Brian6428

Hey guys, let me start off by saying that I really don't know much about rod specification. I'm looking to get a new combo, but don't know quite what to get. Here's what I have now: 6'9" MHF *** Black with 15lb fluoro. I use this primarily for jigs and soft plastics. 7'0" MHF Bass Pro Pro Qualifier with 14lb mono. I use this for spooks, square bills, and lipless crank baits. 6'6" spinning combo. I hardly ever throw this because I prefer bait casting, but it's there for when I'm throwing something really light. The lures I throw most frequently are jigs, T-rigged soft plastics, spinnerbaits, jerk baits, crank baits (lipless and square bill, rarely deep), big shaky heads, and spooks. Are there any glaring holes in my rods? I don't really want to get a jerk bait-specific rod, as I've never thrown them before, I just plan on giving them a try this winter. Maybe a spinnerbait rod? Or should I make the pro qualifier my spinnerbait rod and get a better rod for treble hooks? Any advice is appreciated. If you're going to suggest specific rods, I'd like to keep it under $100, but I'd be just as happy with recommendations for length/action/power. Thanks!

Interesting. I guess I was mistaken. Is it like that for all (most) lakes or just LOZ in particular?

Yeah that can make it a little tougher. Just make sure that you're properly dressed, and maybe give fluorocarbon a try. I find fluorocarbon to be by far the most sensitive line when there's any kind of wind. Lastly, like Z Dunham said, try power fishing. Chatterbaits, square bills, spinnerbaits, and sometimes buzz baits. One day here I had a day that was so windy (easily 30mph gusts) that the only thing i could throw was a square bill, but they were aggressive and I caught a lot of fish.

You guys fishing from a boat or shore? For me the wind normally makes the fish bite better. As long as it isn't too windy to get the boat back on the trailer I will be on the lake.

No problem. The lake was turning over and the water was about 66 degrees, so it should get really good pretty soon. I would highly suggest going. Throwing spooks in the backs of coves at sunset is easily the most fun I've had fishing all year.

7-11mm of the Osage. Most consistent lures were a spook and a shaky head.

Went down to LOZ this past thursday and friday. Had a good time and caught quite a few fish, but no real size. We mainly caught 1-2 lbers, but I'm not complaining when we caught as many of those on spooks as we did. I linked to pics of the average spook fishes and the big fish of the trip. http://imgur.com/a/pA2ES

One pond boat I've seen around here had three people in it, the middle one sitting on a bucket. You could get a padded bucket and use it for a seat and storage when you have three. Other than that, I always thought the area under the seats was an under-utilized storage space. I bet you could get creative and build a box to attach to the seat frame that could increase storage from just setting things on the floor under the seat.

Nice boat! Personally, I have never gotten the "two best days in a boat owners life are the days he buys and sells the boat" quote. I get a big grin every time it see my boat in the garage, whenever I go to hitch up the trailer, whenever I fire up the outboard, etc. Everyday is the best day to own a bass boat!

For me it is hands down a jig-n-pig. If it is truly only one lure then it would be a 3/8oz black/blue.

I've always wondered, what are the real differences between co-anglers and boaters in FLW? Obviously in BASS the boater actually owns the boat, but in FLW it is just a loaner boat from FLW. What dictates which one they are?

Glenn has a few other videos on trailers that are worth a look, also. Trailers are one of the easiest things to overlook when it comes to boating, but it'll come back to bite you if they aren't properly maintained.

These other guys are right (at least the ones that replied to the topic). You're not gonna get much distance if you're under the rods recommended lure weight.

I'd have to vote for rods. Reels are nice, but I don't think they feel like anything special until I can see them in action. Theres nothing like picking up a nice rod and feeling how light and perfectly balanced it is.

I think one of the most interesting arguments brought up in the article is that they are taking innovation away from the sport.

I would have told you bass pro shops, but I'm not so sure anymore. All of their stuff seems to be marked up from most online retailers, and they have some stuff they do that bugs me. Like those guys that are always trying to get people to enter in the vacation sweepstakes, or whatever. Basically, I'm ready to move my business elsewhere, but don't know where yet.

So the real question....what weight fly rod are you gonna be throwing that A-rig on?

Wow, nice tip. Thanks.

2 door or 4 door? 3.8L or 3.6L Pentastar? (pre-2012 was 3.8, 2012 models and newer have the 3.6 pentastar) If it is a 4 door with pentastar it would probably tow fine. Just make sure whatever you are towing is within the safe tow weight for the jeep. I've never checked on mine cause I don't tow with it. You can pick up a 2" receiver and wiring kit from quadratic for $70. Ultimately, I wouldn't tow with a 2 door jeep. The wheelbase is just too short. If it's a 4 door and the boat is within the safe weight to tow, go for it. I love my jeep. It is a '13 2dr sport, Black with soft top, manual trans, manual locks and windows. That said, I'd rather trade it in for a truck than tow with the jeep.

Glad to hear most of you guys caught a few trash fish, I saw the results over on *** and it looks like not many bass were caught. I hate to say it, but I'd be a lot more inclined to go if it weren't on Truman. I was busy and couldn't make it this year, anyways, but I feel like turnout would have to be better on LOZ than Truman.

Search "Bends Mender Deflator Needle" on TW.

What's your line of work, Bassun? Just curious. Great discussion, by the way.

A jig has been all they want lately for me. I'm in Lees Summit, too, and things have been tough everywhere. Everywhere I've been, at least. Those kansas guys seem to be catching good smallies.

That is a horrible feeling when you think you've got a hog and it turns out to be another species. Happened twice to me with drum, and twice with catfish this year. Both catfish I was sure were 5+ lb bass, and then I saw the whiskers...

Well, Blue does fish a lot, and is a much better fisherman than your average joe, so his odds are better than most. Personally, I've never caught a double. That would mean I would have to stop throwing my jig!