kickerfish1

Sounds like a good trip despite missing on double digit bass! When you get rested and settled in I would love to see a few photos if you have any?

Chatterbaits or bladed jigs are good choices. I know this doesn't fit the vibrating description but swimjigs would be another option.

If you are defining success as numbers of fish the most successful baits I have used would be a weightless plastic (either a Senko, Fluke, or Caffeine Shad) or a texas rigged soft plastic like a 7 inch ribbontail worm or craw/creature. Also keep in mind I have been fishing these for many more years than some others baits and presentations. Recently a drop shot has been killing it for me. If success is measured off of bigger fish it would probably be a jig or topwater frog.

Not sure how long it was. I learned when I was around 10. Glad I stuck with it.

You are welcome! Keep up the good work. Hoping to put these to work soon...

Neither will perform like your ZBones and GLX rods but the KLX will be closest in feel. The blank is far surperior to the E6X blank. Not sure if you are looking at other rods as well or what the price point is but for a bit more the 13 *** would be a great choice with a good warranty. Feel will be close the GLX. The Zodias rods seem to have pretty good reviews but I haven't handled or fished one yet. If it were me I would buy a used classic GLX series rod or buy a 13 *** during the next sale. Either would be close to $200

Nice haul Senkolover!

Very nice Joe H. That is one my favorite jig rods up to a 1/2 oz jig plus trailer. With that Met it is a perfect visual and performance compliment to the EMTF! Great photos!

Nice additions Matt! What are your early impressions of Megabass reels over the numerous JDM Shimano and Daiwa reels you have tried. Do you think when it is over you will settle on your favorite, Shimano, Daiwa, and Megabass reels to form an impressive three headed monster?

I hear ya. Sadly I fish some nasty stuff. At times I have snagged up on deep structure as many as 14 times in one day that resulted in break offs. Deep timber, brush piles, rock piles, and other misc junk can really take its toll. Really cant have enough good jigs. When Mike has a sale I usually do between 2-3 dozen jigs. They never disappoint.

Just want to say thanks to Mike for the fourth of July sale. Ordered some old favorites and new additions to try. Great quality jigs and the color selection plus the wire tied option make them perfect. Hopefully some of you were able to take advantage of the sale. Mike did a great job with these as usual and had them to me quick despite getting slammed with orders. If you haven't tried the living rubber jigs I would encourage to try them. Great for cold water and big fish bait. Thanks again for the order Mike!

Missle bait D-bomb.

Killer job!

Finally something worth smiling about outside of the Alphas SV! Don't get me wrong I love the Tatula but I just didn't need 12 other reels that are nearly identical with different colors and names.

,Think I may get one during the "off season". Probably a BFS type of rod if they have one. If not I will probably still add one just need to hear from Gary first as to what may suit be best!

Yea, nothing like "50 shades" of bluegill!

I would still buy them from Japan. Hard to beat the price they can be had at given the exchange rate.

Guessing that is a big flathead? Nice surprise catch! Any idea on weight or length?

Thank you sir! Sure they look good but they also have quality components, great attention to detail, and they are well balanced.

DirtyDeuceGoose - the hippy is my go to jig for a big bite in the spring or fall. I usually order them in 2 sizes, either 3\8 or 1/2 oz. Size depends on depth of water and also the trailer chosen. With that much living rubber there is a ton of wind resistance and action built in. Choosing a heavier head weight helps combat that. For trailers the 3\8 usually get full size beaver style baits to add bulk and weight plus castability. The 1\2 oz size I usually run a more aggressive trailer with more movement like a bigger Keitech crazy flapper, lobster, etc.

The Stella would be about $500. Since you are looking for a baitcaster or spinning reel why not get two reels for $500. Stradic CI4+ and a Metanium. Both should be around $500 and you don't have to decide either or. Purchase your Metanium from Japan and you are set!

Some Hippy jigs, original swims, and flip and swims!

Pictures?

Wow, great ending! Would appear you were angles sent to save him. Sounds like he will be able to make a full recovery. I am sure he is more than thankful and probably feels like he can never repay you. A good story to tell for years to come!

Wow nice post Senko lover! There is always the debate on how much of a factor color plays in success fishing. I know it may not always be a top variable but to me it does. The reason is due to the fact that our lakes have varying levels of water clarity. It may be as clear as 5 feet, as bad as 2 inches of visibility and during most of the heat of the summer there are bad algae blooms that last weeks to months. I have tried fishing natural colors like GP or Watermelon year round. They flat out don't work well when the water clarity if poor. Therefore I typically like to have a varying colors on hand of jigs, soft baits, etc... Black/Blue Plum, Black/Neon and Junebug for the worst clarity Okeechobee craw and Bamabug for the inbetween stuff Black, Brown, GP, and Watermelon for the clear stuff If I fished lakes that didn't vary as much I would probably shift my color choices one way or the other but sadly certain colors excel at certain times and thus the reason I like to have variety