Zeeso

So I am digging through all my tackle. And I realize, that I have wasted a lot of money, on baits that I probably won't ever use. This is mainly when talking about plastics, not so much others. Usually they are purchased because I am shopping for something, I see a box that says, 1$ clearance bin. Which In turn I say, well I could always use some more worms. Ill just add these to my "stock" So my goal, this year, is to really thin down my color selections, and possibly limit myself to 3 basic color schemes that I "know" will work, and to not buy an abundance of " Hmm, well if I was a fish I would eat that" lures. Starting with jigs, I'm making it my goal to really get into jig fishing this year. I have had some success with jigs, but I want to "master" it. I often find myself fishing fast, and then I am so tuned in, that I can't slow it down. I want to build a decent stock pile of jigs, but I want to limit my color schemes. So for jigs, I am thinking - Black/Blue , Greenpumpkin and maybe a Brown/orange. Weights would vary from 3/8 to 3/4 oz. I love lipless crankbaits, but I also want to limit what I purchase in these as well. I use red eye shads, and my most productive colors have been Orange belly craw and bluegill. I want to add another color that I can move too if the conditions call for it. So I am thinking maybe a Bone White, or a blue/chrome. Spinnerbaits / chatterbaits. Black/blue, a natural color (green pumpkin or a bluegill skirt) and a white, usually with a few red strands. Plastics (tubes, worms) Best luck for me comes with greens, I like to use a black with red flake, and sometimes a bluefleck. These are just some of the baits I use, but they are easily the baits I find myself using the most. I was just wondering what you guys thought so I can try and narrow down my trash bags full of plastics! I haven't got into much deep diving cranks or jerk baits which I need to do, I just find myself often relying on my "confidence" lures that I don't take the time to fish them. If you could, I would love to know what you guys would choose if you could limit yourself to three colors for each of the following baits Tubes/Worms ( or plastics in general) Spinnerbaits/Chatterbaits Lipless Crankbaits Jigs Any input would be greatly appreciated and I look forward to hearing what you guys think and discussing it, Thanks!

Very Nice Jeff! I also did some damage at the BPS Spring classic today.... it was a solid 5 hr shopping trip. I got.... A berkley lightning shock spinning rod 6ft M for a rod to keep in my car or to do some weightless plastic fishin Crankin stick castin rod, 6'6" MH BPS Pro Q baitcaster BPS Pro Q Spinning reel 6 packs of flippin tubes 2 packs rage tail anacondas 5 red eye shads KVD line and lure Flannel shirt T-shirt 2 spools suffix seige and probably something else but I don't feel like digging through my bag. Lol. Thank god for gift cards!

Picked up a 6'6" med/ fast rod I found on sale in the back of a clearance rack in walmart for 60 bills. Thinking about what technique to use it for don't have any other rod wirh these specs. Im thinking some 3/8 spinners and chattersbaits, whay do you guys think?

Kind of makes me wonder. Usually Microguide rods are a tad more expensive. I have never used one, I get the feeling they might have skimped on the quality of the guides to get the price so low... Don't people have problems with line fraying on the microguides? I might still bite on the deal, and return it within a year if I have problems. What are your guys thoughts on the micros? Also a little hesitant about the smart cast tech. I am plenty proficient enough with a BC I don't need it, I am just worried it might have a negative effect on my casting. I don't think it would be problem if I can basically turn it off. Its just such a good price its hard for me not to bite... NOM NOM.

Anyone who has their flyer yet, is the bionic combo thats on sale the baitcaster? And do you know if its a daily deal or lasts the whole sale?

Is the bionic combo a daily deal? Or is it on sale for the entire length od the sale? Is it the baitcaster or the spinning set up? Might grab one if its the baitcaster.

The BPS Spring Classic is a few weeks away. I find the time approaching, when all hope is lost for my bank account. My wife, sits in solitude as she ponders the horrors that await as I gleefully browse my master catalog, hoping, wishing, that certain items will be on sale. All joking aside What items are you guys hoping will be on sale, as in, you don't need one, but you will buy one, or 10, if the price is right. My personal wish list Hoping to pick up a Pflueger president spinning reel, rod will depend on what is on sale. Probably a 6-6 MH. Hoping abu garcia might have their rod line on sale, Vertias or vendetta. I have a ML vertias that I plan on using for pretty much drop shotting and shakey heads. Want something with a little more backbone, perhaps for jerkbaits or some weightless stickworms. (I prefer spinning rods for this) Also hoping to pick up another PQ, debating between Falcon bucco or a carbonlite rod. I know the PQ and carbonlites are usually on sale, but we shall see. Also hoping to stock up on some Jigs. Yes, these items are not expensive even when not on sale, But I love a good bargain! What are you guys hoping to see?

