OkobojiEagle

Every spring I labor with the same decision, which two reels will I use this year. I want two baitcasting reels in my boat to throw lip-less crankbaits, spinnerbaits and occasionally larger hard jerkbaits. Smallmouth in fairly open water is the target, but large musky, as well as other larger species are hooked in these same lakes. Over the years I've collected several classic reels that will all do the job, but I don't want more than two at a time. Shimano 51e, Daiwa PX68L, Abu Revo Premiere (2nd Gen), 2- Morrum 1601sx mag, Shimano Curado B5. If anyone wants to throw your opinion my way feel free. oe

What's a Senko?

Thinkingredneck... I was told by an aquaintance that they thought bucktail from southern deer was softer than that most often found from northern bucks. This is probably just an individual opinion with no basis in fact. oe

I use jerkbaits when covering depths to ~15'. I cover every 2' depth starting with the surface to ~10' -- that's 6 baits. I want two bait sizes - [3"-3 1/2"] and [4"- 4 1/2"] -- now I'm at 12 baits. I primarily use natural bait fish patterns plus maybe 2 bright colors -- 14 baits. Work them appropriately for the season and the bass won't care what brand they're biting! oe

Dwight, expect a visit from the FBI very soon as you are dangerously unstable... oe

They sound perfect fished on a very light jighead, or shakey head or drop shot... oe

2/0

yes... it's a terrible waste of Saran Wrap. I think the possible negative effects to the local environment is greater than that of bleeding colors in your plastics. oe

yes... 8' - 10' oe

http://creekcompany.com/product.php?productid=16305 (might be an option) oe

^^^ Let responsible people know where you will be fishing and keep a cell phone with you and turned on... (a wading staff isn't a bad idea either) oe

I'm anticipating possible problems with casting reels as the connecting knot comes off the reel and may catch slightly on the line guide (?), what problems arose on spinning reels? oe

Thought I might tie a +20' 8lb or 10lb fluoro leader to a couple of reels (spinning & casting) spooled with PE mainline to see if I liked the result. Looking to maximize the fishing benefits of both line materials. I'm certain this isn't a new idea... anybody gone down this road already that wants to share your opinion/results. oe

delicate and subtle appear to be the two most used words to define the word finesse... oe

Barlowstackle.com is shipping freight free during Feb... oe

Pick your favorite... I don't think brand is terribly important oe

hook = 2/0, 2x long, downturned eye, weighted slightly along the shank. oe

I realize I'm unorthodox, but I tie a bucktail/bunny/marabou jig on a Brewer spider head. I use the 2/0 bronze hook, but they also offer a "pro" series with a stouter wire hook. oe

... or infectiously diseased oe

Thank you... oe

How do I search criteria that is more than one word? i.e. Lucky Craft or deep crankbait oe

Adding to an existing topic has the benefit of compiling information from sources that no longer frequent this site or have tired of the repetition of the topic. Remember... quite frequently, experienced individuals tire quickly with a "Chatty Cathy". How about keeping posts concise. oe

Waters differ and I haven't fished your's, but that early I try to fish jerkbaits that will run in the bottom 1/3rd of the water column I'm fishing. If the water is too deep for me to reach that depth with a jerkbait I'll choose a different bait. oe

Working the jerkbait much slower and with finesse movements may benefit your ice-out fishing more than different baits. Replace snapping the bait with softer, shorter pulls and let the bait sit for longer periods of time than you would later in the season. oe

Bunny wouldn't make a very good shoulder... I do use palmered cross-cut rabbit as body material though. oe