Spankey

For river Smallies I have not found many grubs that were not productive. I Like a few but 3” Berkley Power Grubs they seem to like best. Have used them for many many years. Berkley only has a few color patterns but all seem to be productive. At least for me.

On an original type floater/diver you would be better off without the split ring. I don't put a split ring on a skitter pop or the skitter walks.

Wish I could be more help to you. I don’t really own one. Or much BPS Branded stuff. But BPS does carry like a 90 guarantee, a fish it guarantee. That seems pretty impressive and tuff to beat. Especially if you buying it now. Fish time. Not like you are buying it in the dead of winter at sat while the guarantee is running out. I think it was a big sale item just recently. Should be a lot of guys fishing it. I do own a Pro Qualifier baitcasting reel and I love, would buy another, but that’s not helping you.

I wouldn’t worry about that stuff too much. Try them. I picked up a few Googan Bait pop-r types over the winter. They caught my eye, like what I bought, feel great about my future results with them. I have no idea what all the pro/con hype is about them. Don’t care that much to know. Decent looking product. Try it. Enjoy it. Good fishing.

You guys are right. I can possibly see the concern with power boats. Everyone intentions are not the same. Not enough enforcement to go around just to check on stuff like that. This CV stuff will come to an end one day. Hopefully sooner than later.

Something does not smell right. They’ll probably try to pull that here in Penna. What the heck is the difference if you were fishing from a canoe, yak or bass boat. That sounds beyond anything related to CV. Motorized boating brings in a lot of $$$ to the state of Michigan. Same here in PA if PAFBC is reading.

Have to say that is a great color for fishing river Smallies. I do not know what it represents in real life. Nothing. But just happens to be a Color that turned Smallies on.

I don’t fish them as much as I use to but I’m always ready to throw a Zoom lizard or brush hog.

When I’m out bass fishing it’s all business so to say. I’m out there to catch bass and don’t feel I’m just going through the motions. Good day or bad day I try to reason with how things went and how I went about it. I’m going to say it was fun one way or another but fun is probably not the right word I just don’t know what the right word is. I’m not the most religious guy in the world but my time on the water helps me connect with the man upstairs. Fishing helps me do that. On the boat or stream side for trouts. Hard to explain, it is what it is. Now when I take my grandsons out fishing that a fun side. I don’t fish. I act like a guide service. Just try to put them on fish. Those boys love to fish worms, leaches, crickets, shiners, hellgrammites I’m getting them into soft plastics and crankbaits. But this is fun being with them.

I’m in an essential job also. I know where you are coming from. Take it one day at a time. Make a conscious effort to manage your stress. There are things you can control in life and there are things you can not. My wife gets to work from home. I’m glad about that. My two daughters are able to do the same thing. I’m glad they are not going into the city. There is nothing good about this CV-19 stuff. I’m at risk it a bit higher because I have to commute and not be housed up like you. But I’m better off having to work. I’d be past my stir crazy point at home by now not being free to do what I want to. Better day are ahead. We have a close friend who is in his last days. NOT because of CV. He’s been in bad shape for awhile. Him passing during this is not a good thing. He deserves a better send off. Won’t be able to gather for it. But everything will work out in time. You stay safe and keep it together.

The best fishing shoes (boat deck) I have found hands down are Zekos. But I like my Crocks also.

Go for it. Sounds good.

We’ll get through it. Keep positive.

I can’t comment on the EXD. For many many years I’ve been the St. Croix and Shimano fan boy. Still am and have no complaints with their products. BUT, over the last few seasons I bought some Abu Garcia products and I’m way more than satisfied. Was reluctant to buy at first. Bad rap hear say. The Veritas Rods I like them. Action ratings are great for how I use them. The Revo series of casting and spinning reels are quality also. I’m very satisfied with the “Winch” series. I didn’t buy sight unseen. Would never buy a rod or reel that way. Good luck with your reel.

I'm a Rapala Freak when it comes to the majority of my Crankbait fishing. Their various models have never been a let down. Rapalas have never been one to put out the real image, life image print types. Not the first to jump on board with it. Their color have been a basic standard for years. Sure they added new color patterns.But when they did start putting out the life image I was ready to jump on it with the Shad Raps and DT's. I don't find them to be as productive. No regrets trying them but in my case not nearly as productive. I would never say not to try them. One of my most productive patterns is the original Rapala Bluegill. The have a real image version of a bluegill, no where near as productive. Looks darn good, will say that. They are still one of my favorite crankbaits.

Rapala Skitter Pop, Pop-R's, Chug Bugs have worked well on the river for years. Since fishing the lake the last few years more often I've stepped up my size a bit more and have been throwing a 1/2 oz. Strike King KVD Splash. I've picked up a few Googan Bloopers for this season.

You have it apart. I'd buy the parts and rebuild it. It's great the parts are still available. I was easy to get apart, no? I've worked on many a few over the years. The rebuilds go ok. It's worth wild if you like like the reel.

I have an old 1300. Japan made. I think it is from about 1988 maybe before. I still use it. I rebuilt mine, at one time Daiwa sold it as a kit. Was an easy rebuild. When Rick Clunn won the classic is about when I bought it. Pretty sure I associated him with this reel. I'm pretty much a Shimano guy. Don't think I'd buy another new version. But would buy one used and rebuild it if it were the older vintage worth doing.

I can't really comment on a President Reel. Know nothing about them. I do own (2) Veritas Spinning Rods one is 7 ft. Medium with a moderate action. One is a 7 ft. ML-XF. I have specific uses for them. Both are fitted with Size 30 reels but not Presidents.

Not sure of the mandatory shutdowns but are fishing retail sites closed? I’m basically ready to roll at anytime. Most times I order on line because every decent mom and pop shop from the past is long gone.

That’s my home.

I’ve been using it for years. Does it work. Does it help. I do think it does not hurt. Some baits that have an attractant in them I do not put it on. Example a Berkley PowerWorm or a Max Scent Worm. I don’t put it on any crankbait or spinnerbaits. Majority of my softbait fishing and jigs. Try it. Might just mask your scent on your hands. Cheap enough to try.

I'm sort of hearing the same thing here. We are the 18th. Good luck if you get out.

We are in each other’s backyard. Good luck. Have fun and be safe.

Think positive man. I‘m right across the big “D” from you. We’ll get our fishing in. We’ll find out right soon as to how they want to handle the trout seasons.