Big Swimbait

So is Tatsu!

The 6" Bull Shad accounted for my biggest fish so far this year. No DD's yet but lots of 8's and a couple of 9's - thank you Lake Fork. I wish I had this bait back in the early 90's when a 15 wouldn't crack the top 50 on Fork. But for numbers by far, has been 3/4 of a Maxscent General GP/Red on a Nichols JT Magnum Ned head.

The Baby Rage Menace rigged vertically works well.

Get you some Mend-it. They get chewed. Downside to the great action is the softer plastic. I wish Z-man could make a big swimbait lol!

WCZ 6" Citizen Swing Impact Fat Hog Farmer Spunk Shad Cabin Creek Spider Parts Rage Menace Rage Structure Bug Rage Cutter worm SK Ocho TRD Zoom 4" lizard in Chartreuse Pepper

I agree. For many years where I fished it was a purple worm. Sometimes purple/white tail. And the Mann's Blueberry jelly worm caught it's share as well. I guess in another 20 years it will be another color.

I as well!

I would be interested in any Iovino or similar pours.

On each of those I prefer the regular Menace & I rig them vertically. I use a swimbait head for the Magnum or if I am tossing a really big jig, I will use the Mag as a trailer. But the only real test is to try it on your waters to see. The fish don't always agree!

I am one extreme to the other. I always have a 6" Bull Shad tied on and a drop shot with the Maxscent Flat Worm (this bait just gets eaten).

Probably the Tranx. Smooth, powerful and the best drag of the bunch. But the Lews is a real close 2nd. I understand the latest Lexa has been improved but I haven't tried it to compare and probably won't.

Since I am braid to leader on just about everything, a spool of Tatsu lasts a long time as leader material. That makes the cost a little easier to swallow. Plus using 10 ft at a time no KVD necessary.

Never work the bait with a tight line. Move the rod tip back to give it some slack, then make your rod move. Takes a little practice but after a while it will be second nature.

I am as well. I still enjoy the mag and Times but I agree it may be dwindling away. The ad dollars are just not following the print media. I did buy a membership for my grandson and renew it every year. He is thrilled to get it each month. Another thing that is more prolific these days are the YouTube videos. You can now watch and learn what we used to do with the mags.

Just wanted to give an update on my issue - it was bad line. I follow Sunline on FB and they posted an ad for a really great deal on Sniper (1/3 of the usual price). Now I know why - both spools are junk. Did a simple test with one of my wife's 2.5 lb dumbbells. Both spools broke every time with a gentle lift. I even stripped off half of the spool on each and it still broke. Length of line didn't matter - I tried 2 ft, 4 ft & 6 ft - broke every time.

I really like the ringed hooks - especially for weightless presentations. I get a lot more action from the bait. For weighted presentations, I just use a wobble-head jig - same effect.

Try the Stupid Rig. My fav way to fish a tube and it's weedless!

Cashion 10XD Crankbait Rod https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-CASHIONROD.html?from=basres

+2 on Siebert. Great baits at fair prices and the best customer service.

Because braid is so thin and slick, the lower pound tests will really dig in causing backlashes. As said above, the diameter is the key. Seaguar Smackdown 50# minimum (20 # mono equivalent) on my baitcasters but usually 65# (25# mono equivalent).

Mike made me some Dredge that are half Green Pumpkin and half black & blue. Killer combo!

After I make my top loop I pinch it, grab the tag end and just spin the bait around 6 times. Go thru the bottom loop and back out the top loop the same way the main line goes in. Quick and easy.

+3 on the Rage Menace.

Terminal tackle and a lot of other fishing related items are low stock or out of stock everywhere. You can use these drop shot weights to make your own - when they get back in stock. There are others also. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Reins_Slim_Tungsten_Heavy_Weight_Drop_Shot_Sinker/descpage-RTGSHW.html

They can be deadly with a white Rage Menace rigged vertically, especially on the fall.