Zach P

SK Rage Craws are phenomenal and if you want some really compact that works great try the Gambler BB Cricket. The BB Cricket has a great profile when it hits the bottom and it gets through the heavy stuff really easily.

What type of epoxy are you using when filling in the hole? I've actually never heard of doing this to help a bait suspend. Very unique. I've heard of adding split rings to some baits in the front to help them suspend better but never drilling a hole and adding weight to the inside of the lure

Nice to see another MD angler on here, I assume you are referencing the Potomac in regards to location?

I'm a big fan of a 3/8 oz Dirty Jig swimjig, great color selection, fantastic durability, and I've caught a ton of fish on them

Well since we are talking about the Crankin Stick what is everyone's go to specs on this model for lipless cranks? Also, has anyone used any of the shorter Crankin Stick specs for throwing jerkbaits?

I definitely agree with this as well. I think there would be more satisfaction gained from knowing you could catch more lbs per day than the elites if they aren't able to match what your spot has to hold.

Personally I would ask for some sort of payback, prob no more than 10 grand (if they win) since you aren't the one fishing but you are the one helping them out. You have to remember that you don't make the full 100k, there are taxes just like everything else and these guys probably only take home half of that payday.

Definitely weird, it just shows as never having been there in the first place

Color variation and water clarity do matter and it seems like you have the right idea as far as color choices in the circumstance. On the other hand just because the fish aren't biting most of the time it doesn't mean it's the color (especially if you are following your own set guidelines). I fully believe what it comes down to is cadences. A lot of guys will refer to cadences when fishing jerkbaits but it relates to more lures than just jerkbaits. Remember just moving a lure a certain way under the water like a jig will make a huge difference to get the fish to bite. If you are just slowly pulling the jig down a steep bank in the cold and occassionally letting it fall on slack line and they aren't biting try letting it sit against individual pieces of timber or rocks and rocking the jig back and forth. If this doesn't work try changing the jig trailer as it's probably the reason you aren't getting bit. If we are talking about jig color in summer months, and again you are following you color patterns you previously worked out, and you still aren't getting bit vary your retrieves. For instance with football jigs try different hops of the jig if the first doesn't work, also try letting your jig just sit still for a period of time. I've always been told that while movement is important you are more likely to get bit with a jig on the fall when first casted or when it is sitting still and the bass are judging whether or not to eat it. Hope this helps!

Thanks and I actually previously had some Smithwick and recently picked up some husky jerks and a couple of mcsticks also. I just need the pond to thaw in the coming days or to get a boat first haha

Allen - currently I don't own a boat but I fish a private very large pond (borderline small lake) in Anne Arundel County. It's about 6-7 foot at it's deepest and contains a good population of bass ranging from ounces up to 7lbs as the largest I've caught. In addition I know that there is a healthy population of crappie and small minnow with several catfish and carp as well. More than anything I'm just trying to work on becoming a better jerkbait fisherman

No i completely agree with you and to be honest this rod is not out of my price range, the point I was trying to get across is I'm not trying to spend double that type of cost so let's say two rods, two reels, etc and end up paying 500-600 dollars. The dobyns seems like a great rod and it's definitely one that I am doing additional research on as well.

Yeah exactly guys, I get that this usually requires two different rods for the techniques listed but as previously stated I'm trying to save myself some money at least for right now. All of the opinions on rods listed are great. Thanks a lot!

Hey guys I know usually you need two different rods for punching heavy mats and for froggin but I'm working on a budget. Does anyone here use the same rod for both techniques and if so what brand, model, specs, etc. Currently I don't have a dedicated rod for these techniques. Thanks in advance!!

That is one BEAUTY of a smallie. That right there is why you fish jerkbaits

Yeah it really does see after this forum topic that more and more people agree that lots of different jerkbaits perform well under different conditions.....which should surprise nobody since that's the case with most lures haha.

Chris I agree and you are referring to #2 2/0 hooks right? What size split rings are you using?

Yeah I've recently looked into the Luck-E-Strikes and will probably invest in a good amount of these when I get a chance. I wish I could find Lucky Craft's for so cheap but don't see it happening anytime soon lol. I've also never thrown the bomber long a's but might have to try a few of these out also.

I wanted to start an additional thread relating to what hooks everyone uses when replacing stock crankbait hooks. I've generally only stuck to KVD Strong 2X Short Triple Grips. What sizes do you guys tend to upgrade to and do you tend to change the split rings also?

can anyone give an opinion on Luck-E-Strike's jerkbait, and if you have used them and like them, which colors most represent perch, bluegill, crappie, or baby bass? thanks

Thanks for all of the opinions guys. I've got a pretty good share of Smithwick and Spro and have fished them minimally until recently this winter when I've been testing out retrieves, retrieve speeds, rod lengths and choices, and then obviously different brand type. I really like Smithwicks right now but have heard phenomenal reviews on Husky Jerks and Vision 110's

Wondering what others preferences are for jerkbaits considering action, durability, price, etc. Thanks guys!

I experience the issue of sliding tubes when texas rigged all the time so I would love to see a picture or assortment of pictures regarding this. It's a very interesting tackle topic

wow this is exactly why I love this site. Thanks for the opinions/input everyone. I'll probably end up going with a shorter rod after hearing some of the reviews and experiences.

Hey Guys, My name is Zach Parkent and I'm 24 years old. I currently work for Constellation energy in Baltimore, Md and have been with this outstanding company for over a year. I'm a non boater looking for an opportunity with a club in Maryland for the 2014 fishing season and beyond. I'm willing to drive a half an hour to 45 minutes to a club. I'm an adamant bass fisherman and cannot get enough of it. The reason I'm looking for a club is not only to perfect my techniques but learn new ones as well. In addition, I want to build relationships with others who have as much passion for the sport as I do. I want to start participating in tournaments and down the road potentially meet sponsors who are willing to give me an opportunity to showcase and market their products. I've always been and always will be driven by competition and a desire to win. I just recently graduated from Stevenson University in May of 2012 with a bachelors in Business. This degree not only taught me an unbelievable amount about marketing and finance, but it taught me the meaning of hard work and dedication. My father taught me how to fish from a young age but it was not until I was in my late teens that I truly learned an appreciation for not only the outdoors but bass fishing. This sport is something I cannot get enough of and I am always pushing myself to learn more about techniques and lures, but the biology, habitats, and habits of bass as well. I push to spend as much free time as I have practicing, testing out new lures and making adjustments to existing ones, and reading literature on bass fishing. Even with all of this said nothing can compare to time on the water. Even if I had a perfected cast or confidence in certain baits I can only test so much of this out fishing small ponds, lakes, and reservoirs from shore. One day I will own a boat, but that time is not now. This is why I want to become a non-boater. Not just to meet others who once were in my position, but to learn from them as well. I full believe this sport constantly evolves and if you aren't adapting and learning you are standing still. Feel free to message me on here or send an email to zachparkent@yahoo.com. I usually respond to all emails very quickly. Please help me to find a club and I look forward to hearing from you soon! Thanks, -Zach