Big-B_2579

I had two different "info-mercial" kits when I was a lot younger : Banjo minnow , and one called the Stim-U-Lure (anybody remember that one ? ) . Not much luck with the Banjo , but actually caught a lot of fish on the other in a small farm pond I used to fish . Probably because I'm sure the fish had never seen one before. For the most part , I believe most of those type things are a gimmick just trying to get your $$$. You'll do just as well with the basics if fished @ the right time/place .

*200 / 300 not 250 /350 (in o.p.) sorry , got mixed up. Do the xcaliber baits come smaller than a 200 ?

Just wondering everyones preference between the Strike King 1.5 / 2.5 , and the Xcaliber 200 / 300 square billed cranks. Just bought 4 of the Xcaliber (2 - 200 , and 2 - 300 in both xxx shad and citrus colors) ; I'm fairly pleased with them , except the fact that one of the baits did not run true @ all , and is very hard to tune. Just wondering opinions on the two. Thanks.

I actually prefer a 6'6" for things like plastics and spinnerbaits . They seem to be a little more accurate on the cast. I like 7+ footers for flipping/pitching , and cranking . It's just personal preference , if you ask me.

I was fixing to post the same question , never done a lot of jerkin' myself. I really like the way the xcaliber baits look (huge fan of the xr rattle baits) , but am interested in what everybody says.

That's what I'm lookin' for ! Thanks Hooligan . 8-) Nothing wrong with every other post , misunderstanding , I know . Thanks for the help , and glad to know about the sure sets , won't be buying any of those.

The Rapala DT baits are the only ones I KNOW come with sure sets. The Norman dd22s are what I'm asking about. Not sure what brand of hook they come with , but I thought (saying I may be wrong) I'd read that their hooks were not great. I'll definitely try 'em anyways , just to save the headache of changing. But if I do need to change , who puts out the best trebles , and what size do yall recommend for that bait.

Just bought a couple of dd22s (hopefully to start collection) . I have been reading a lot on here about them , and how much a lot of you like them. I've never fished one (guess I missed the dd22 bus somehow) , and read somewhere on here that the hooks they come with are no good. Wondering what brand / size hooks to swap 'em out with.

I agree with most everything prev. said , can't go wrong with jigs and worms in black , blue , purple , pumpkin , green pumpkin , and watermelon colors , or any combinations close to those colors. Also , I used to have trouble when buying cranks (1,000,000 different colors to choose from) . I read somewhere (maybe this site) to stick with 3 basic colors : shad/minnow , chartreuse , and crawfish. This really helped me as far as wondering what colors are "good". Hope this helps you narrow it down. P.S. , I wish I had your problem (need to fill a box) I don't think I could get another hook in any of mine .

Just bought some Ardent brand line butter, and have never used this before . Just wondering everyone's thoughts on it (good / bad) and how often do you apply it , and best way to apply it . Thanks , Big B.

A solid black berkley 7" power worm is my overall go to bait. Can't go wrong.

I just don't understand. I went fishing yesterday (3/23) with a friend from work @ Bankhead lake on warrior river AL. I was so excited because this was the first "big water" I've gotten to fish this year , the weather was gonna be fair (except the wind) , and bass are SUPPOSED to be easy to locate this time of year. The only bite WE got all day was a 3 pounder I hooked and got to the side of the boat before he threw my shaky head (which was my last resort). Not sure what we did wrong. The bass were there (chasing shad) on wind blown points in the backs of creeks . Water temp was in the 58 - 63 degree range , and we fished anywhere from 3 - 12 feet . The wind was up in the 15 - 25 mph range , but I actually was thinking that should help. We threw spinnerbaits mainly , med - shallow cranks , lipless cranks , and really scratched my head when I hooked the one on a shaky head. Water clarity was murky to moderately clear in places. Just not sure. What'd we do wrong ??? :-/ :-/

I sort of classify lipless in the "shallow" category , not because I only fish them shallow , but because I didn't want to get too "technique specific" with my question.

I know yall probably get tired of answering questions like this , but I promise I've searched the forums and articles and can't quite find my complete answer. I've got 7 different reels in 3 different ratio "ranges" . I'm trying to get everything set up sort of technique specific. I'm trying to find out which ratios paired with which lines are best suited for which applications. Specifically , worm/soft plastic , spinnerbait , flipping/pitching , lipless and shallow crank , med and deep crank . Ratios I have to play with are : 7.1:1 , 6.3:1 , 6.2:1 , 6.2:1 , 5.0:1 (deep spool) , 5.0:1 , 5.1:1. Generally , on the boat , I like to have 2 plastics rods , 1 spinnerbait , 2 crankbait (1 shallow , 1 deep) , a jig/pig , and a multi purpose. If you could , tell me how you think I should have this set up (please include the line) . Thank yall so much in advance.

Thanks guys , for the help. I know about the Shimano reels , especially the curado (already have one , and two of the old chronarchs , and a Calcutta for a backup reel . I love every one of them.) , just can't quite spend the money now. And I'm very glad someone said something about the Mojo Bass rods , I already have the plastics one , and I love it . That's the main one I was considering. May still look into the bps , though.

I am looking into buying a new setup for cranking ( med. / deep ). I am definitely on a budget , looking to spend no more than $100 a piece for rod and reel (don't fish for $$$ , just a weekend warrior) . I have heard a lot of very good things about the new Lew's speed spool reels (big Shimano fan) , and just wondering opinions of these reels for cranking. My local sporting goods has them on sale for $99. Also very confused about the ROD end of the whole deal , as far as getting the right power/action for cranking. So , if you like the speed spool idea , pair me a good $100 rod with it . Thank you for advice and opinions.

Thanks everyone , for the warm welcomes .

Howdy to all , from Tuscaloosa , Alabama. Sure glad to have found this site . I love bass fishing , and love to learn about bass fishing , and this seems to be the perfect place to do just that. My home waters are Bankhead lake , and the always phenomenal Lay Lake ... Coosa River spots , baby ! Nothing like 'em in the world. Anyways , glad to be here , and looking forward to picking some brains apart. Thanks Big B.