mjseverson24

I have not seen a lot of innovation in spinnerbaits lately that i think is a game changer, I think the true innovation comes from the fisherman who thinks outside the box to use them in unconventional manners. They are so versatile and are only limited by our imagination. Mitch

Quantum Smoke, and Energy are good reels, I also like the daiwa t3-b in this range along with the tatula and type r are pretty sweet as well. This price range is way too competitive to pick just one the lews offerings are great, and the new curado looks like a stud. the new *** reels look interesting too... Mitch

I think of the term water column in much the same way the OP described it, I have not found that I am focusing on this term as much in bass fishing, but in open water trolling for walleyes with planer boards/spinners or crankbaits, it is very important to have you lures cover the entire water column untill you find the active fish then adjust accordingly. I really don't think about it too much in bass fishing though... Mitch

I like to fish both, clear lakes with less vegetation shallow and more of a hard bottom I like to key on structure, while more fertile lakes with plenty of grass I like to key on cover, but I also like to chose cover that has deep water access, as I believe the biggest fish like the security of the deep water escape. Mitch

I have done both, but the line feels much more natural, and the difference is not very noticeable in performance. Mitch

I think they will work pretty well, I plan on getting a few of them for some clear water lakes I fish, the jerkbait, and the square bill should produce nicely. I think it just another bait the fish have not seen, so early on they may be very good. lol but maybe not... Mitch

Nice they are awesome, not sure why more bass anglers don't use them. for structure fishing there is nothing better than the spotlock and auto pilot. I haven't tried the link feature as I use lowrance electronics, but it looks sweet. nice buy... Mitch

if you are a recreational angler i believe it is a convenience thing. If you fish tournaments or want to maximize your productivity on the water, having dedicated set ups for certain techniques is almost a must. emphasis on the almost, experience and knowledge will trump equipment every day of the week. Mitch

Quantum tour MG, with a shimano cumara. or the same reel with falcon cara t7 micro... not the most expensive combo, but its very nice and light, looks like a joy to fish with... Mitch

I would have no reservations about either rods, The mojo will be a little heavier rod, with a better warranty, plenty sensitive, the duckett will be a lighter better balanced rod, probably more sensitive, but only backed with a 1 year warranty. personally I would go with the mojo, i like all of the ones I have. Mitch

I use two different kinds of swim jigs, I like the strike king tour grade, and I do my own custom jigs as well. I like the 1/2 oz, but early in the year the 1/4 is also a good bet... Mitch

as long as the lakes are free of ice for opener (mid may) it will be a better start than last year. Mitch

I dont fish C-rigs very often, But I do have a dedicated setup, Mine is a 7'6" MH/F Gander Mtn GSX tournament rod. It works pretty well, but it is not optimal, I would rather have a little slower tip to help keep the fish pegged. I would recommend a rod at least 7'6" as you most often do either a sweep set, or a reel set which these longer rods are perfect for. Mitch

looks good, thanks for posting. Mitch

I like the shimano Crucial for that price range especially for bottom contact, the IM 10 graphite is very sensitive, and is pretty balanced especially with a reel like the tatula type r. other good options are the duckett micro magic, the falcon bucoo micro rod is very light and sensitive as well. Mitch

is there a shelf life? Yes. How long? not sure, but I typically don't store floro for more than three seasons, just in case. If i didn't fish tournaments I would use it longer, but I would hate to loose a fish due to old line. Mitch

I use 6 different hollow body frogs, I use the pad crashers and snag proof Guntersville, and bleeding frog, spro bronzeye popper and regular, and lastly the KVD frogs. My favorite are the KVD then the spro 65's but I typically only use them in tournaments, as I go through too many of them otherwise. I use the pad crashers and the snag proofs for prefishing and fun fishing as they are cheeper to replace, but they do work well also. Mitch

we had already bought our gifts for each-other a few weeks ago, I got a new rod and reel combo, and she got a purse. On our way to dinner last night she says why don't we stop and go to Cabelas for a while... I couldn't have agreed more. (She is definitely a keeper)... Mitch

Honestly I probably fish some of the same tournament waters as you do, I do punch with 3/4- 1 1/2 oz weights every now and then, and it is very successful at times, My set up is a Abu Vendetta 7'6" H/F paired with a Lews superduty. this setup is not super sensitive, but it is well balanced, and has plenty of power. Sensitivity is not too much of an issue with punching as you have a very large weight at the end which will make a bite very easily detectable without a super sensitive rod. Personally I wouldn't spend a ton on a punch rod, I would save some of that money and upgrade the jig and t-rig rods down the line. The *** 7'3 H/F would work pretty well for MN punching... Mitch

of your options I would also get the tournament pro, it definitely has a faster spool, which will help cast the lighter lures, If you go with that one I would suggest either hawgtech bearings or bocas to further increase the spool speed. An option outside of your original question, but that would work better than either of them (IMO) is the Daiwa T3-ballistic, I would get the 8:1 gearing and upgrade the bearings, this is the reel I use for my jigs under 1/4 oz, and it does that job flawlessly. it is also right now $50.00 less than both the reels you are looking to purchase, although I am sure there are some good deals to be found on the lews as well. Mitch

two options here 1) catch more fish-----> spinnerabit (not everywhere but most places) 2) catch less fish but the size is better-----------> jig personally I would go the spinnerbait rout because it seems you are relatively new to bass fishing and just learning how to catch fish and gain confidence will help you in the future when you learn the more involved techniques like jigs and t-rigs... Mitch

I would remove the shields first then soak in solvent then try the spin test again. Mitch

I wouldnt say I am a hoarder, I dont buy equipment because I like the stuff I buy it because I believe it will help me catch more and bigger fish. that being said I probably have enough gear to last about 5 years without ever going to a sporting goods store. Mitch

i bought a few for this year to try out in dirty water. Mitch

I don't drop fish very often, every now and then in tournaments i do to small bass and pike because of the time component, but most often I do a stomach cradle release. I never drop a bass over 2 lbs... Mitch