Big Swimbait

+2 here. Their composite cranking rod is a bargain as well.

Hi Seas Grand Slam Select for me.

I use this hook. The design sets the hook point back a little farther. http://penhooks.com/collections/all

My new favorite is KC's Fat Treat Worm. I like to rig it on a Buckeye Lures Magnum Goby Sled. The sled design keeps the bait on the bottom without rolling.

I also like the Lake Fork Live Magic Shad, especially without the skirt.

With that set-up I would try the Keitech Swing Impact Fat 5.8" with a belly weighted hook. Or the hollow belly baits like Basstrix up to the 6" size. The SPRO baby rat would work too.

They are very good baits for the $. I catch a lot of 2-3 lb fish on that bait, so you should be fine. Just remember, on most days you'll get one or two bites & some followers. But there will also be days when they are stacked up on a hump or ledge & it will be a day dreams are made of. Good luck!

Make sure to check here often: http://www.steepandcheap.com/gear-cache/big-brand-sunglasses-sale Currently have closeouts on Costa, Native, Smith & Oakley. Not every frame - not every lens. But you save half or more if you find something you like.

I had a chance to visit with Steve Parks in his booth at the Classic in Tulsa. He was really excited about this bait. As Buzzed Bait stated, the ribs are facing forward & have the Rage flange on them. He also said that the biggest delay in getting them to the market was to make sure the action was perfect at very slow speeds. Should be a killer bait!

If a wad of coat hangers like an Alabama Rig can catch fish, I don't think straight braid matters. Like said before, presentation, fall rate & action trigger bites. Plus, some of the 20# braids are the diameter of 6# fluro. I use a black & brown Sharpies & alternate marking the green line on the last 10 feet.

Don't forget to periodically check Steep & Cheap. They are an outdoor products discounter & will have Costa, Oakley, Native Eyeware & Smith Optics at tremendous discounts. They won't have every style/lens combo since they are a discounter, but today I saw some 580G blue lens for less than $100.00. http://www.steepandcheap.com/gear-cache/sunglasses-from-costa---new-styles-added#?gender=Men's

Just tried Hi Seas Grand Slam Select that I picked up at the Classic this weekend. Very impressed!

I spoke to Steve Parks at the Strike King booth at the Classic this past weekend. He had them on display. He said they were working on the print ads & ramping up production. He said the big boys like TW would get them first, probably this summer. To answer Heron's question, if you look closely at the pics, you will notice the ribs angle forward. The ribs have the Rage flange. Parks was very proud of that design aspect & said this swimmer will have action like no other, especially at slow speed. I look forward to them also.

We are lucky to have an exceptional one in between Dallas & Ft. Worth. I've seen baits there before TW had availability. Everything from Ned stuff to giant swimbaits. They have the best price on tungsten around. They got big enough to have online sales but still run it as a family business. http://anglersprotackle.com/ I try to give the local businesses as much as i can, even if it means I pay a little more. APT really supports the bass clubs in the DFW area. If you are ever in the DFW area, it is worth a visit.

Another trick if you are using a jig head without a weed guard, take one of the skirt strands & skin hook it.

I picked one up & love the way it looks in the water. But for the life of me, I haven't had a bite. Tried bare & with various trailers. So the jury is still out for me.

Winn Grips makes tape now also. http://www.mudhole.com/Winn-Rod-Overwrap

Another vote for the Havoc Subwoofer. That thing thumps!

Academy used to carry the All Star pistol grip 'Pitchin' rod. Not sure if they still do.

Gander Mountain has the 30 & 35 in stock.

I like to use one of the smaller fish head spins.

Give Ken a shout. Everything he makes is your design - color, glitter, salt/no salt, choice of scents. Very quick turnaround. And whatever you do, don't order the KIng Zulu in Disco Violet.... https://www.kcinjectionbaits.com/store/page7.html

http://www.samuraitackle.com/

Plus 2 - very well made.