Mumbly

I have tried the walmart $1 spinnerbaits. They seem decent for $1 and made by Strike King (at least that is what the tags on mine said). The $1 buzzbaits on the other hand, I just can't seem to get them to work well.

French Pearl Pro Blue Ayu Purple Green Apple Crackle/chartreuse belly

I should have mentioned the models as they are not the higher end Gloomis. What they have left is the GL2 (blue blank. Not sure if different than the gl2 brown blanks), Mossyback and Bronzeback. They also have a crankbait series rod and a jerkbait series rod. Thanks guys. I really appreciate all the comments. It helps a great deal.

How long do you guys keep your rods for? Do you keep up with the new technology each year (or every other year) or replace what you have and sell off the old? Or do you hold on to what you have and only replace it if it breaks? Guessing budget comes into play as well? I have been buying left over clearance rods from a dealer that he has had since 2012-ish. A couple GLoomis, Shimano cumara and crucials. I believe I am doing the right thing but was curious if I am missing out on more "current" model technology.

I am right handed and cast and reel right handed regardless of spinning or baitcasting. Just feels natural to me for some reason. After 40+ years I don't see that changing.

Or 6.

At the advice of @Bluebasser86 I bought a few of the RC STX's and the H2O jerk shad last year. They work incredibly well. The H20 jerk shad's go on "hot deals" sale semi often and at $2.99 they are a fantastic buy.

I used to throw grubs a lot but just got away from them I guess. Floating rapala and husky jerks have taken a back seat as well for some reason. I enjoy topwater most and used to throw a hubs chubs a ton and also a heddon crazy shad. I haven't thrown those in years. I should try to get those out this year along with the old heddon crazy crawlers. Might be fun.

Yes. Both B2's and B1's are $5.93

Thank you. I am on the east coast so perhaps the clearance hasn't made its way down here yet

Have you found those is multiple stores? My local stores only have the Havoc Smash Tubes on clearance for $2.43. Pit Bosses are still regular price.

Thanks @Goose52 I appreciate the response. I tried searching for previous threads before posting but came up blank. I now see a post on Tackle Tour from a year ago when I changed some search words around. Sadly I don't do any of the presentations that you mentioned going well with 16 IPT. I might just pass on it.

Super spook jr, buzzbait, torpedo and pop'r

I used to keep a log back in the 80's and it is always funny to go back and read it. I bought a gopro this year and use it to keep a video log of my outings. It's fun.

I have been thinking about picking up a Calcutta 50B that a local shop has for several months now but I just can't get past the 16 ipt on this reel. Does anyone know if the gears can be swapped, from maybe the 100B, to get an increase in the ipt? Maybe other options? Thanks

Wonder when that happened? With all the cut backs at Pure Fishing I find it hard to believe that it was a recent thing.

Topwater for sure. Buzzbait and walking bait at top of list.

Super spook jr.

When I know that will be out bank fishing for the day i will have a backpack geared up with 4-5 plano 3601 boxes, a decent selection of soft plastics and the tools and accessories needed for most situations. When out for just a few hours I will be a lot more specific in how I want to fish and what lures to take. Some might laugh but when I was in my late teens I bought a Berkley strap-on tackle box that I still use today. Works great for me and holds a decent amount of lures. Aside from that I will also carry a fanny pack with several bags of soft plastics. http://www.berkley-fishing.com/berkley-tools-and-equipment-tackle-management-berkley-fishingear/berkley-soft-belt-tackle-box/1285975.html

I tried to mix it up this past summer and went with some "budget" jerkbaits on the advice of a few members here, which worked great for me. 1) H2O Express ultimate jerkbait 2) Evolve Soul 5 (clearance for $3.99) 3) Luck-E-Strike STX

Which colors are you finding most effective for smallies?

Big Game comes in 8lbs as well. I have a couple of the 1700yd spools in clear and green. Another vote here for Big Game on a baitcaster. My experience with it on a spinning reel is not good so I will opt for stren for that.

Everything looks compressed to the middle of the screen. I prefer the old design much more.

I had eye surgery a few years ago and since then I am much more conscientious about eye protection. I had always read about how great the Costa 580G's were and for a long time I was considering buying a pair, but deep down I just couldn't get past the "glass in front of eye = not good" idea. I am pretty sure that most, if not all bass fisherman have had lures fly back at them on missed hooksets, snags or what have you. And after reading about the disastrous event that happened to Mr. Larson (MLF Cameraman) I just can't help but think how much of a bad idea glass lenses would be. No disrespect for those wearing and recommending them but is not a concern for you? Just trying to understand.

huge thank you!!