Big Swimbait

In the early 90's on Lake Fork, this was the go-to jig trailer. It accounted for a few DD's for me as well. Great cold water trailer!

I've caught a lot of fish on fluro, braid and co-poly. I've caught 5X that amount on 15# Big Game.

I've got them on several of my big swimbaits where leverage is a real problem. They have worked very well so far but I do prefer my big baits with rotating hook hangers.

I have 2 WR1's and 1 WR2 That I still use a LOT. My oldest WR1 had the cork finally give up the ghost so I put a 9" Winn Grip on her and still going strong. Like a lot of other rods, if you use them a long time, you develop a certain feel. I have newer, lighter and more expensive rods but for the techniques these rods are good for, I use them with confidence.

For you big bait guys, Midway USA has the Daiwa Ryoga baitcaster $225.00 off. https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1022113091

These baits are known for the debris problem with the prop. You must get in the habit of checking the prop regularly. As an insurance to avoid line twist, I use a high quality swivel/split ring combo. I change hooks on every bait except 6th Sense.

Great hooks from Moaner!

Spilt shot/Mojo rig

Very good bait. As said my best results have been keeping it on the bottom. But I have also had luck when they were suspended and just swimming it thru. They also work great along grass lines/edges. You can get them in the US at The Hook Up Tackle. https://thehookuptackle.com/products/stealth-swimmer

El Diablo for the win!

Yep. But it is still effective. I prefer bluegill type colors. Looks like a bottom feeder.

Shakey Head

I will really be upset when I run out of the Dangleberry Rig hooks. They are not made any more to my knowledge but the way the weight slides back and forth when you work the Fluke is magic.

Since I am braid to leader on everything, the cost of Tatsu doesn't hurt so bad when you can spool 10 reels. The braid I am using is 3-4 years old anyway so no real costs there.

When the VMC Crossover Ring came out, I gave them a shot. I really liked the idea that I could rig wacky or Neko with the same ring. I honestly could be using the first one I tied on - they are that durable for me.

Braid is not slipping. Two revolutions of electrical tape over the knot. The spool is turning when I pull against the drag. When fishing for these Lake Fork big girls with big baits you have to grind them in. You let them turn their head, they more often than not will throw the bait.

This past weekend I used a new Lexa 300 for the first time at Lake Fork. I was throwing a big topwater and 50# braid. When I use heavy braid I normally lock down the drag. But this reel would just release line like no drag at all with the reel engaged. It retrieved the 3 oz bait just fine without issue, just no drag. I fully backed it off and then slowly added a little at a time and it was the same until it was locked down. Any ideas from the reel gurus would be greatly appreciated.

My 11.5 from Lake Fork was caught on a 1st Gen Berkley Lightning rod and an old Abu 4600.

Not good. I really like their Spider Parts.

I have one I've thrown about 40-50 times. Lots of followers but no takers. But like any other big bait, it will show you where they are, even if they don't bite. Mark it and come back later with a different bait.

Coolbaits swimbait head. They also make a great underspin.

At one time they made a bladed jig that was money. I wish they would bring back the Rock n Runner!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDxGy3Nld2g

I am 100% braid to leader so a spool of Tatsu lasts a very long time, making the up-front cost not so bad.