Big Swimbait

A quality 20 lb mono if it is a treble hook bait. 25 lb fluro if it is a jig hook bait.

https://thehookuptackle.com/collections/used-trade-in-rods/products/g-loomis?variant=45458137415847 All of their used rods are graded.

I like the Dirty Jigs Matt Allen swimbait head. But I have had better success using the 6th Sense line thru head and use a treble hook.

I encountered this as well. I now use lead golf club tape on the treble shanks.

I saw a Facebook ad for a sample pack of Spearpoint hooks for a few bucks. All of the hooks in the sample pack were great but the finesse hook for drop shot or wacky is my go-to hook. I do not lose any fish because they came unbutttoned. Now doing something stupid is not the hooks fault... https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Spearpoint_Performance_Hooks_Weedless_GP_Finesse_Hooks/descpage-SPWGP.html

50 lb 832 in Camo for frogs and heavy cover flippin'/pitchin'

I had a short notice trip come up and I could not wait for delivery. I went to Bass Pro and got this 3 piece. It came with a sock and tube case. I threw everthing from soft platics to jigs and even frogs. I have zero complaints, especially for the price. I liked it so much I went back and bought another one. https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-pro-qualifier-casting-rod

At a local tackle show earlier this year, they had I think 5 bags for $15. It has been a very good free rig bait for me. If you rig it backwards, it will also glide under docks and overhangs. But for flipping/pitching I prefer the Pit Boss.

The Baby 1 - in Bone/Orange has been a great bait for me. Just make sure to upgrade the split rings and trebles.

I wish someone would start making the Dangleberry Rig hook again. I am down to my last two!

The only hook I have used on a soft plastic that has made a difference on multiple occasions, is the 5/0 Gammy straight shank saltwater fly hook. It was recommended by one of the best sticks in our bass club. It is very strong, very silver and very bright. I assume the flash it gives off is making the difference. I get them in the fly tying section of Bass Pro & Cabela's.

I just ordered it from Copperstate Tackle. At that time all lb tests were available. https://copperstatetackle.com/

I agree with Tom - the Lefty Kreh knot is VERY easy to tie and very strong.

I have been throwing big baits since the AC Plug boom in the early 90's. When I started, I did not have dedicated "Big Bait" gear. My PB 0f 13-12 was actually caught on a Berkley 7'H Lightning Rod and an Abu 4600. I now have several (LOL) dedicated SB combos. They do make it easier to cast and land big bass. When starting, you do not need to go overboard. When you start having success, you will then get the itch to go down the rabbit hole. A Diawa DX swimbait rod and a Shimano Cardiff reel would be a great start and can be had for $200 if you shop around. That being said, as I near 70 I have fallen in love with the easier to cast BFS gear. So if any of you are in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I will be liquidating all combos and over 200 swimbaits.

This ^^^ I use 832 Camo - no marking line necessary.

I have used clear flexible caulk with good results.

I would look at Gomexus.

Some are worse than others. I just get in the habit of squeezing them every 3 or 4 casts. Only takes a few seconds. That being said, the new Toad Thumper frogs are the best I have used for not taking on much water.

iRod 754C $149 and a great frog rod!

I use it as a big Ned bait since it floats. I use this jig head. https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Nichols_JT_Magnum_Weedless_Ned_Rig_Jig_Head_3pk/descpage-NJTMW.html

There is no telling how many bass were caught on the Creme worm with the propeller and 2 hooks. I know when I first started bass fishing it worked for me. I think if you used a couple of snell knots you could rig one up yourself. Or just buy them at Bass Pro or Walmart.

This^ I always use a hitchhiker spring in the nose, then nose hook the bait thru the spring.

I know it defeats the purpose of the dorsal fin protecting the hook, but I have to bend it up slightly or my hook up percentage is maybe 20%.

I had a great past three days on the Toad Thumper Bull Toad Swamper. It was almost too good as they ate it so well, I gill hooked a few. ☹️

What I order when the monkey tells me I need a Monoblock 😁