bugman

I started using Baitcasters about two years ago. At that time I picked up a St Croix Premier 7' M/fast. Over the next two years I have bought other baitcasters from 6' M/fast to a 7.5' H flipping stick. I find that the 7' M/fast just sits there collecting dust. Am I mssing out on not using this rod? What would this rod be best suited for?

I think I will try some on a few of my lipless cranks to see if it helps reduce the amount of fish that shake off.

From what I have seen written in a few forums most like he spinning reels but keep away from the baitcasters. That being said, I have not fished either.

I have always replaced treble hooks with Gamme round bend. I see a lot of EWG treble hooks or the type with one EWG hook and the other two round bend on the market and was would like to know if anyone likes them better. Also do you use colored hooks such as red or chart/green?

I agree with cart7 about pushing the old hook out with the new It's not hard to get the old hook started. Also what size hooks do you replace with on the 1/4 oz trap? I have been using Gammie #4 & #6. It seems that they are a little long an sometimes the hooks catch each other.

How often do you use a trailer hook on a spinnerbait? I was watching a Kevin VanDam DVD and it looks like he always uses a trailer hook except in clear water. I use 1/4, 3/8 & 1/2oz spinnerbait most of the time but I'm not sure what size trailer hook I should be using for each bait. Should I match the size with the hook on the spinnerbait or go smaller?

I deleted my post because I saw that I was in wrong forum. Sorry if I caused any confusion. bugman

Just picked up a St Croix Avid 7'3" mh for $160.00. It is a telescopic rod and dose not seem to have lost any feel. It is a great rod for pitching or light flipping.

How deep will you be fishing with the Power pro red? It's true that red is the first color to disappear under water, but it won't disapear until about 15 feet. Water clairty and sun light will also be a factor. Most of the water that I fish is less than 15 feet. I stay away from red lines because of that. Like all other colors that Power pro comes in, i'm sure it will fade and you will either have to cut it off or color it with a magic marker.

20-lbs-sack, What size line have you used? What type of lures do you use it for? Welcome to the UBFRG Forum!

I hear that Izorline Platinum is a very strong and castable line. Just woundering if anyone has used it and what they think about it.

I never see any posts about rods less than 6'. The only rods under 6' I see in tackle shops have pistol grips. Are there any trigger rods under 6' ? Dose anyone still use short rods? If so, what lures do you fish with?

I understand that the VBS on baitcasters helps reduce backlashing at the end of the cast. My question is how many pins should you have on/off for different types of casts? When pitching/flipping/skipping would it be best to have all pins on or would that be too much? For long distance casts should they all be off? Or do most fisherman have one setting for all casts? Also, is it best to have the pin across from another pin in the same setting or have a few in a row in same setting?

I crank with the Avid 6'6" MH Mod. It's great for any size crankbait from a 1/4 oz Rat-L-Trap to a Mann's +30. The handle has a shape that fits my hand just right and has more guides than the Premier. Also for a MH rod the blank has a smaller diamiter than the Premier. I think it's worth the extra $ IMHO.

"Best" is subjective but for my needs I like St. Croix rods. I think Croix makes great rods at every level. I own a few of their low end Triumph & Pemeire models and two avid models which are getting into the moderate level. All are made with quality components and cast and feel great. The Triumph models are assembled in China but all other models are made in USA. St. Croix has a nice web site that is worth checking out. There is a section called Rod Selector that lets you put in the type of fishing you are looking to buy a rod for and they come up with a list of suggestions. Another rod manufacture that I have been looking at is Falcon. I don't own any of their rods but that may change real soon. I think that they are also made in the U.S.

I see that the Spro Aruku shad is unique because it rests on it's nose. My question is how dose it's action compare to other lipless crankbaits? Is it a good all around bait or is it only good for dropping on beds?

I asked for your favorite company not model because there are so many models to choose from. Please list your favorite Co./models for different patterens of jig fishing.

Just a thought, this spring I think I will try the CB with a plastic frog as a trailer. I might even try it with a swim bait or the new GYCB swim senko. What's the worst thing that can happen? Have fun! Bugman

I have fished the chatterbait in every color they make. Landed fish with each color with many different trailers. One of my favorite is with a super fluke without a skirt. That being said, I think it's the action that the fish like not the color. (JMHO)

The chatterbait has much built in action, but don't stop there. replace the tailer that comes with the bait with any other trailer that you think will enhance the action. I really like to take off the skirt and trailer and put on a super fluke.

I have been working on Pitching & Flipping and could use some help. I am able to Pitch a jig but am having problems with Flipping. I have read many articles on flipping but think a video would help much more. If anyone has any info I would appriciate it.

My rule of thumb is buy the best you can afford. What I mean by "best" is will the reel do what you want it to do and hold up over time. To me having a bunch of options I don't use is not "best". And it always comes down to money. Is your name Billy Bob or Bill Gates.

Ditto! I like the St. Croix (PC60MF) very easy to cast and has enough backbone. Great all around rod, I use it 75% of the time.

Thanks for the advice about Flippin-sticks. I picked up a St. Croix Avid AC73MHF that teloscopes down for storage. I matched it with a Shimano Castaic reel and 15# Izorline. I'll keep you posted on how it works out for me. Bugman

Thanks for all the info & suggerstion about a flipping reel. I was at the Dundee, Michigan Cabelas today and found a Shimano Castaic on sale for $129.00 reg price $169.00. In fact the last two sold yesterday so the salesman offered the demo for $116.00. I got it home, cleaned it up and oiled it. Looks and works like out of the box. I plan on perfecting my flipping/pitching skills over winter and hit the water right after iceout. Thanks again, Bugman