Big Swimbait

I never felt the need to add the bottom treble because this is what I throw in the thick junk. It also works well jigging/ripping it around big root balls. I have seen a few guys add a small willow or Colorado blade to that bottom eye.

I still have a few of these for what you describe. Made by Norman.

The 2 BPS in the Dallas area still have them in stock. Maybe they could ship?

I haven't done a spinning rod but when I put Winn Grips on some of my casting rods, I changed a couple. Used a Dremel with a cutting wheel to carefully split it, popped it off with a screwdriver. It actually took longer to clean off the epoxy residue than to remove/reinstall the new seat. But, as DVT said, not possible unless I was changing the grips.

BIG girl time on Fork. It's like swimbait fishing - you won't get as many bites but the ones you do get will be quality. As mentioned the road beds & creek channels close to deep water can be key. I always have a 1/2 oz black n blue jig with a blue sapphire trailer or a 1/2 oz white/black hair jig with a 4" pearl grub trailer tied on. My PB came on the latter at Fork in Feb - 27 degress & sleeting lol. I've had my best luck pitching to the stumps lining both. As they move up, they seem to like that cover. Good luck!

Use a hitchhiker. Heat a small piece of heat shrink on it high enough where you can still screw it in. Place your hook thru the heat shrink & the top ring. Make a bunch in advance of your trip. For added durability, you can put a drop of super glue on the screw before inserting.

https://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_123/strike-king-acquired-11617.html

I'm a big fan of the *** head.

I have not thrown them since the cooler weather hit, but in late Summer when I first got them they were an awesome bait around boat docks & wood. I had a little luck over grass, but not as much a I did with hard cover.

Make sure to pick up some of his finesse jigs too!

Spiralite has an 8'3" & an 8'6" telescoping in their Maverick series. http://www.spiralitecustomrods.com/maverick-series.html

I have ordered a couple of these. Can't wait to try the big one. http://www.genelarew.com/hunkshad

I try all of the above. But if I am not getting bit, I think outside of the box. A single tail Rage grub, a 4" finesse worm or a Super Fluke all on a regular jig. My theory is that maybe they are feeding on bait fish instead of craws.

Yes. Those are big fish tactics and IMO you may get your heart broken.

Since I switched to Mike's, I have never had a problem. That Owner hook is awesome! http://www.siebertoutdoors.com/Morel-Jig-Head-1022.htm

Finding a 7'6" rod with a moderate action for treble hook baits of those weights may be a challenge. If you could go 7'8" I would look at the iRod Jr Swimbait MH. http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/iROD_Genesis_II_Series_Casting_Rods/descpage-IRGCT.html

Berkley has the 6' MH Lightning Rod on sale for $20.00. http://www.berkley-fishing.com/berkley-rods-casting-rods-berkley-lightning-rod/berkley-lightning-rod-casting/1365017.html#start=4

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Shimano_Cardiff_A_Series_Casting_Reels/descpage-SCCRA.html Right in your budget!

Agree with your analysis on bill length and weights for the most part. I have some up to 3/4 oz for ledge fishing. For all of them I use the Lake Fork Magic Shad. That segmented body really works with the Scrounger & on vibrating jigs.

They do glide, but not as wide as my 168's. They actually look better burning them.

I have several & can't get bit. On the other hand, my 168's get chewed on. Maybe it's just a confidence thing, but I quit throwing the 120. YMMV

Cabelas has the 130 Whopper Plopper in 2 colors - T-1000 & Abalone Shad for $4.88! http://www.cabelas.com/product/RIVER-SEA-WHOPPER-PLOPPER-SLNT/2362223.uts?productVariantId=4900843&WT.tsrc=PPC&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=04621716&rid=20&gclid=CjwKCAjw3_HOBRBaEiwAvLBbovS8yHISZ5nVoR445Cylvv4FMJ2flbmUujSvukjOBdsJ-uue91E1LBoClVsQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

My 2 favs are: https://avidbasstackle.com/ and http://cedarrunoutdoors.com/lure-building-and-craft/unpainted-blanks/?sort=featured&page=1

I like the Bomber Saltwater version. Hook is sticky sharp plus it has rattles. The Bone/Orange is my fav. http://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bomber-saltwater-grade-who-dat-weedless-rattling-spoon

The Cabin Creek Spider Parts in Tennessee Orange has been a killer bait for me.