ChrisD46

For those Shakey Head users who switched to Braid + FC leader for their spinning set up , are there any new #7 lb. - #8 lb. FC lines recently introduced that would make you want to re-evaluate a straight FC line solution for shakey head rigs once more ? Sunline comes to mind with some new FC offerings reasonably priced - however the key question is whether any would be as good for shakey head as a #10 lb. ~ # 15 lb. braid main line + #8 lb. FC leader you are currently using on spinning gear ?

BPS makes a 7'6" telescopic baitcast rod which I use for flipping and C-Rig ... It's a IM-6 rod which does the job .

Here is the best value I have found : Go to WM and look for the larger size quantity packs of plain round head jigs in 1/16th oz. to 3/16th oz. weights . With side cutters cut the hook off about 1/8th inch below the jighead barb , place a small drop of super glue on the jighead barb then insert the cut off jighead into the end of the soft plastic until the jighead is flush with the bottom of the soft plastic (the straight cut off hook wire below the jighead barb will get the hole started nicely) . I even go so far as to paint the round jighead to match or contrast with the soft plastic I am using . I think you will like this approach best as it is inexpensive , easy to modify , easy to use and the round jihead at the bottom of the soft plastic looks like the head of a critter scrounging around on the bottom . Since I stocked up on plain jigheads in the sizes I use for the Neko rig I don't botther with nails , screws , or the expensive Neko Rig weights . * While of course this technique is most known for using with soft plastic worms - mix it up and try it with your favorite soft plastic craw or creature bait for a classic defensive posture on the bottom which bass will distroy !

DSG : Sufix Super 21 - Designed to have up to 40% less stretch than other comparable mono lines .

6'9 ~ 7'1 ML/F spinning rod for Ned rig.

Technically you are correct Raul - however can you not interpret "harder" on a reel to cause a reel to wear out quicker ? I'm thinking otherwise why plant the seed that braid is harder on a reel ? ...It's like anything you state is "harder" on something mecuanical would mean it will not last as long or stand up as long ? Since you work on reels for a living : If I have a modern baitcast reel (or spinning reel for that matter) used with the correct size braid range for the reel , a proper drag setting for braid (slightly loose) and a proper flex rod for braid (one flex less) in a well maintained reel - then even if braid is "harder" on a reel I should not see any premature wear on my reels ?

While watching a recent episode of TH bass fishing - he indicated braid to be much harder on a baitcast reel than other line types of line such as FC or mono . TH went on to say that is why he uses a Lou's Super Duty for braid use as it will hold up to braid the best . The only thing I can imagine is that the no stretch nature of braid may potentially be harder on a reel - but I can't think of any other reasons ?... What are your thoughts on your baitcast reels spooled with braid , any pre-mature wear issues with your braid / baitcast reel set ups ? Thanks in advance for your replies !

I have a 7'6" MH / F inshore saltwater rod rated for 1/4 to 3/4 oz with a 4000 series spinning reel and #20 lb. braid . My question is whether this set up could also double as a Carolina Rig set up in lakes for bass (with the appropriate mono or FC line size leader ) ? ... I darn sure could cast far and cover water ! Thanks in advance for your opinions !

Done ... Looking for a 7 lb. Sniper option .

#7 lb. Sunline Sniper FC main line tied to VMC Spinshot hook - then a short #6 lb. inexpensive FC leader of your choice down to the weight . It handles well and doesn't twist ...

Black with Blue flake , Green Pumpkin , Green Pumpkin with Green & Purple flake and lastly Watermelon with Red flake would pretty much cover all bases for you .

^^This^^

I have used heat shrink tubing with hook rigged perpendicular , PVC clear tubing to size cut in 5/8th inch to 3/4 inch length with hook in line between the tubing and Senko (hook never penetrates the Senko) and lastly O-Rings with hook in line to Senko . All work but for me it's a visual confidence thing , so my vote is for perpendicular hook rigging in relation o the Senko.

Agree with the Grass Pig comments - however that tight , less action (board ?) Grass Pig action is good for colder water where you don't want a lot of wobble and roll (i.e. think lipless crank bait for winter) .

Busted again : Someone (Bluebasser 86 ? , Team 9 ?) sent me a Fruit Cake with three new Shadow Rap Shads hidden inside where they were nabbed and confiscated at the Rehab Center by incoming inspection security ... No worries though on the punishment - the two weeks of extra group sessions with Nurse Ratched will fly by quickly I hope .

^^This ^^ !! ... Personal preferance but I like to slowly bend the brush guard down and then trim just below where the hook barb is .

Add Smithwick Rogues and Strike King KVD Jerkbaits (all are under $10)

I've always been intrigued by the Nishiki / Clown color suspending jerk bait - but never pulled the trigger on buying one ... What conditions do you use the bright Nishiki / Clown color jerkbaits for ?

Baed on above - I specifically think the Ghost Shiner and Silver colors are good for clear water , I would think the Olive color would be good for overcast and the Clown / Bud colors would be good for stained water and / or severe overcast conditions .

Mostly used for Spotted Bass (65%) and LMB (35%) ... I believe Spotted Bass are similar to Small Mouth Bass in that brighter colors (gaudy) tend to be more popular ? I would think having perhaps a Silver and Olive Green for LMB and perhaps something bright such as : Bud , Clown , Imposter , etc. would appeal to spotted bass more ...Your thoughts ?

I bought the Silver color in the new Rapala Shadow Rap Shad (shallow version) to try . Without question - this bait was designed to be fished on #8 lb. to # 10 lb. mono as it is designed to float nose up slightly while at rest !. * My biggest issue now is : What additional one or two colors would make for a good staring point selection to go with the Silver color I purchaced ? ... Lots of new / exisiting colors in the Rapala Shadow Rap Shad line up to choose from !

^^This^^ !! ... If your looking for something in the Z-Man line then look no further than the Diesel Minnow .

I'm not claiming to know whether it's the best - but on new rods I used STP protectant spray on my cork grips , when it dries the cork becomes darker though . The U40 appears to be a solid choice and what I would use in the future ... I just thought the STP was better than nothing and was what I had laying around at the time . No issues with the STP - just feel those who use the U40 can't all be wrong !

A palomar knot is AWEFUL for FC Line as it cuts into itself ! A-Mart claims to have lost too many fish for this reason , so Improved Clinch knot , Triline knot , San Diego knots for me ...

Will be trying out Sufix 21 Mono found at DSG as well as High Seas lines . * Vicisous is a line brand I'm curious about but too many reviews say that although many Pros are paid to endorse the Vicious line - the quality is not so good as compared to major brands (P-Line , Seaguar , Sunline , Sufix , etc.) .