So I am ordering a few packs of Rage Tail Anaconda worms today, (my first rage tail bait) but can't decide between the 10inch and 7inch. Any noticeable difference on which one performs better? I love big worms..... But the tail on these babies seems to have a huge profile even in 7inch. I suppose I could get one of each, but was just wondering what you guys prefer! Thanks for your time! Was also thinking about picking up a few different types. Maybe a pack of the lobsters? Is there any other rage tail bait that you guys throw all the time?

Black/blue chatterbait is one of my confidence, go to lures. My main gripe with the Z-man original chatterbaits is the hook is complete garbage. However They have released to new version, chatterbait elite. That comes equipped with a premium Gamakatsu 5/0 hook. a HUGE upgrade. Im actually ordering a few right now.

It is a solid reel. I have one. I was clueless with baitcasters before I picked up my first. Got a BPS carbonlite gold version. Awesome reel. Had no problems with learning, was on the lake fishing flawlessly the first day I owned it. I then bought a BPS PQ. Another solid reel. Again zero problems with backlashing or anything of the sort. Then bought an extreme that was on sale. Same thing. Excellent performance. Then bought a New version of the carbonlite, haven't had it out yet, but I am sure it will be the same. Moral of the story, in my eyes. You can't go wrong with a BPS reel that isn't of course something that costs 20$. I tend to believe that, while its nice to own some 300$ reel. You gotta remind yourself, the fish don't know what kind of rod and reel you are using. Hell, you could give some pros a spincast reel on an ugly stick and I am sure they could outfish some of us. As long as you take good care of it, I don't see any problems with the lower end reels and the BPS extreme is no exception.

I'm not sure about the 600yd spool. But overstock baits carries 3lb spools of the hybrid in 12lb green http://www.overstockbait.com/Yo_Zuri_Hybrid_Fishing_Line_p/hb3p.htm More money, but more line at a pretty good price. Also not sure if it is the right color green you are looking for.

I got A 7ft m mod action carbonlite paired with the reel, a carhartt jacket. A mini fridge for my beers. And a man cave. Recently bought a new house and we had an empty room that is an addition, has a mini kitchen. So I told the ball and chain that it would be a perfect man cave. Low and behold I come home to two gallons of brown paint, and she says, ok, you can make it your man cave. So boom , immediately im thinking, brown paint. Ill make it a cabin theme with fishing decorations. I had to paint it, but I don't care. So under the tree I got. A largemouth lamp, the one from bps, very nice. Two giant posters that will be framed in old barnwood. One has every species of bass on it, the other has every freshwater game fish on it. Two artist sketches , one of a largemouth and one of a smallmouth. An old decorative fishing net A ceiling fan accessory that attaches to the chain , has a largemouth on it. and to my suprise A sleeper couch! In brown. And a coffee table made out of wooden planks, looks like a old beat down dock. Oh the ideas are running through my head Now I just need a small tv, a rod rock for all my set ups, and a padlock. I can't wait till its done!

Just got one paired up with the new Carbonlite reel. 7ft, Medium, Moderate Action, was planning on using it for lipless cranks or small cranks in general. What other applications is this rod action best used for? Also, I just picked up a spool of 15 lb test Yo Zuri Hybrid, is there a better line you folks would recommend? Im working on building up my arsenal, its pretty limited so far but I have 7ft MH Fast action - Jigs, Heavy Plastics, Frogs 6'6"MH Fast Action - Spinners, Chatterbaits 7ft M Fast Action - Lipless Cranks in weeds, plastics sometimes 7ft M Moderate Action - Planning on using for cranking, lipless and small cranks 6'6" ML Spinning Rod - Finesse Worms, Drop Shotting Ideally I would like to get a dedicated cranking stick (BPS cranking stick) A shorter rod for spinners and chatters, will perhaps a pistol grip, much more accurate with a shorter stick for me A Nice flipping stick And another Spinning set up, perhaps for jerkbaits and things of that sort as it feels more natural for me Am I heading down the right path? Are there anythings you folks would recommend I change up? Thanks so much for your time and hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

I am going to start pouring my own jigs. So I am compiling a list of everything I need to get started. http://do-itmolds.com/shop/index.php?route=product/category&path=4_188_2056 Lead Melting Pot http://do-itmolds.com/shop/index.php?route=product/category&path=1_8_23 The first mold, by choice. With 1/2oz, 3/4oz and 1oz cavities. Does anyone have any other advice on a first time mold? 4/0 hooks mustad wide gap jig hood, going to focus on 3/4 oz size to start. Black fiberguard weed guards. Paint Eyes Skirts (Natural Colors) Is there anything I am missing? I am pumped to get started, it might take me a few months to accumulate all the materials, but I cannot wait.

I haven't got into the drop shot much. But I hear of a lot of people using small jigs instead of a weight. Seems like a good idea to me! A tube would be very interesting.

Yes that is how they are made. It is made that way so it makes it harder for the fish to throw the hook. I have a few of them but haven't really used them yet. I have a lot of the original z-man chatters. Yes they are poorly made, but they catch fish more times then not for me. I really wish z-man would upgrade their hooks, that is the only real issue I have with them currently.

