ChrisD46

*The #17 lb. CXX is on my short list to try for a variety of tactics - how does it handle for you ? ...Do you have to use any line conditioner to get it to behave properly on the reel ? . I thought for buzzbaits , buzz toads , larger spinner baits and perhaps certain other top water - the #17 lb. CXX would be an upgrade over the Yo-Zuri Hybrid #12 lb. I use for smaller cranks and such ?

*I believe bait cast reels for bass come in : 100 , 150 , 200 & 300 sizes for bass - which size(s) do you use most , line sizes and for what tactic for bass ? My reels are all in that 120 yards of #12 lb. mono capacity size which I believe are in the 100 or 150 size ... I recognize now that they are OK for smaller line diameters but when you step up to #15 lb. or #20 lb. mono - that 7:1 reel gear ratio becomes more like a 6:3:1 after making a long cast !

*My exact set up ! ... I'm thinking on the new "power" U-Tail I will use a 3/0 worm offset round bend light wire Owner or Gaammy hook with a 1/8th oz. tungsten bullet weight with the same rod , reel and line set up and have a fun time using it !

I noticed the Zoom U-Tail has a new version coming out soon which has been bulked up and is now 1.5" longer . I forget how much I use to love this worm and think the new size will be even better for larger bass . The U-Tail is different than a ribbon tail worm with a different action (including action when sitting perfectly still) .

I normally throw black on over cast (to try something different than Bone) or at night ... I should probably throw black more often in other conditions as well .

Hit the TRD with a little scent of your choice (i.e. BANG Garlic , Berkley Gulp , etc.) and work with subtle shakes and hops ... A bass will find it in stained water . If the water is really dirty you will be looking at Colorado blade spinner baits or other baits with more thump and vibration .

*Thanks Tom - I may be guilty of thinking I always need a 45 degree downward stroke of the rod for walking baits when perhaps a side ways or upward rod pull would accomplish the same results .

White / Bone : Cloudy / Clear / Sunny / Stained water Black : Night / Cloudy / Stained water Ghost or Clear : Sunny / Clear water Chrome : Sunny / Clear / Stained water

*I'm familiar with C.C. - he could make a walk-the-dog lure do stuff no one else could do , "high speed" reel to C.C. though was a 6:3:1 gear ratio (lol !)

*Good to know !

I'll be trying a wobble head jig with both styles of worms you mentioned - cool technique !

*Interesting application - using a big straight tail worm on a wobble head jig .

Curious if anyone rigs a Roboworm whacky rig on a drop shot ?

Thanks for replies ...On deck I have a Berkley Lightening Shock 6'6" M / Moderate Fast , Berkley 7' MH/F , All Star Spinner Bait 6'10" M/Moderate Fast and finally a Dobyns 734C. Sierra bait cast rods . Both Berkley rods (prior generation) were bought on close out where I had a chance to compare 10 samples of each for the straightest , most perfectly aligned rod possible with the best actions . The All Star rod is fine for spinnerbaits - but I believe too heavy for walk-the-dog large spooks . BPS sale now shows a BPS Cranking Stick (6'6" MH / Moderate Fast) on sale for $49 that may work , I would be willing to consider anything under 7' that is not too expensive for working super spooks - otherwise I may just learn to work my Dobyns 734C. to the side although I never considered a 7'3" rod length for walk the dog type baits (i.e. cadence concerns ?) Lastly , I have another set up for WP110 and WP130 size top water .

For your larger top water walking baits like 3/4th oz. - 1 oz. Super Spooks , Sexy Dawgs , Yo-Zuri DB 125's , Berkley J-Walker 120's and other 115 to 125 size pencil walking baits - what is your bit casting rod set up ? ... I know many may suggest a 7' - 7'3" MH but I'm trying to find a niche rod for this application in the shorter 6'3" to 6'10" bait casting rod length . *The reason is I have a reservoir with wide open shore I want to walk which has expansive flats where bass are busting the surface now through Fall . Since I'm not standing up on a boat deck I'm concerned with "rod slap" on the water surface while walking the big spooks . It may be possible to work the big spooks to the side which would allow for a longer rod , so I am open to suggestions for this particular application I described ... Thanks in advance !

I too believe a 4/0 or 5/0 offset round bend worm hook would be ideal for the big ribbon tails combined with a 3/16th oz. tungsten bullet weight T-Rigged using a lift and drop technique .

Good replies , I got some 1/4th oz. 5/0 shaky heads to try ... Otherwise I believe weightless or T-Rigged with a 1/4 oz. lift and drop technique would be good to try (maybe a Tokyo Rig set up with a 4/0 or 5/0 EWG hook) . I have a 7' MH / F bait cast rod with a 7:1 reel and P-Line CX-X #12 lb. moss green line to try with one of these "Baby Huey" size worms on !

I'm not too sure what to think about the "Tiny Child Rig" - I suppose if I got hung up a lot on the Neg Rig I would try it ... It looks like it's better in a more vertical retrieve (i.e. drop shot) from a boat than a Ned Rig which is fished horizontal ?

*For those that use Zoom Mag Trick Worms (7") or Strike King Bull Worms (8") and similar over size straight tail worms - explain your rod , reel , line and hook set up as well as what tactics you use to fish these over sized straight tail worms for bass ?

Gamakatsu treble hooks were roughly $2.00 more per pack than Owner or Mustad - I don't see where they are worth the extra $$

*Thanks - yes , the Owner ST-36 hooks to be more precise is what I was considering (along with Mustad Triple Grips) ... The price is good on the Owner's , so I will try some in #2 and #4 to replace stock hooks on Sexy Dawgs and One Knockers to try .

Good comments Ogandrews : I use Sierra 734c. with a similar set up but my reservoir is wide open with few obstacles on shore to hamper casting a longer rod . If I had tree limbs or brush to maneuver, I would use a shorter rod in the 6'6" to 7' range .

Looking to replace stock hooks on my walking baits and poppers with upgraded treble hooks : Currently I am considered Owner Stinger 36 treble hooks or Mustad Triple Grips ... What are your favorite replacement treble hooks for top water (*with braid main line) ? ... Thanks in advance !

6'10" MF bait cast rod with a 6:3:1 reel loaded with Yozuri - Hybrid #12 lb. line would make a nice compliment to what you already have . Good for treble hook cranks , top water , etc. while your 7'3" rod is good for bottom contact lures and other single hook rigs along with swim jigs and chatter baits .

*+1 ... If you are around weeds or timber go up to #15 lb. braid and #10 lb. FC leader . While #20 lb. braaid is easy to use , I quickly found out it was over kill and hurt casting distance ... #10 lb. or #15 lb. braid is very strong (as long as you don't snap a hook set on slack line where the shock may break the line) .