Comfortably Numb

You have discovered to power of the suspending/slow rise jerkbait. Gets even better as the water gets cooler.

I much more prefer the Spro Rat 40. My go to top water this year.

I always liked the Husky Jerk and did well with it, until I discovered the LC Pointer. Never tried the Shadow rap yet.

Pop Max are great topwater baits. I consider it a walking style popper. I Cast and let sit a couple seconds. Then very slight subtle pops in case something it just looking at it. Then slightly harder pops and then I walk it back to the boat. I consider a Rebel Pop R or Rapala Skitter Pop to be more conventional poppers.

Tail grabbers are bluegill. Even 6" Bass dont tap it and just inhale it. This is what I use. 1/16-1/8 weedless ball jig with #2 or #1 hook that a guy makes for me. Half an unsalted soft 5" stick. Drop of glue helps them last. I have tried a true "NED" rig (trd and shroom head). Although mine dont stand up they are just as effective. We affectionately call it the turd rig

I would think best application is to make a master for a soft plastic mold.

Plenty of custom bait makers can make you Rage KO's in that color. We call it Mustard Seed

As said start with flouro. Use a 4/0 screw lock hook. Sounds like you may be trying to force the bait to do something it is not designed to do. Couple twitches and it will dart erratically. Pause and let it sink slowly like a dieing bait fish.

That's cause you use flouto Spinning reals ans flouro dont play nice together.

The Zoom Z craw is getting alot of attention lately. Similar to a Rage

put vasoline on the screw threads

Gantarel Jr sank way to slow for me.

It's called a ball head jig. That one looks to be pretty big at about 1/4 oz. 1/8 may be better in more shallow water. You may be able to polish up that blade with toothpaste and a rag.

I use 10-15# braid to three foot Flouro leader of your choice per water clarity. Sensitivity is sooo much better than straight flouro and handle well on the spinning reel. No line twist with braid either. I never use less than 3/8 weight in any depth and just tie the cheap weights on. (no rocks here).

Good cranks. Lil #5's are perch, sunfish, crappie, and bass killers

Those are Megabass Pop-x or Pop-max KO's. Great for walking the dog and not just straight popping. PM me if you cant find them.

It's like when someone sees a crazy bait or color and says "bet they havn't seen that one before". I am quite the pessimist when it comes to fishin and old beliefs. I dont think bass remember about a certain lure or being caught before. Dont confuse a Bass' memory with it's born with instincts I dont think color is that important, as long as they can see it in water clarity/depth/conditions you are fishin. I do believe if you "think" a color is good you fish with more confidence. Bass do not hold on to salted or scented baits longer. Best to throw spinnerbaits in the wind is ridiculous

I use 15# braid with a 12# three foot flouro leader. Quamtum Tour KVD medium lite crankin rod. Awesome combo and I can feel every little tick, weed, leaf and wobble

Not alot of meat putting a craw with a hook slot on a jig as a trailer too.

You can not put them in a plastic container. Plastic bag only. I won a dink tourney today (<15" bass only) with a 1/8 oz Ned head and a 3" Beaver style bait (regular plastic)

I always thought the point of the hook was supposed to rest in the slot. I found it wont stay there long as the bait is used/worn. Hook slots on fluke and swimbaits are fine but they go on the belly side.

I use two short KVD #6. Bait is so small they usually get it good and hit hard when burned fast.

Heard these are good. Do you prefer the bigger or smaller one as a jig trailer and Texas rigged. ty

Does anyone like hook slots in craw or beaver type baits? I prefer the beefier without and skin hook.