Felix77

For spinnerbaits I would use at least a 6'6" MH Spinning rod. 7' MH preferably. I am also an Abu guy. I prefer a baitcaster though.

Teal ... thanks a ton. A lot of information to digest. Two of my worst tournaments last year involved deep water tactics. And those questions are going to be very helpful in defining a tactic which will work. I am dedicating this year to the drop shot as my NEW lure to master this year. Sounds like I can certainly use that in those tournaments.

I will be there on Saturday!

Guys, I generally struggle with deep water and was curious about tactics you use in water over 20 feet deep? So far the only thing I catch deep water fish on are shakey head jigs believe it or not. Would you ever throw a buzzbait over deep water like you would a spook? (topwater) What about shallow running crankbaits to get a subsurface strike? Always wondered about this one? (subsurface)

Welcome. You will definitely learn here. Thanks for your service!

Size O-Ring: 3/8OD 1/4ID We discuss it in more detail on this thread http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/112106-wacky-rig-how-to-keep-the-worm-from-slipping-off-the-hook/

My 3 go-to colors regardless where I fish. Sexy Shad, DB Craw, Chartreuse Black Back. ok maybe 4 ... I would add the Sexy Ghost Minnow to the mix. Clear - Sexy Ghost, Sexy Shad Stained - Sexy Shad, Chartreuse Black Back Muddy - Chartreuse Black Back DB Cray in Clear/Stained if the "Craw bite" is on.

I love the Neko rig. Great co-angler presentation IMO. The Neko rig is certainly a way to make a lure stand up but IMO you need to work it a little more than a shakey head to keep the lure up in that stance. Keeping tension on the line is key.

The night before a tournament I soak my lines in this stuff. That includes the braided line. It makes more of a difference on Fluoro and Mono though.

If you plan to use it as an all purpose rod I would go with an all purpose line. Something in the range of 10-15 lb test. If I were to pick one it would be 15. Will fish most 1/4 - 1/2oz baits easily. Not too big. Not too small. As for the line. Seaguar Invizx.

You can find out yourself by putting it into the cart and entering in the discount code. You have a chance to cancel the order prior to processing it. It will tell you then if the discount will apply or not.

Neither ... I like regular Power Pro.

I have always been a brand loyal kind of guy. More because if something works for me then why change it. My first real experience fishing for bass seriously was on a chartered tour with an FLW pro. He used Abu Garcia stuff and Power Pro braid. I started my set with Abu's because of that and have not looked back. When money permits I experiment with lures, lines, hooks etc. but with the more expensive stuff I have "stuck" to Abu. It works for me.

Positive reviews mostly.

Just starting to recycle soft plastics in a mold. Is it ok to use the home microwave to melt the plastic or do i need to devote a microwave to luremaking. Wasn't sure about the fumes. Thanks for the help.

I caught my PB on a Shakey Head. I have tried most of them on the market. The Gama Alien, Pumpkin ED jig, traditional ball shakey (Strike King) etc. I spent most of last season researching and experimenting with it. Here's my feedback. Alot of worms you mentioned don't float unless they have a float chamber or made of ElazTech. I was just as surprised as you were when I dipped my zoom trick and finesse worms, my roboworms, and several other items and they didn't float. But this is the LEAST important aspect of these lures. The least important because I never just plain deadstick a shakey. I drag it slowly, lightly hop it, shake it (as the name implies) which causes the tail to move in an enticing fashion. The right shakey head will cause the hook to move up and down with each shake. That action causes whatever lure you have to get that action you need to catch them. I burned a lot of hours fishing shaky heads from shore just to see the action I am imparting which caused the tails to stick up best. Light hops and shaking the slack seemed to work best. If you truly want one which floats then go elaztech or go custom lures which can make you unsalted finesse worms that are guaranteed to float. Hope this helps. Good luck.

x2 - I use PowerPro with a quality leader. My leader of choice is Seaguar Invizx 6 or 8 lb test.

x2. Prefer regular to super slick.

It was a legend doing what he does best. I enjoyed watching the spanking. The young guns never had a chance!

It was the Molix Lover. In the lessons show last week he talked about it.

I am discovering more and more scent mixes on the market. Craw and Garlic for example. This could be more catching of the fishermen than the fish again. I smile when scent topics come around because we smell it as if we know fish would like it. Like a chef smelling/tasting food they are preparing. I say when all else fails experiment.

I'm with you. It's what I did last year but fishing with these guys (my league) and watching none of them do it made begin second guessing my methods.

I am trying out a 6' Medium Abu Garcia rod for spooks and poppers this year. The 7' was too long. I could get away with 6'6" I got it at WalMart for less than $50 so it's worth a shot.

Caught my PB at Bomoseen last year. 5.89lb Smallie. It's known for lunkers.

I learned this lesson the hard way last year (my 1st year tournament fishing). I was on a lake which had a ton of keepers but nothing to call home about. I caught a limit fast and then culled at least a dozen more times that day. Each time I was dealing with ounces of difference. Sometimes as little as 1oz. I felt like I wasted a ton of time weighing them just to bump up an ounce here and there if at all. My thought was that those little ounces would add up somehow. My boater however caught his limit very fast and also kept catching fish. The difference was that he eyed the fish and threw them back asap and kept fishing. "Ounces ain't gonna cut it! I'm looking for that kicker fish" was his exact words. I guess I will learn with experience.