primetime

I have really gotten into finesse fishing this past year and still not 100% confident in my drop shot fishing, and I usually use braid to a swivel hook with a fluoro leader. I like the swivel hooks because I trust my knots better and I tend to shake the bait too much without realizing it, so it helps avoid line twist. Does anyone think it is better to avoid braid due to the visibility, and is it better to skip the swivel hooks? Any input on set ups appreciated. I like a braid or mono main line, if I use any leader I tie a long one to start the day and just make sure it never goes into the reel. Can you just go straight mono and skip a leader? Curious to hear what other's do....I don't trust too many knots with Fluorocarbon.

I found for me personally being shorter, that I prefer a spinning rod for fishing jerkbaits and I use a Medium action fast 6' Spinning rod from Bass Pro... My casting set up is a Daiwa 6' 3" Medium heavy Fast action rod which is perfect for me since I don't smack the water with the tip...I would use a longer rod if I was fishing from the shore, but on a boat the shorter rod gives me more control...I like a fast tip for almost everything except cranking.

For a floating Jerkbait or ripbait....Bomber Long A, Bagleys Bang O lure, and original Rapala Floater....Also the Smithwick Rattlin rogue in floating is killer on some days and I would consider that a must have lure since it is loud and has a unique action. For suspending....Timmy Horton Pro Long A and Smithwick Rogues is what I have the most confidence in and pound for pound I like them over most shallow suspenders...The Pointer and XRAP are good as well when I want to work the bait more, but I tend to find that size and color matter the most when fishing really slow....I am not a huge fan of suspenders in the cold, but I will use them if that is the best tool and sometimes it is...

I only buy snaps and terminal tackle from premium brands since they are all relatively inexpensive and the most important link to landing fish.. I buy what is on sale and like the Norman Speed clips, Spro clips, anything that says Owner, Mustad elite etc...Just make sure you buy the right size and lb test rating for the application. I would not skimp on buying snaps and swivels since I have seen guys in saltwater lose nice fish due to a cheap snap or swivel not holding up.... I look for clearance on the Spro snaps personally as they are my favorite just because I have never heard anyone say a bad word about them. With that said, I try to never use them, I like tying the loop knot but I know it is personal preference....I only use a snap if I want to get weight on the front of a lure...

Many lakes and ponds have them on long Island...I know as a Kid Randall Pond next to the DEC office in Ridge had them as we used to catch them as young kids...You would never know they were in the pond but we used to use a sein net and get them. I also have seen them on the Peconic river and that river in Smithtown where they stock all the trout...I can't think of the name..Check out the Fish and wildlife page or DEC page and they will have lists..I also remember finding them under rocks at Wildwood and a few ponds in the Panamoka area...Maybe the weather over the past decade killed them off? Crawfish are hard to see during the day and usually you have to chum them to get them to show themselves and even then you need a trap. If you just hop in a boat and go fishing you will rarely see one unless sticking out of a fishes throat. The next time you head to any lake, take off your shoes and walk around the ramp, flip over rocks but they are fast, so lift them slowly...At night you can find them easier with a light as they seem to congregate in areas. I have a pond behind my place that I have fished almost daily for 5 years while walking my dog...I never knew it had any crawfish until I found one walking in the drainage ditch one day...I would have bet anyone money that they did not exist in this little pond because I had flipped over the few logs available, but they are in almost every body of water, and love streams.....

For me I now buy soft baits based on color and size and I consider all the major brands as being plenty good. I doubt I could just fish with one since I love a few baits and colors From Culprit, Gambler, Z-man plastics are a different breed, Zoom, Stike King, GYB, Netbait, and then some baits from Larew, Lunker City, Stanley Ribbits, Lake Fork....I have too many...

The Mann's Jelly worm is just perfect the way it is today....Under the radar.

I grew up throwing the Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper for Striped Bass from the Surf and it is a great lure. I have only used it a few times in the lakes here in Florida but at 7" it is a large topwater lure and strikes are not as common compared to your standard 100mm size pencil. Academy has the Pistol topwater pencil popper which is a Gunfish clone or copy, same with the new Boyd Ducket lures I think made by Viscious. I just recently purchased a Lucky Craft Gunfish in a new size 117MM for $8.99 at Bass Pro and usually the Gun Fish sells for $15 and up and comes in a bunch of sizes & colors. I have always used the 135mm and love it on windy days, and they make some killer colors. I have not used the new one I purchased but they offer it in I think 5 colors and I tested it in the pond where I live and it looked awesome. I also throw the Tsunami Talking pencil which is Similar to the Cordell, only they make a 4" and 5" with really good hooks and they cast a mile and the action is really good. I have a few of the Academy H20 Pistol Minnows and they are a steal for $3.99, plus with $25 and free shipping they have good looking house brand lures. I actually prefer the saltwater Pistol Minnow as it comes with a dressed treble, and strong hooks since I usually throw them on heavy line.... Hope that helps...