So I decided to throw braid on one of my larger sticks. I use it mainly for flipping and pitching. I have a small lake I fish, and one side of it is full of submerged branches. I am talking thinner branches, maybe 3-4 inches in diameter, with hundreds of little limbs protruding from the main trunk. I love the sensitivity braid offers, but I am running into a problem. I hook up with a fish, and no sooner do I hook up with the fish, it is entangled in these brush piles, and I can't get them out. Should I just NOT use braid when playing around from shore? And restrict it for use strictly when fishing from a boat so I can go get it. Are there certain techniques you guys would suggest when fishing these brush piles? I actually had a large flipping tube on, and after getting stuck a few times a week earlier, I tried a new approach. Instead of letting it sink, and working it over the brush, I started to retrieve at a faster, more erratic pace, almost breaking the surface and got a few hits that time. Anyway, any input is appreciated! Thanks for taking the time to read!

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A medium strength fast tapered 7ft rod has fallen into my possession, and I am trying to figure out the best use for it. Its a casting rod i am going to pair it up with a BPS PQ, but I can't seem to pinpoint what application it would perform well at. Any input? Thanks all!

Those are nice! Thanks for sharing that site. I was actually just browsing the web for some custom made chatters. A few months ago I found a site that had some really nice ones on it. I can't seem to remember the name though. Anyone else have experience with some well made custom chatterbaits like the site referenced above?

So I am a huuugge chatterbait fan, just recently caught my personal best on a black and blue 1/2 oz chatterbait. Went up to my old neighboorhood pond / lake ( I call it the lake because it is huggge for a neighborhood pond) before work one morning for 2 hours and killed them. Sadly I only brought a small 370 box with some red eye shads and chatterbaits , and of course I run to get my scale and I don't have it. I still know its my personal best just by holding it and seeing it. So my lucky lure (black and blue chatter) has seen the last of its days, and I went to dicks to pick a few more up, but I could have sworn the cost was 3.99. They were 4.99 , but I bought a few anyways, but I noticed something different. The blade is now a much darker color, almost a black/smoke metallic type, and it appears the hook is different. This isn't a pro series or anything, just the original chatterbait. I then swung by walmart and the price is 5.70$! And these were just the old standard one with a silver blade and old hook (crappy hooks I admit, but it still works with a little sharpening) Did something change with the chatterbaits? I know they have a pro series out but these were not them, anywho, just curious!

I thank you for your input. I however do fish from boats, mainly rentals, and have a large group of friends, all with boats, that I go out with quite often. A boat of of my own is on the horizon.... however... I just recently purchased my first home, and right now rushing into buying a boat is not really a concern of mine. I have the money, but their are other things It will go towards, mainly on the home improvement front. I will, within the next two years, own a boat, and it will be a nice one. Adding a 130-160$ baitcasting setup every 3-4 months is not a big deal, and it all plays into the plan.... that when I do have a boat. I'll be prepared.

So basically my question is this.... I am currently expanding my baitcasting arsenal. I just picked up a baitcaster at the beginning of spring and I am completely addicted to their ease of use and how much faster I can fish. So far I have.... 6'6" Medium Heavy Fast Carbonlite rod w/ carbonlite reel. Currently using for spinnerbaits / chatterbaits 7' Medium Heavy Fast Extreme rod w/ extreme reel. Was using for cranks, but now that I purchased the set up below, it needs a new duty. Probably either switching it to a top water rod / flipping stick (until I can purhcase a dedicated flippin stick) 7' Medium Fast St Croix Triumph with BPS pro qualifier reel. Just purchased, intentions of using it for lipless cranks and smaller crank And a spinning set up I use for most weightless worms and drop shots, etc . Do You guy agree with what I am using my current set ups for? What do you recommend my next purchase to be? Perhaps Keep in mind I don't have the cash to go out and buy every set up I need right now. I am just trying to cover my basics , and then get into more specific set ups as I go on. Thanks for any future input!

I was going to pick some of this up as well, but was curious as to how the stretch is. I went from a line that had little stretch , then back to standard mono that has a lot of stretch and I really notice it now and its driving me crazy. Kind of looking for a middle ground. Probably order some off bps as I don't believe they carry it at dicks sporting goods. We shall see.

I have a 7ft M/H casting rod, they are not bad, I got it on sale at the Spring Classic for 70 bucks I believe. Paired it with a pro qualifier and it does what its supposed to, so I can't complain. I have used cheapo spinning set ups for most of my life so I dont have much to compare it too. I would say that it seems a little stiff for a medium heavy, but the only other rod I have to compare it too is the BPS Carbonlite, and I love that rod, sensitive and light as a feather. I also have a Vertias and I would actually put both of them ahead of the xtreme. But for the price I got it at (70) I cannot complain. If you were to pay the full 100$ price tag though, I would go with something else in that same price range, perhaps at Vertias. Or if you could get a carbonlite on sale (they go on sale quite often ) then either of those two would fit the bill.