ChrisD46

Saw a recent Timmy Horton episode devoted to crank baits (wakebaits to deep divers) . In the equipment run down of the cranking episode - all of his reels were a 6:4:1 gear ratio ...The only difference was on deep diving cranks Timmy used a larger line capacity Lews BB1 which is expected (to keep from spooling out on a long cast and thus effecting retrieve speed too much ) . * What I thought was interesting is Timmy made a brief statement that evolution in deep diving crank baits design has allowed for lures to run deeper easier and more efficiently - thus reducing fatigue on the angler so now the ability to use a 6:4:1 gear ratio effectively for deep cranking versus the old stand by 5:4:1 or even a 4:7:1 gear ratio . I thought this was interesting as Timmy loves to throw a deep diving crankbait , so if fatique was a factor with the new deep diving cranks you would see him using a 5:4:1 or slower gear ratio . The takeaway for me is it allows for 6:4:1 gear ratios (or faster) which saves $$ not having to consider having to add a slow gear ratio reel just for deep diving crank baits ... Your thoughts ?

^This^ !

Besides the Skinny Dipper size / style soft swim bait - the single tail grub , double tail grub and Rage Tail Menace (or similar) can cover a lot of territory when used with a swim jig. As for colors , I would think a Pearl White , Black & Blue Flake and Green Pumpkin could cover the majority of shad or bluegill imitation needs fairly well in a swim jig . On the other hand - a salt & pepper smoke and a sexy shad color might also find a place in the starting swim jig trailer color rotation !

I did notice Cabela's has their Type ZX 7' ML Fast spinning rod on sale - not sure if they are comparable to the Carbon Lite or not ?

Besides the popular boot tail / paddle tail swim bait trailer for a swim jig - how many use a single tail or double tail grubs (such as a Zoom Fat Albert) or similar ? . What dictates when you choose a larger trailer such as a paddle tail swim bait versus a single or double tail grub ?

^^This^^ !!

I just noticed this particular spinning rod and was curious if anyone has used for drop shot , light wacky or other finesse applications ...Your thoughts and experiences ?

^^This ^^ !

Neither !! ... Cabela's Tournament ZX series frog rod on sale currently for $69.00 !! This is regularly a $99.00 rod - it gets GREAT reviews ... Check it out !!

Tom : Any issues with excessive coiling of 6lb. - 8lb. InvizX or Sniper FC using a 1000 size spinning reel ?

Interesting - wonder if the Gore Tex addition has anything to do with 832 sinking ?

I have a 6' M Fast baitcast rod that I use with 10lb. mono for Jerkbaits - I use this from the bank a lot hence the shorter length so I won't slap the water surface while working the bait . If you fish standing up from a boat deck you could go 6'6" or slightly longer as you are standing taller to the water surface . I say if you have a 6' rod now - then use it !

BassinLou : Thanks , I may study this a bit further ...trying to consolidate my baitcast set ups but still carry a reel with 16lb. Sunline Super Natural Mono on it .

flyfisher : Right you are ! ... my mistake , I thought I mentioned I would be using a leader .

^^This^^ ... Or you can use slightly smaller diameter mono (I like Zebco mono from WM or Dicks) ... Spool on about 25 turns of mono (baitcast reel) or approx. 50% (spinning reel) with a double uni knot to Braid or FC top coat and your good to go !

Thanks flyfisher - I noted I would use 2ft. min. of mono leader to guard against treble hooks catching on the braid.

I want to try a #30lb. braid for top water poppers / walking baits and am curious if there are braids / superlines made which float or float better than others ? My short list is Power Pro original and Sufix 832 but there may be better choices I am not aware of as a ideal top water braid / super line ... Your thoughts & experiences ?

^^This^^ ... Spinning or Bait Cast .

+1 ... I believe I will pass .

My temps still in the 40's ... As temps progress into the 50's a hard jerk bait and twitching a soft plastic dying Fluke can still produce for pre-spawn bass looking for an easy meal!

The new Ike drop shot (60/40) spinning rod at I believe 6'10" ML Fast action has peaked my interest . It appears to be a true drop shot application rod at a lower price point versus other rods in the same price range that claim to be a drop shot designed rod - but really aren't .

Oh man was that funny !!

Great replies - a 7'2" MH casting rod is close enough to my original post , so let's add this rod length & action as well and hear what you like in a 7'2" or 7'3" MH casting rod and what you like using it for !

Nice & useful !