The Creme Midget crawler was my bait of choice as a kid...I never got into wacky rigging until maybe last year, although I always like the senko. I think a wacky rig vs. Texas rig makes it 2 different baits. With that said, I know the MJ rig was gaining steam, and I like to fish moving baits, so I have started rigging senko's the same way as the Creme midget crawler and it has become very popular for me. It is almost like fishing a soft spy bait....

I didn't know they were not making them anymore. I know they are the same company as I used to order the Mogambo Grubs direct from their site and they always had very good sales on Pork rinds and other products. I still have a few dozen bottles of Pork Rinds that I ordered a few years ago...Never use them anymore, but when I was younger, that was the only thing anyone used on the "Jig and Pig" and they sure worked well. I would think that a pork trailer may actually work better these days in pressured lakes and areas when everyone is using a plastic chunk etc...I am going to make it a point to bring a few jars with me the next few trips....I know you are always referencing Pork trailers....If they worked great in the 80's, I would imagine they do the same today.

I think I once saw an old bass pro Catalog from the 80's sell for like $50 on Ebay....I then went a dug up a few of mine I had from the late 80's and early 90's and I must have been into circling every item I wanted...which was 90% of the fishing stuff. I guess Collectors will pay for anything rare...that is an awesome looking catalog.

I just watched an episode of Joe Bucher Outdoors, and he was fishing a wacky rigged Pork Stick bait and it seemed like a good idea to me. However, I have never heard of anyone else using them, and curious if anyone has tried them? I know Pork is almost impossible to get off a hook, holds the salt well, and has a unique action. I like the idea, but would love to hear any opinions. Thanks.

Has anyone used the Pork baits that Kalins and Uncle Josh are marketing? I saw a show with Joe Bucher using a wacky rigged senko style bait and it seemed like a great concept. I remember that Pork was impossible to get off a hook, so I would think the new Pork baits may be effective for all presentations that last forever and never lose the flavor.

I love a bait that stands upright on the bottom..It gets me excited and I like to use em.....Not sure the bass agree most of the time however...I have done the tub experiments myself, and I think a bait that stands upright may not always look the most natural, a dying crawfish or one hiding is not going to posture up...Just a thought.

Thanks for all the replies. I like the idea a few mentioned about using a bobber stop or something to protect the knot since the C-rig requires 3 knots. I think I will try some glass beads and see how they work but won't go crazy, maybe just get one pack. I use Braid Main Line in most lakes since Abrasions are not usually a huge issue most of the time except for the leader in some cases. I just find a Carolina Rig comes through grass much better than I used to think, and even if you are having a hard time feeling bottom with lighter weights, you can typically get away with a no feel type rig by watching the line which is why I like Floating Braid as a Mainline. I actually purchased extra spools for my favorite casting reel, and I will just pull it out and put in a spool of Mono or Fluoro so I don't have to carry too many reels, I have 3 spools for my favorite Casting Reel on my favorite Medium heavy which is great for Kayak fishing so I only need 1 rod, and can then fit 2 spinning set ups which I feel I need. I can get away with one casting rod 7' long most of the time.

It's only a Rich man's sport if you choose to buy only the most expensive gear. I am pretty happy with all my gear and I rarely buy the latests and greatest, but I will buy the "Best" reels from a few years ago that are on clearance using this rational... If a reel retailed for $300 in 2012, then I would expect that reel to last 10-15 years. So if I buy it now for $100, then it should still last just as long. I still use the same Bass Pro Extreme Fishing Rods I purchased in the 90's and they work just fine. Other than buying a Fishing Licence, you only essentially need one rod, one reel, some line, a pack of hooks, pack of weights, and a pack of worms...And you could possibly win some tournaments if you end up finding the fish. Magazines have to make money from advertising as well as subscriptions. High End tackle seems to get the most press as far as advertisements, so I can see how one would make that conclusion when reading a buyers guide. Just buy what makes you happy. To each person that will be something different. I would argue that you can buy more high quality lures and equipment for fishing today than ever before. Companies like Strike King, Pradco etc. have stepped up with really nice lures for a very fair price. House brand lures have also become much better in the last few years. I love how much better fishing line has become and the prices are still good for the most part.

