TexasRigger21

I like the combo also. Very reliable

I use snap swivels on crankbaits and spinnerbaits, but never on a jig or soft plastic. I don't like my soft plastics to spin in the water and jigs are usually fished to cover. I don't use a swivel on a jig because it tends to get caught up more.

When I use top water, I try to use colors that contrast the color of the sky. So mostly dark colors. I have my best fish caught after a good rain when it's still cloudy.

When I use swim jigs, I don't set the hook like I would on an t-rig or jig. I like to give it a good 'pop'. Not too hard because the fish could be swimming towards me and I have pulled the hook out of its mouth. It hasn't failed me yet.

Use whatever brand you want. When it comes to the hooks, just go a size up or down. I don't know if you lost them because the hooks were two big or small.

Thanks for all the advise. I think I'll try my hand at tying.

Yes, color is important. But if you doubt the color's ability to catch fish, DON'T fish with it. Fish something you have confidence in. She you have confidence in a bait, you fish it better. You fish it slower and more precisely. Sometimes when I'm fishing, I feel like the bass don't care about the color. I think sometimes they eat the bait because they see food and are hungry. Best of luck

Yes, color is important. But if you doubt the color's ability to catch fish, DON'T fish with it. Fish something you have confidence in. She you have confidence in a bait, you fish it better. You fish it slower and more precisely. Sometimes when I'm fishing, I feel like the bass don't care about the color. I think sometimes they eat the bait because they see food and are hungry. Best of luck

Believe it or not, you can sometimes get some good combos at Walmart for good prices. You should look there, especially since you are just starting out. I've had a Quantum Optix combo for a long time. I got it for like $30. Yes it was cheaper than what I usually buy, but it is on of the best spinning combos I've ever used. They also have some nice baitcasters for decent prices. I know you said that you had $200 to spend on each, but I would use the majority of your money on tackle. If you feel like you've mastered the wacky rig, then move onto something else. I suggest mastering one technique at a time. If you do them all at once, you may get overwhelmed. Best of luck

Usually people match the trailer to the jig. But people discover new things every day. Until a couple of years ago, the umbrella rig was just used in saltwater fishing. Look where it is now.! Try something new... Your idea could be the next national sensation.

I have become a strong jig fisherman over the past few months. Over time, I've noticed that jigs are becoming more and more expensive. I am 16 and even with a job, I'm not raking in the money. So... I was wondering if it was worth my time and money to start tying my own. I've researched it and know whats involved.But is it worth it?

Siebert outdoors has some of the best jigs I have ever used. They are quality jigs at good prices. $ 2.75 for a jig like that is an unbeatable price. I love them.

This might be frowned apon, but you could throw a cast net just to see what's out there. I don't do it, but I know people that do and realize they have big bass in their backyard pond. Some other methods I like are throwing "longer" baits like a lizard or a trick worm. Sometimes, not all the time, the larger bass will strike and the little ones won't. Everyone has their methods... Those are mine.

The right speed is key. It's not fast or slow... It's right in the middle. Make sure when you snap the rod, that you snap it fairly-hard on a slack line.

I like to use a Rebel Pop-R or a yello spro frog. Sometimes the bites are few and far between, but the fish are high quality.

I've been catching fish all day on a 6" zoom lizard that was black with a blue tail. Before this, I have never caught fish on it. I was so surprised. Are there any lures y'all have been surprised to catch a bass on?

I have a pair of Wavekillers and a pair of Fathoms. The fathoms are lighter. Although the Wavekillers are larger, I prefer their superior sun coverage. I have found that when it comes to the lenses, the mirror color doesn't really make a major difference. Just make sure they're polarized.

I like a good 6" zoom lizard in "watermelon magic". It's a watermelon colored lizard with gold and silver flake. I Texas rig it and fish it slow and close to the bank. I catches them every time.

I've used green worms before and they catch about the same as the other night crawlers

I don't think siebert outdoors sells jigs with rattles

I would hit it with a lipless crankbait or a spinnerbait... just to try and locate the fish