Big Swimbait

Disco Violet, Baby Bass, Arkansas Shiner or if it's a Bluegill bite, GP with the tail dipped in Chartreuse.

I have built 6 rods with X-ray blanks. I only buy them when they are on sale, which is pretty often lately. I have zero complaints for the dollars invested. But as been said many times, they are slower than slow.

https://barlowstackle.com/components-and-terminal-tackle/lure-rattles/

You will be fine. I built a rod using the same blank and 1/4 is not an issue.

Any shad or bone color will work in TX. Knocker or Silent would depend on clear or stained/dirty water.

Gene Larew 6" Hawg Craw & I can't explain why. It just catches bigs. That reminds me - time to hit eBay again...

GB Air Tail Wiggler #1 Yamamoto Slink-O Floater #2 But I just got some Bellows Shad so that will bet a shot as well.

Yes - it is very well stocked.

Here in the Dallas area, no fishing in the Dick's stores but their Field and Stream store is loaded. It shares a huge building with a.....forgot how to use English's. Too bad there is only one and it is almost an hour North.

Truth^^^

Thanks to you enablers, I bought 17 baits from SW. Did some price comparisons before I hit send and worse case I saved about $90 and got free shipping.

Another vote for the Aird X - casting and spinning.

This^^^ That Spearpoint hook is the real deal. I first tried their drop shot hooks with great success. So I gave the other hooks they offer a shot and have not been disappointed.

Before I started using 832 Camo, I carried brown, green & black Sharpies. I know a lot of guys that use scented bait dyes to do the same.

Absolutely. The bites are agressive & they hold on to it.

I always start with a weighted Core Tackle Wacky Shot, usually the 1/8 oz. I find here in Texas a more agressive fall/action gets more bites after the spawn. Pre-spawn & during the spawn, I throw weightless. And whatever you do, never wacky a Fluke style bait 😜

A very good bait. I have never tried the Senko trick but I do insert a cotton ball soaked with Bait Fuel.

I bought a bunch from a member recently. I use them on a Free Rig now with great success. I understood the "shooting" process and gave it a lot of TOW. But the rod needed to shoot did not work well getting them out.

You're on the right track with something that can create vibrations. I make super-size bladed jigs using Musky blades on Striper jigs with the big Sakamata Shad.

A valid concern. Line Lab on YouTube tested most of the connection knots and the FG was the strongest but to me it's a PITA to tie. The Tactical Bassin' guys swear by the Blood Knot and it is very easy. I use the Lefty Kreh knot because it's easy on the eyes of someone approching 70. I have never broken it at the knot - always in the leader.

A BIG wakebait or Jitterbug

The Free Rig has been my most productive "new" to me technique. Second will be the Raid Fishroller on the Owner Range Roller jig head. I do not have/use FFS so I use this rig like a swimbait, spinnerbait or any search type bait. The 6.5 in Super Roller has been the most productive.

Braid to leader is a great option. Just perfect your connection knot. Then the line recommendations still apply for the leader material.

A little pricy, but a great bait that has a lot of roll. I really like them on a scrounger head. They don't stay in stock very long for a reason.

Totally agree. But if you follow them, they frequently have 25% off sales. So a $500 2024 GLX which the op was looking for, you save $100.