Bluebasser86

Welcome!

Welcome!

I run straight braid with weightless soft jerkbaits, but if I was using a leader, it would be Seaguar Fluoro or Pline C21.

Even if they're not biting, it'll catch big ones. That's part of why it's so effective, it'll catch the aggressive ones, and the ones that don't really want to eat.

Thanks, it was and still is the largest bass I've caught on a swimbait.

No, a sharp bend will catch more of the water vortex and raise the bait towards the surface. This may change with blade styles, but with the blades I've used, it's true in every instance. I imagine it wouldn't run correctly. I'll have to try and see what happens.

Got an Okuma Helios TCS 8.1 and one of these that should arrive early next week

I'd suggest checking out the Okuma RTX. I have one in the 25 size on my dropshot rod. It's a really solid feeling reel with a faster retrieve speed than a lot of spinning reels. The retrieve speed in combination with the light weight is why I bought it and I'm glad I did. They sell for retail at $100, but you can find them around 75 if you look around a little. I just bought a KastKing Sharky II and have been happy with it so far. Like my other KastKing reels, it's not the quietest reel, but performance has been everything I've hoped for.

Different baits have different salt contents and different consistencies, I'd guess that would be why some might dissolve and some might not. Color might have something to do with it as well.

Welcome!

I could easily cast across the pond this fish came out of, probably not 20 yards across in any direction.

I was tagging my boat for the private lake I just bought a lot at and the lady commented on they don't sell many tags this late in the year since fishing season is almost over I told her I'd be out there as long as the water was soft and she couldn't believe someone would want to fish while it was cold out. Makes me that much more excited to fish it knowing that it gets left alone once it gets a little chilly out.

I've tried several and haven't been impressed, especially for the price. Only one I've liked enough to keep is the Walking Boss Part II. Basically a long, jointed Jitterbug that chirps. I've done pretty well with it and the noise does seem to make a difference to fish staring at it while it's at rest.

She never is. Makes her a great boat dog though, she never gets excited about the fish, just relaxes until it's time to get in the water and chase her tennis ball.

Chrome is for when fish are more aggressively eating baitfish. Clear is when they're being more finicky but still willing to break the surface. Chrome can be used in any color water.

I fish them on a 1/8oz jighead with a 1/0 hook.

I've had excellent luck fishing jerkbaits on shade lines formed by high bluff walls. They don't relate to anything else, just hold right on the shade line. I'm sure they're ambushing schools of baitfishing cruising the same edges.

I had a smallie cut off a 110 Plopper on a zebra mussel covered rock a few weeks ago in really shallow, clear water. I watched the fish for 5 minutes cruising around trying to shake my Plopper while my clients were catching fish. I lost site of him when the action really got hot and heavy and I was too busy unhooking fish and taking pictures to keep an eye on him.

PB, not even close. I caught my PB over a decade ago. I'd settle for a new Kansas PB for that matter. Still haven't ever broken the 8lb mark in my home state since coming up 2 ounces short almost 10 years ago.

Congrats man! Let the journey begin

Rainbows love Ned rigs, not surprised a laker would eat one. I'd love to catch a lake trout, seems like they're a lot of fun to catch.

Big smallies are a blast. Don't let their name fool you, they're not afraid to hit a big bait.

I like the St. Croix replacement program because I like to break rods. Having the option to upgrade down the line is great too. Okuma has excellent customer service as well.

Magic Eraser to clean them, U40 to keep them looking good.

I like the older Shimano stuff, not so much with their newer offerings. Always been a Shimano guy until the last few years when I've switched to mostly Pfleger and Okuma and been very happy with them.