Tucson

Glad to hear that I'm not the only one who dislikes that hook. I wonder if it would be better to remove it altogether and solder something decent on it.

Sounds good - thanks for the input.

I think we've got the point system backwards. The lower the score, the bigger the problem you have! Can I get a half point for question #12?

I'd like to make some ball head jigs in 1/8 and 1/4 oz but with a larger hook, perhaps a 2/0 or 3/0 for both sizes. The Do-it molds seem to be made for a smaller hook. Can these molds be modified for larger hooks or is there an alternative?

Well that was succinct!

If you are strictly after bass you might consider a heavier rig, I suggest a 9' 8 weight rod with an 8 weight bass-bug taper floating line, 8 or 10 lb tapered leader and some tippet material. Typically you'll use a medium-fast rod. You don't have to spend a fortune for a rod either, check out the Okuma Magnitude. I just ordered one from Troutlet for about $65 to replace my 30+ year old fiberglass. Surface poppers on a fly rod is a great way to fish IMO, particularly when the bass are in the shallows. There's something primal about catching a bass on a flyrod. One good bass and you'll be hooked. Good luck.

Millerman: Which hook did you finally wind up using?

(full size)Most of the time I fish them with a 3/16 tungsten weight, an 11/0 Owner and a glass bead at night. One of my favorite night baits this year.

There was a real positive review on these rods by www.tackletour.com recently. I think this is the same rod that Jimmy Houston uses. I just purchase a new fly rod but my next indulgence will probably be a Compre for dropshotting.

I've used the clinch/improved clinch/ trilene knot for years. I'm having some difficulty with the palomar however. I think it's just a question of practice but it's not really intuitive for me at this point, I have to think through each step and sometimes I get the line loops crossed. I agree with Jim Blair on the loop knot for cranks.

I'm about ready to pull the trigger on this myself after doing some research. I found some Do-it molds at Sportmans Warehouse for $28 and no shipping, located a source for used lead @ 50 cents/pound. Now to find an inexpensive way to melt and pour the lead before I move up to an electric melting pot. I'm recently retired so I've got the time and it sounds like a fun way to play with my tackle between fishing sessions.

Boat: '04 Crestliner Canadian 18', 60 hp Yamaha, 24volt Minn-Kota, ttl weight including tandem axle trailer appx. 2400 lbs. Truck: 1985 GMC HD 3/4 ton 4wd w/220,000 miles, purchased new. I make an annual run from Tucson AZ to central Florida, 4000 miles, with a 13 lb. cat on my lap and several cans of "Seven Seas Savory Salmon Supper" close at hand!

Sorry I can't answer your question but thanks for asking because I've been wondering the same thing. I'm sure some of the more experienced people on this forum will be responding. I like ball-heads, stand-ups and football jigheads but the ones with nice sized hooks are getting a little spendy.

Oops! Sorry for the unintended italicization, I'm not exactly Mr. Computer. Plus, I have a cat in my lap and ummm.... a serious hangnail and anyway, it's not my fault!!!

Perhaps Mr. Y has pushed the envelope on his Senko prices a little too far. There are an awful lot of good substitutes available now. On the other hand, it was his creation and he has the right to price it anyway he wants.

I've heard good things about the clouser minnows but haven't tried one yet. So far I'm a popper fan so I'd better get a sinking line and learn some new techniques. Cabelas fly fishing catalog has a section on crossover flies if that helps any.

Just discovered a nice looking jig with decent sized hooks at www.spotsticker.com. Haven't ordered any yet but they seem to be a real nice jighead. Anyone here familiar with them?

In addition to the above, they're a fun bait to use especially at night because you can actually tell what your lure is doing in the dark. Unless you're fishing under a decent moon it's hard to tell where your lure is or what it's doing. You get real obvious feedback from a Jitterbug though. Alligators seem to like the sound, not always a plus. Kinda creepy when a gator head just appears behind your lure with those reptilian eyes.

What! No dropshot hat! How did they get by? Real valid thought though. I sometimes wonder if we put too fine a point on our equipment needs. By the way, Victoria's Secret now carries a dropshot bra and panty set, just in time for the Christmas season too.

Now that you've pointed this technique out, it seems so obvious. Why didn't I think it up on my own? Too busy following protocol I guess!

Not familiar with the wooly grub but really like the dbl tail hula grub. I fish them with a 1/8 or 1/4 oz ball head jig. Poke the hook through the skirt end. Usually use a twitch and retrieve method but have gotten some good ideas from other responders. Gary Yamamoto uses a 5/8 oz jighead which seems kind of heavy but it's his design so who would know better?

Ditto on the Rapala weedless spoon. I just have one and kinda hate to throw it. The Johnson Silver Minnow is my replacement, works pretty well if you don't mind spending an evening sharpening that clunky hook they come with.

kb: Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I had the work done at a trailer shop, total cost was $550.00 which included the tires and rims. There was sufficient room in front of the original axle to do the install without moving anything. The difference in handling when towing or manuevering was pretty significant. Best of luck.

I strongly suggest the tandem rig. I added a 2nd axle to my trailer even though the weight didn't require it. The trailer handle and rides better, easier to back up and maneuver with much less oversteer. The big plus is safety of course. Lose a tire at speed with a single and you'll not be happy. I typically tow about 320 miles RT to my (local) lake, but once a year I tow 4000 miles from AZ to FL. Real happy to have the second set of tires on that long tow. Downsides are minimal; double the bearing maintenance and double the cost for tires but well worth the trade off.

Pretty broad divergence of opinion on this. Personally I like them, they're pretty versatile under varying conditions (within reason). Big plus? The fish seem to like them too!