B@ssCrzy

X2!!! I gave up on my spinning reels b/c of the coiling from mono. Braid is fantastic on spinning set-up!! I use a mono leader depending on situation.

I had a great year this year compared to previous years. Caught my PB LM. Built confidence in the carolina rig and shakey head. I hope that this coming year I can learn to catch fish on a jig. Tried several times this year and was unable to do it.

Thanks everyone for their input. Had to make a quick decision last night and went ahead and jumped on the Veritas for $80 at TW. If it turns out to not be the best for shakey heads that means I just have to buy a new rod....Oh darn!! Thanks for the input.

That is a good thought...I actually use yellow braid on my spinning reels. Last year I was using a baitcaster with red braid and a mono leader (not real easy to see), but I am going to switch to a spinning reel this coming summer and was planning on using the yellow braid. My price range is under $100, but was hoping to even save more by buying the Veritas on TW and getting the 20% off they are offering right now. Getting a quality rod for $80 seems pretty tempting.

I am looking at buying a new shakey head rod and when I looked at a lot of the rods made specifically for this technique it seems they are shorter and not as stiff (or fast). I was using a 6'6" MF casting rod this summer, and feel that I prefer a 7' rod for the added casting distance. I just started using shakey heads this summer seemed to prefer a stiffer rod as I felt like I was able to control the action of it better than a "limp" rod. I also lost a few fish so I am wondering if this was the rod or me. I am looking at getting a 7' medium/fast Veritas. So my question is....am I missing something? Should I go with the Veritas or something else? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks guys!!

Thanks for everyone's input!! Really appreciate it. Looks like I need to get several different colors.

I have just become a big fan of these worms for shakey heads and will be trying them on c-rigs as well. I tried out the green pumpkin color because that is a safe choice and seems to work in most situations. Just wondering what colors everyone prefers for the different types of water you fish. Please specify for clear, stained, and muddy. Thanks for your responses.

I like Blue Shiner.

No way would I stop....I am not going to let fear of something happening to me rule my life.

Definitely fishy, but you don't have proof so at this point seems like all you can do is wait until the time comes when he does get caught. If you find yourself in the same situation next week I would definitely be making an excuse for a reason to head back to my truck to check on things.

Anything 1/4 oz or less is spinning for me. Especially since I use braid on my spinning reels...makes a huge difference. However, I like using a carolina rig on my spinning reels better than my baitcasters. I don't know why, but I just like the way it casts them better. Just personal preference I am sure.

Couple weeks ago found a red sticker on a spinning real for $15. Original price was $49. Went up to pay for it and it was $9. Love it when that happens.

Nice!!! How much did they weigh?

I was reading an article on summer fishing and the article made the following statement...."Remember, during hot weather, a rapidly-fished lure is always vastly more productive than one presented slowly." I thought I read somewhere else that during the dog days of summer fish actually can revert more to winter behavior when it comes to strikes and so slowing down was the ticket. What has been your experience?

Hog Caller or Hog Collar

1. Booyah 1/2 oz. Spinnerbait--White 2. Zoom 6" lizard--green pumpkin 3. Stanley Ribbit 3.5" or 4"--White

You may be right on that. With the MH rod and braid that is a lot to ask of 12lb mono. Although the breaks did not come on the hookset, they came as I was fighting the fish. Still think it is good suggestion to remember.

For my Carolina rigs I like to use braid, swivel, and a leader. I don't like Carolina keepers because I like the sensitivity of braid and the ability to break off and not loose a bunch of my line if I get hung up. Anyway my question is what lb test would you guys use for the leader? And would you use mono or fluoro? I was using a 12 lb mono leader until I had two fish break me off. I fish with a 7' MH carrot stix and curado in case you wondered what setup I was using. I was thinking about moving up to 14lb trilene XL, but wondered if I should go higher. Any help would be appreciated.

Awesome!!! Love top water.

Less than ten at this point. But just bought my first ones from Siebert Outdoors and hope that they are the first of many!!! This is one presentation I would like to become one of my confidence baits.

Anyone been fishing it recently. I am taking a trip the first week of September to head down there. I am hoping that the fishing picks up. Just wondering if anyone is having any success there. Any help would be appreciated.

I agree with what the other guys have said. One thing that hasn't been mentioned is also like to use a carolina rig if I want to fish plastics b/c using a heavy weight you can keep in contact with the bottom.

Nice fish!!! Sweet!! Cracked hull!!! Not a fun day of fishing I am sure!!

If it is plastics I buy green pumpkin color to start with. Seems to work in any color water that I fish. I can always add chartreuse via JJ's magic. If I then catch a lot of fish on them then I will branch out. With hard baits I go with natural colors like shad and blue gill. Then expand from there if I am successful with them.

In the spring I have fished out small schools of small fish only to get hammered by the larger fish after they are gone. I think it is just one of those situations that can vary depending on the lake and spot being fished. If I had a honey hole that I had caught big bass at and I started catching small ones I would still make sure that I was working that area for bigger fish that were hanging back. Just my opinion...