Tackle Tour just did a write up on a few Strike Pro Lures which is a company that does not get much press since they operate as mainly an OEM. I know they have done lures for Yo-zuri, R2Sea, Bass Pro, and many other's....Tackle Tour states they make many High End Brands both overseas and in America. Obviously like most OEM's, they are going to sell their own lures which may or may not be identical, but in different colors, different hooks etc. and not advertise. Recently a lure they make has become popular for inshore Fisherman and when I looked at it today I realized it was identical to several Bass lures. I just went to the Strike Pro site since the owner of a local Tackle shop was showing me the Strike Pro Master Catalog and they own over 500 current designs on the market today, and have patents for over 4k lures or something crazy. I have never fished a Strike Pro lure, but I am now curious. Obviously this does not make any brand any less valuable or quality since they would build to spec based on a certain Brand's request. I just didn't realize how big they were, but I noticed today that Lucky Craft now is selling a gunfish 117 for $9 in Bass Pro, 6.99 cranks, and All Ima lures are $10 as well. I had to use a gift card so I was looking on the back of certain packages and I did notice many Japanese brands are made in different Countries. We just had a new Bass Pro Open in this area and I had time to look around and it seems that lure prices are coming down which is great because I love a few of the Ima lures and other's. I have been seeking a Certain Popper that Owner used to make as well as a walking bait, and I think I found it in different colors, just not sure. Sorry for the ramble, but here is a link. Cool product line, odd colors for sure, I am curious to find out if prices are going down because maybe one company is making production more streamlined? My buddy mentioned to me that Strike Pro has been using VMC hooks for years, and I am wondering if maybe many companies have gone to VMC trebles since they do make a good hook at a great price? Either way, I picked up a Gunfish 117mm in a clear Gill Color that moves as good as all the other's I have, and if Bass Pro is selling them for $8.99, Tackle warehouse will be about 20% less or more....I think 117mm is a new size but I like the price and lure... Here is the opening Statement from the Strike Pro Website & a link to a tackle tour lure review. I guess i have been asleep with new tackle the last year as I have been trying to save money and not walk into fishing stores or order anything unless I really need it, or have a gift card. Strike Pro Classic Shad Crankbaits - TackleTour.com http://www.tackletour.com/reviewstrikepro Dec 29, 2015 - About Strike Pro: When it comes to tournament grade lures many of you might not know the name Strike Pro, but that's all about to change, ... Strike Pro Fishing Lures & Baits Strike Pro has been in the fishing industry for over 30 years and has established a proud reputation all over the world. With over 30 years of experience combined with technique exchanged from Japan, Strike Pro has become the benchmark for lure quality. With over 500 models and 4,000 different color patterns, Strike Pro has the right combination for you. Reasonable price and prompt delivery can satisfy your needs as well. Strike Pro produces a huge range of quality baits. They are the secret weapons in your tackle box. You deserve to have great baits that can catch fish and have fun. READ MORE

i don't think I ever caught a bass growing up fishing for Trout or salmon on eggs now that I think about it...panfish yes, not sure about Crappie, but I remember in ponds catching bluegills for sure....I am sure a bass would grab one as I have caught bass on tiny gulp maggots when fishing for shiners or bluegill. Usually small Bass...The big bass will grab the trout on way in..Tough to land with those thin hooks though...

I tend to use a C-rig on almost every trip since I do not have a ton of confidence in my cranking skills in deep water, and I actually find the C-rig to be extremely effective on all types of bottoms especially with the floating baits on the market and super sensitive line and leader available. I have always used cheap plastic beads in stained water for sound, and when using a creature or crawfish bait, but I have a gift certificate for Bass Pro and I figure I should use it on necessary terminal tackle and other items that are essential. I notice they carry a ton of items for C-rigs that I never use. I have brass weights but never really use them as I like the feel of Tungsten. Do people use Brass because it does not frey the line or break the glass beads? Also, do the glass beads make a difference? Curious to find out what other people use. I have heard that Tungsten and glass is an issue if not done right? I was also curious if most use Mono or Fluoro? I used to go with mono in larger diameter to keeps bait above weeds and to get that flutter above the bottom, but I have started to really like Fluorocarbon since it handles abrasions better and I just have more confidence that it is better when fish are finicky. I know this rig is not the most popular these days and considered boring, and most people I know will use a Mojo style rig in grass or split shot rig but to me they are all similar but I actually enjoy fishing a True Carolina Rig since you can use it anywhere and fish are not seeing it as often imo. Any help is appreciated. I don't want to buy components that are a waste of money or will cause a break off when leas expecting it. Thanks.

