n8cas4

I'm curious how some of you develop a grass flippin' pattern. How do you go about determining the bait profile, rate-of-fall, color, etc. to maximize your catch? Let's say the grass is mostly milfoil and when I say flippin' I'm also including pitchin'. I've started with 4 different flip/pitch set-ups (only own 4 rods appropriate for grass flippin'/pitchin') - 2 different profiles, 2 different rate-of-falls. I go to grass lines that I know I've caught them out of before and just start flippin'/pitchin' to get one in order for that fish to tell me what they want that day and where they are in the grass. I'm curious, do you go over the same areas of grass repeatedly? First time through with 1 set-up, then turn around and go through with a different set-up until the fish tell you something? Do you go through and just flip and pitch the outside edge with all of your set-ups, then come back around and flip the inside or the thick stuff mid-grass line? After catching just one, do you give up on the other set-ups (different bait profile / rate-of-fall ) or areas of the grass (inside edge / outside edge) in order to more quickly key in to a pattern? Do you move up slightly after 1 fish to start flippin' with that set-up (maximizing the amount of offerings)? I'm asking because I'd like to be more efficient with my time when figuring out a grass flip/pitch pattern. We all know it's not a numbers pattern, and getting those 5 right bites can be frustrating (yet sometimes very rewarding). Is this a pattern that requires more than 1 day of practice to establish for most? I'll be honest, I very rarely have an opportunity to pre-fish the day before a tournament.

Took a while to get going - but this is some great info! Thx BFR

I haven't had much luck throwing a cabin creek spider jig for smallies. They're used quite a bit up here in New England for smallmouth, but I haven't been able to capitalize. What set up (Rod - power/action, spinning/casting, line type) works best? Does this work best in deeper waters (12-18ft)? Are you supposed to fish it similar to a hair jig or more like a typical football-head jig? Any insight would be appreciated - Thanks.

Do you skin the hook point back into the plastic or leave it Tex-posed?

I always get craw and creature mixed up, but if you ask me, I can't put a beaver in the same category as a brushog (the only two soft plastics I flip). I think I understand now. Thanks for the pic. You're talking about the depth or thickness of the plastic, right? So when the plastic gets pushed down the hook there is still plenty of room for the hook point to lodge itself properly in the fishes mouth. In the last 2 years I have been rigging straight shank: I'm contemplating going back to EWG for more situations

I'm talking about the replies for a beaver style. What type of hook do you use for a creature? I didn't understand what you were getting at with the gap twice as wide. Thanks.

so far, seems like more people like the EWG hooks rather than a straight shank

Sweet Beaver, SK Rodent, in the typical 4 inch size...which hook style & size do you use and why? 3/0, 4/0, 5/0? EWG or Straight Shank? Do you change up the size and style based on conditions (grass vs wood/brush)?

I fish a senko this way very often. I do think there's more action when wacky-rigged, however. It seems like I'll have to experiment with making my own weedless wacky hooks. Thanks for the ideas!

Thanks, Wayne. You've obviously been using this rig a while - have you ever lost a fish due to the wire guard? What brand of hook is that?

Those look stout - nice work!

I know you can rig a zoom trick worm style weedless pretty easily, however when I go to rig a senko this way it seems to impede it's all-important action. I tried the thin-medal weed guard hooks and actually have lost fish because the metal wire stayed pegged under the barb on hook-set. The fiber guards don't do well in the heavier stuff that I'd like to throw near / in. Any suggestions on a strong weedless rigging method for a senko?

I think he's on vacation. The website says closed to May 22nd. So, are the main differences between the 'models' hook brand and skirt strands?

Are the Dredge fans using that hook shape for chunk type trailers that are NOT threaded up to the keeper / skirt & head? I thought that was the main benefit of the dredge is that the chunk stays aligned and fully extended. I typically thread my trailer all the way up to the keeper (but what do I know - it's def. not a strength)

I don't throw a jig that often. I bought a few Seibert Outdoor Jigs a while back, but I can't remember which 'model' I bought. I really liked them a lot and want to put a new order in for more. I wish the descriptions of each model of jig on the website was a little more specific. Maybe some people can help me out with their favorite 'model' seibert jig and what makes it different from other seibert jig models? Are there really 10 different models? Fogy, Extreme, Storm, Mata, Grid-iron, supreme, etc..? I'm looking for a very versatile jig that's can be pitched to laydowns, dock-pilings, and used for steeper rocky drop-offs, grassline edges (no football head, no swim head). The brush style design for the head is my favorite. It seems the most versatile for someone who doesn't throw a jig that often. Thanks. I don't need an explanation of the different head types - just an idea of which MODEL to buy - thanks

This is for everyone. Do you spend more time moving a jig or soaking a jig? Wouldn't you want to use braid (with a FC leader) if your line is taut most of the time? Even on slack line, if you use high-visibilty braid - you'd be able to line watch much easier and visually detect those bites, too. If most bites come on slack line, am I really missing my deep jig bites by using braid instead of straight fluoro? I can't make a decision...

thanks, Puggz.

I can't make up my mind on these two - DSR820S or DSR822S. I have a SHR822s and love it, but I don't want the action to be the same for my drop shot rod. I've been told by 1 person who has fished both the Shakeyhead and Dropshot 822s that the drop shot is not as stiff, but I'm still wondering if I need something with a much lighter tip (DSR820s). The DSR822s is much easier to find used in the forums, though. Any thoughts? I fish mainly Connecticut lakes (with the exception of Champlain once a year). I use the drop shot near grass edges (sometimes deep grass edges). I also use a D-S out in deeper water during the summer months (humps 15-35 ft) 1/8oz rarely, 3/16oz mostly, 3/8oz windy or deep only

I went with the new mojo 68mf jerkbait rod - I'll have a chance to use it tomorrow. Thanks for all the help

I have a Dx745c FH, Dx795 FLIP and a Savvy microguide 734c. To me, the balance is incredible. Very light yet still feels sturdy (if that makes sense). The Savvy sensitivity is not great in my opinion, so I'll know to buy champion or extreme for jig n worm presentations. Since a jerkbait presentation does not require sensitivity, I like the idea of a savvy or fury for my jerkbait rod. If it has the same balance and "light feel" - it could be exactly what I am looking for in a jerkbait rod.

Yeah - I've pmed with Gary and talked to Paul mueller for my other rods. I don't want to bother anyone for a rod of this cost. I only really fish jerkbaits 1 maybe 2 months a year. I do not own a dobyns rod less than a 4 power. In fact, I only have 1 casting rod that's medium power (stcLT teaser 70mf). I should probably just go st croix because these are the rods I can drive to cabelas and get a feel for.

How's the medium heavy fast feel on the savvy? I always felt that the dobyns were softer or lighter (whatever) than other rods. If it feels more like a medium as others have said on this thread, then that would be the rod for me.

My decision to be made shortly... St. Croix Mojo (new) 68mf jerkbait - $120 St. Croix Mojo (new) 68mxf topwater - $120 Dobyns Fury 663c 66mhf - $109 Fenwick Aetos 66mf - used (less than $100) Lews 67 medium moderate - fast - $129

Memorial Day in late May. I think they put together a bunch of products on a Bassmaster Classic Sale page (but not all items) sometime next week.

Thanks! Has anyone used the new fury? I hope it has the same balance as the savvy's and extremes - I don't need the sensitivity.