bass pro earlier for the very first time (I know, crazy right?). My parents took me there and said I can pick out anything I wanted, no matter the price. The place is just awesome, its a total fisherman's paradise. As soon as I got there, there was a gentleman waiting to assist me with anything I need. I must have walked around with him through the rods and reels for over an hour, trying anything and everything. He was very patient with me, and also gave me totally unbiased opinions of everything he showed me. I ended up totally falling in love with the carbonlite rod 7' - M - fast action. The thing is so incredibly light, its unreal. I was searching around for the perfect reel as well, and also absolutely loved the smoothness of the BPS PQ 6.4:1 reel. I even compared good higher end reels up to it, such as the citica and the curado. There was for me, just no contest...the PQ just felt better to me hands down. I also asked the gentleman about fluorocarbon line, and I said I wanted XPS brand line. He asked me if I knew who makes it, to which I said no. He claims that the XPS line is made by Seagar, which is cool, since I love that brand of line. At the end of the day, I ended up walking out with a BPS Carbonlite rod 7' - M - Fast action paired with a 6.4:1 BPS Pro Qualifier, a pair of split ring pliers, and 200yds of 17lb XPS Fluorocarbon line. I couldn't wait to get the combo home and get out on the water. I fished the canal for a little while, trying to adjust to the rod and reel. It's like the rod and reel was made for me, I completely love it. Awesome birthday gift for sure.

I bet you would like these better: http://www.basswishes.com/Store/tabid/269/CategoryID/81/List/1/Level/a/productid/85/Default.aspx Some food for thought right there 8-). Thanks for sharing.

I replace the hooks on most to all of the baits I purchase. After using the KVD mustad hooks, there's really no going back. Those things are like the Lamborghini of treble hooks. They cost a little more, but man! they are sweet.

You should just get rid of them all...I'll take care of them . No, but seriously just start throwing them, you'll be surprised.

Very nice bass...I think you're a dobyns addict now 8-)

Seeking Stik

Duo-lock snaps and swivels for me, never had a problem with the snaps coming undone either.

Won't affect me at all. My fishing spot is only 2 blocks down to the canal. Within walking or biking distance .

Beautiful coloration, great fish! Wish peacocks lived further up here, although I have heard rumors...

Looks great! How does it feel as far as weight wise?

I think I almost like learning new techniques and using them more than I enjoy actually catching fish. I love bass fishing because its you vs. outsmarting the bass. It's one big mind game. My heroes KVD and Denny Brauer are really just further encouragement to want to learn all of those things. You still have to have a passion to want to learn.

I'm always doing the same. Constantly researching new techniques and bass behavior. If I'm not out fishing, I'm reading about it or watching videos about it.

EWG gammy for horny toads, flukes, soft swimbaits, etc. Straight shanks for curly tail worms, straight tail worms, or any other type of worm.

We all do it for the enjoyment obviously . Guess I should have re-phrased the question to who really inspires you do better.

For me, its KVD and Denny Brauer, I really get inspired by those two. They are always so very confident, what about everyone else?

Lol, I saw that too. He ended up reeling the line in by hand ;D

Don't tease me! Post a picture of that bad boy!