Zoom Critter Craw...smaller size but both are good in cold water as they have limited action...As mentioned, any presentation can work or worm etc. but usually slow is key. I like to downsize usually, but a critter craw is a good start imo. Also grab some small 3" sassy shads on darter heads for suspended fish.....inexpensive and do the job.

agree on slider heads, they give a nice glide while the tail flickers...You can't really fish it wrong, like most GYB baits, they catch fish and the Kut Tail is a great worm. Experiment and have fun...I split shot rig alot of finesse style baits & slowly reel since that tail is good for this time of year, but GYB worms all seem to have awesome action when the fall naturally....

I have tried almost every color and they all seem to do the job, although I have never used the Spro Neon color (Would love to know if it works because I am on the fence & wonder about glow baits) but I find I catch the most fish on a green pumpkin color. Black works of course but I usually throw the brown instead, and I like that Tropical White that Spro Makes since it is easy for me to see as it has bright spots on top so I know when to swing when it is way out since they cast a mile. Spro makes a color called Toad that is translucent and looks kind of like a panfish, and that frog has been very productive for me on certain days, but at the end of the day, I think it comes down to presentation, pauses, and size more than color since I also like the Scum Frog Blue color they have but in Florida anything black and blue gives you confidence and will work most days. Pick whatever you think looks best and I am sure it will work. All Booyah frogs for example are white bottom for most part and I like to have a color I can see on top so I set when it vanishes, many times fish will stun it first so I don't count or wait for rod to load, I watch frogs like they are a float, and when gone I swing. Most guys will say white and black, and then a shad color, but I find I use about 6 colors-Firetiger patterns,Blacks, Browns,white, black and yellow, and a green/brown/white deal...Freds frog I think...

The Doug Hannon Giant Snake Lures that I believe are still being pushed on his old website. I am quite sure Doug Hannon fished with Live Shiners most of the time and was more of a "study" guy, but I doubt he ever used one of those things. I know he used to preach the long Minnow shape being the most enticing to large bass, mainly the Rapala F-18, but Those things looked like toys. Also the Guido Hebdon Wood Frog bait that had the diving lip, jointed body, two feet that were like that Swamp Donkey with metal blades attached....We have a few shops around here that end up with the oldest tackle after they buy out mom and pop shops, and some company had a hard plastic frog that had a string with an o ring for a line tie, and as you would cast it, the legs would start to kick and it was motorized...I actually purchased one just to see if it would catch fish in a local pond where they will hit anything, and as it sputtered and did circles, a small gator which I never saw coming crushed it and that was the end of that toy..I think it was Renosky lure, they have had alot of gimmicks over the years, until the chatterbait changed their lives...

Live Wild shiner...It shows me how many bass have been ignoring by presentations all day when I decide to catch one and free line it...next time you are fishing a Pond or Lake and can't get bit on a plastic worm which is probably the confidence bait for me...Jig/Texas Rig try and catch a small baitfish or shiner and live line it....I have had days when I was shut out from the bank, chum up a few shiners, throw em on a worm hook, braid, and get bit every time it hits the water...If only artificials worked as well as a big wild Shiner... #1 Confidence bait in shallow water which is what I mostly fish is a texas rigged worm or soft craw of some type. I would say a black and blue jig with green pumpkin trailer is hard to beat.....

I have always wondered how that word work after the initial drop? If the pull point is reversed then the craw is moving in reverse, but I think I am over thinking how fish react to soft baits in the slop...I doubt they would notice but I like to work baits back to the boat even when punching at times, or shake it, bang it on top of canopy etc.. I rig the Ika backwards so who knows...I guess if you can rig the bait and get more fish from it then it is cool, but I don't see why it wouldn't or would work better I guess. I just rig the normal way and kind of stuck in my ways with punching since it has taken me so long to just get proficient....