Rangerphil

Spinnerbaits seems to be a top suggestion. I think the length is what has me not trying it for Texas rigged plastics. I do like the idea of using it for weightless senkos.

Hey guys I have two shimano crucial 6'6" rods that are mh fast action baitcaster rods. I am not a huge fan of rods shorter than 7' but I like them. What would you use this rod for? I have many outfits so I don't need a multi-purpose rod setup like some people I try to be more technique specific. Any ideas? Thanks guys!

I think he maybe talking about the trailer hooks that have the black tubing material already on the eye of the hook. They are made by strike king I think. I have used them and no they have not come off but I prefer a free swinging hook instead of those kind.

Rapala dt fat03. This crankbait has changed the game for me when it comes to putting big females in the boat! Also tungsten weights! For those wo have not tried them go and buy a few fish them then you will know what everyone is talking about.

What a great idea!

Abu c4 I use the 5500 c3 and love it so I decided to get the c4 with the thumb bar and hated it! Could not cast without a backlash and it was never as smooth as the c3!

Well the first good news of the day! Phil the groundhog did NOT see his shadow! Early spring!

Maico very good read thanks for that! The little bit of research I did this morning suggests that the bottom color will have alot to do with the crawfish color, but also what I found is that sunlight exposure will also turn them red! So maybe it is a combination of the red dirt bottom along with the molting process, and the amount of sunlight they are exposed to once the water begins to warm. Thanks for all the replies!

That's cool!

I agree it has something to do with crawfish. As far as muddy water I have even caught them in clear water with red. Might have to look up some info on a crawfish life cycle. Is there any correlation between the color red and maybe bluegill?

X2

Ok so let's hear from you guys, why does red work so well in the spring? Down on Kerr lake a red rattle trap won a BFL few years back. Also, a lake I fish if you don't throw a bandit in the mistake color you better go home! I see pros using red down south in the spring also, so why? Is it crawfish? Love to hear what you guys think!

Been looking into doing a little of this also this year! Thanks ajay for the pics and explanation!

Well looks like size 1 is the most popular size which is what I use. I drop shot mainly with robo worms and barley nose hook them so I may be able to drop down a size or two. Thanks for the replies and j francho those smallies are beautiful!! The only other thing is water temp. In early spring or prespawn would you fish this or stick to more conventional techniques like jerkbaits?

Was reading another post and they were talking about using size 6-8 hooks. I have been using 1 and thought it might be too small. So what is everyone using as far as size and does it matter what species you are targeting, like smaller for smallmouth and larger for largemouth? Also, do you guys do good dropshoting in cold water like early spring 45-55 degrees? I love dropshoting but there is a lot I still need to learn about it. I usually don't fish it much in the spring because I am throwing jerks or cranks, am I missing out? Thanks

I understand completely. When I tow my boat to the lake it seems to bother everyone they are always trying to pass me and are very rude, but when I go down south fishing like VA or NC they see you with a boat they are very respectful! Love to move south some day, my kind of people and fish all year long!

^^^PM sent!

Sorry to get off topic here but a friend of mine is a huge musky fisherman and all he uses is st. Croix legend tournament series and WOW. They are 8-9 foot rods in xh action and they are light, sensitive and responsive! Could not imagine how nice a 7 footer with a low profile reel would feel!

The bed bug is nice! Looks like a killer little jig for smallmouth!

Been 8 weeks and probably 5-6 weeks more before I get the boat on the water! Pure torture, but being somewhere where you can fish and still don't go for 2 weeks is probably just as bad!

^^^^ exactly!! Thanks nitrofreak!

Please do!

I am no pro by any means but one tip I can give about using spinnerbaits is to work them! What I mean by that is don't get into the habit of just throwing them out and reeling them back in. Try to incorporate some pauses,jerks,twitches and such. Work them through cover not just around. Get into a habit of killing it at the boat before you lift it in, it is alot more work doing all of this but I promise it pays off with fish you may have never caught otherwise. Also, don't forget a trailer hook! Hope this helps!

Some people will not pay 150-200 for a rod even if they found the money laying on the side of the road. That is their preference and I understand. As far as other companies making cheaper rods why not you never know they may come out with something just a little better than what is already out there. as far as the shimano crucials go I bought 2 new ones a while back for dirt cheap, I think they were like 60.00 a piece they are the 6'6" mh baitcaster ones that have the full cork and I love them. I still have one brand new that I have not figured on what to use it for yet!

Well I used to be a quantum man and still like some of their reels but without a doubt the best spinning reel IMO is a shimano stradic fj. You can find them on eBay for around 140.00. This reel will handle anything you throw at it and is also a beautiful piece of machinery! I got one for drop shotting and probably more to come!