bassh8er

I had 3 Mojos before I switched over to the Veritas, and they worked fine for me. I personally wouldn't have gone with the moderate action unless you were looking to use it for cranking, but I think you'll like the rod. I've heard a lot of great things about the reel too, good luck.

Anybody try the Vibrashock by Karu lures before their lawsuit with Z-Man? Glad I bought a bunch before they were knocked out of the market. Z-Man's product doesn't compare in my opinion.

Headed up to Minnesota in a few weeks to catch some smallies. Haven't fished for them since I was a kid and they are not a plentiful fish in the area I live. I know that tubes and grubs are a popular bait for these fish and just curious how you guys are rigging them. I rarely fish grubs and I imagine that the popular rigging method is on a standard ball head jig? That's not an option I have for LMB since most of the places I fish are weedy and full of snags. Any suggestions for types of jigs or brands or any other ways to rig them? Same question for the tubes. I sometimes fish them for largemouth, but that is usually Texas rigged with a 1/8 oz. tungsten weight. Is that how you fish them for smallies too? I've also got some big bite tube heads but I've yet to tie one on. Ay help or other suggestions for baits this time of year would be appreciated; thanks.

These are just suggestions and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what you have confidence in. I am comfortable throwing black and gp 99% of the time; I do have other colors but I prefer these two. This keeps things simple for me and allows me to buy different baits rather than different colors. Example: If I'm not getting bit throwing a gp Brush Hog, I, personally, would switch baits before I changed colors of the same Brush Hog. Again, thjs is what works for me, and I'm sure there are other people on this site that would absolutely disagree. Again, you can read and listen all you want, but in the end, everyone is a fisherman and the bass still aren't talking.

Really? So does that mean they'll realize that the Caenan is spoiling people too and call it a Curado next year and raise the price accordingly? I understand that every company is trying to improve and it's tough in this economy, but I don't like how they changed the name and raised the price of the same product. How is that not shady? Especially for people who aren't on fishing forums everyday.

Thanks for the info Pack and Big-O. I edited my original post since I had much better luck with them today. Not as fast action, but I did catch 4 on the same bait. The original post was actually poking a little fun at RW, so sorry for the confusion. I know the Strike King Rage products are good quality baits and I have many of them, but I also have other brands. Thanks again Big-O.

I've got the most confidence in black and green pumpkin; those are the plastics that i buy exclusively and work in all the water clarities that I encounter. Stick to a few colors and spend your money on new types of baits rather than colors.

I got some BPS rod covers/sleeves, and they work awesome.

Got a chance to try the Menace; good action.

Love the matte bluegill cranks.

Great insight RW, thanks.

Totally agree with you Vinny. I've had similar experiences with Cabela's and refuse to shop there any longer. The final straw was last time I went in there to pick up a Veritas rod, not to buy but just feel. What do you know, they had ZERO in stock. Really? Seems like a popular, good selling rod not to have in stock. I live ten minutes from Cabela's and work even closer, but I gladly drive the 45 minutes to the closest BPS.

Really? You remember these teams played last year, right? Anyways, I was actually looking for feedback on a reel, not delusional Hawkeye fan speak. Thanks for the info everybody else.

Anybody tried these reels out? I found a website selling the Husker reel for $69, and I was thinking about grabbing one up. I can't say that I know anything about these reels, or Ardent in general, and I really haven't heard too much about these particular reels. I believe they were selling them for around $130 originally. Any input? Worh $69?

I have the new Compre 7' cranking rod and I like it but have only used it twice this year.

Wow, all you're missing now is some Bass Resource apparel and you're guaranteed to catch fish.

I was just wondering if they were available to the public yet or how you could recommend a bait that you've never fished before. To the OP, I'd say to keep it simple, and don't go broke buying baits; you've got plenty of time to amass a small fortune in tackle. I'll list my top 5 must have baits, but as your interest in fishing grows, so will the compulsive need to buy more tackle; good luck. 1. Zoom Trick Worm 2. KVD 1.5 square bill 3. Berkeley 7" Power Worm 4. Zara Spook 5. Spro Frog ( lots of options here, but this is the bait I've had success with personally)

Love that Fat Ikas, and have had great success on the Damiki Hydra as well; it's become my go to plastic.

RW, have you got a chance to use the Shell Cracker yet? Do tell...

Of all the great baits Zoom has produced, I HATE their tubes; too skinny and rubbery. I like the SK vibra king tubes, but Chompers are my favorite; bulky but still compact.

Just thread the swimbait on the hook as normal. Put a toothpick through the plastic in front of the bend of the hook, and then clip the toothpick flush with the plastic on both sides, so that none of the toothpick is visible or sticking put past the bait. When you pull on the trailer, the toothpick stops the bait from sliding down any further or getting torn. I think I read it in BASS and it has worked great for me.

3.5" Yum Money Minnow held in with a toothpick; i guarantee it will last longer than a Rage Craw, Paca chunk, or Magic Shad. Ive been using the same trailer for the 2 months

I've got 4 PQs and won't buy a different product until they do me wrong.

Texas rigged with an 1/8 oz. tungsten weight usually. Watermelon candy is my favorite color and you can't go wrong with the Zoom baits. Try the Rage and compare for yourself, but I prefer the good ole' Brush Hog.

Gotta disagree with RW here, but what would you expect when he's talking about GY baits. I bought the Ikas after hearing about them on this site and they were my favorite bait... Until I found out about the Hydra. Not sure which one came first, but I have great success with the Hydra at a much better price. This is probably like the many Senko discussions on this forum, but I'll never buy another pack if Fat Ikas unless they can beat the Hydra on price. Both great baits, but the Hydra gets the nod for price. I've found them both to be similar in durability.