Tiller

I am interested in getting the FG2 jacket and bibs and have some questions for anyone who owns them. -How warm are they? Are they ok for 60-70 degree temps? Worried about them being too warm. -On the bibs...does the internal gusset keep you being able to ‘relieve’ yourself without taking the shoulder straps off? Overall how do you like them? Thanks, Joe

My anti-reverse is only working intermittently. As I reel the handle and check it it works about 60% of the time as I go around and it's not in the same spot. I've taken the reel apart and I can't identify any broken components and the spring looks like it's in good condition. Any ideas on what components could be causing the issue? It's a pflueger supreme. It would be cheaper for me to buy a bunch of components then to send it in to get looked at. Thanks! Joe

What thread is that? Color and brand? And did you is color preserver?

The Longville area has exactly what you're looking for. Otherwise I would say Vermilion but that's a bigger lake although it's made up of many smaller bays that are manageable to fish. Joe

The Gambler shaky shad good minnow imitator that I've caught some nice smallmouth on. Joe

You can buy a 7mm shaft coupling off eBay as well for a couple bucks. I purchased a 7mm/8mm coupling and just used an 8mm bolt to connect to my pvc chuck.

I was able to catch a number of very nice fish swimming a hair jig I tied.

I would suggest a Rainshadow Revelation. Won't break the bank for your first build but also a great performing blank in my opinion. Joe

Does anyone know of a good source for painted jig heads for tying hair jigs? I'm looking for black and/or green pumpkin in 1/8-3/8oz range, preferably round head with a good 1/0 or 2/0 hook. I can find quite a few unpainted heads but would like to find a source for some painted heads. I know I can paint them myself but I'd prefer to find a source before exploring that option. Thanks! Joe

I fished a couple northern natural lakes this past weekend and found most of the smallmouth to be suspended off structure and chasing baitfish. I tried a number of things but only hooked one and then got a couple that swam to the bottom as I went over them in a dropshot. Anyone have any successful baits or techniques for targeting these fish? Joe

What's your favorite style of topwater for smallmouth? Poppers, walk-the-dog, prop baits, wake baits, etc.?

I'm going to order some 4.5" robo worms with plans to try them on a drop shot. What style hook and size do you suggest? Thanks Joe

Using the same contract manufacturer doesn't mean that the reels are the same or are of the same quality. Some companies may purchase and use similar or the same components or sub assemblies but others may not. Without understanding the specifications/requirements/design and the contract, saying that they're from the same plant means nothing as far as performance and quality. Many companies use the same contract manufacturers because they specialize in certain manufacturing technologies but the product they produce is not the same.

What do you prefer for a drop shot leader when connecting to a braid main line? I was thinking of trying 8lb Seaguar red label, will that work? Just looking to hear what works for you before I order some line. Joe

I bought 3 different butt caps to try on two new casting rods I'm building and now I can't decide! What do you think or have you had better luck with a particular material for butt caps? Rubberized cork, plastic, or EVA?