ChrisD46

+1 on Team9nine comments - I would also say having a floating worm or tail that stands up is more helpful with the Neko set up than it is to the Shaky Head (contrary to popular belief that the Shaky Head always needs a floating , stand up tail to work successfully) .

*Thanks for the replies on the WP 110 set up ... I have a 7' MH/F (more like a fast / moderate) spinning rod with a Daiwa 4000 size spinning reel loaded with #20 lb. Power Pro braid . I believe I'll tie the WP 110 onto straight braid with a double palomar knot and bomb this thing long over flats , transitions to deep water , etc. then reel steady obtaining the correct WP 110 sound - then hold on !

For those who fish a Whopper Plopper 110 , what is your current rod , reel and line set up ?

A couple of small wooden dowels also work .

^^This^^

Daiwa Aird - X 7' M / F spinning rod ($54) , a Daiwa 2500 Regal LT ($59) , Power Pro #10 lb. or #15 lb. braid main line (over cheaap mono backing) with a Seaguar InvizX #8 lb. or Sunline Sniper #7 lb. FC leader . Finish with VMC #1 or 1/0 Neko hooks or VMC 1/16th oz. wacky jigs for 5" Senkos , Yum Dingerss , etc. . Real fun wacky rig set up set up for not a lot of money !

*The Sierra series took the place of the Savvy line up - I have the Sierra 735c. with a Daiwa Fuego 8:1 and #50 lb. braid . It is a nice set up for frogs but some people like a slightly stiffer / faster rod for frogs than the Sierra 735c. so it all depends . I have trouble delaying hook sets on top waiter applications , so the action of the Sierra line up of rods actually helps with my poor technique .

*Interesting comments !

Good replies - lots of variety !

I started using the VMC Wacky Jig Heads in 1/16th oz. and on windier days or deeper water I've also added the 1/8th version ... What is your current favorite wacky jig head and weight(s) you most often use with 5" stick baits ? Also , does anyone use wacky jig heads with say 4" and 6" senkos ?

My mistake (I corrected earlier in the thread reply to Tom) ...

While the Drop Shot excels as a deep water , vertical finesse application - there appear to be differences of opinion for using the Drop Shot in shallow water , casting out and working the Drop Shot back in a more horizontal fashion . *Are you one who uses the Drop Shot fished more horizontally in shallow water OR do you elect to go with another finesse tactic in shallower water , horizontal fishing applications ?

*Reel the braid on tight - you may think you are already but slow down and reel it on even tighter . This way only the 50' feet or so of line you reel back in will be loose plus the line can not dig into itself on a hookset if the braid is put on the reel tight in the first place (#30 lb. Power Pro - no problems on any reel as long as I spooled the braid on TIGHT) .

*3/0 EWG or 4/0 EWG hook (depending on make) , then skin hooked = problem solved as long as it is bass biting the senko .

*At what month after water warm up do you move away from the red / orange colors on to other colors such as shad , pearl white , green pumpkin , black & blue , etc. ?

My bad Tom - thanks ... I meant the "Crazy Alberto" knot for joining braid to leader (I just started using the San Diego Jam knot on jig heads and such - thus had that knot on the brain of late) .

Whether it be age , lack of ability or time - without a $30 FG Knot tool , I won't be pursuing this knot ... For it's intended purpose , I believe a San Diego Jam knot is as good as any and better than most knots (plus a I quickly repeatedly and reliably tie it which is a plus) . Bottom line is I want to tie a decent knot and get back to fishing - not prepare for surgery (i.e. tying an FG knot) !

*I did not find them particularly technique specific - until I started reading stories about pros who swear that unless they are using a MH / moderate action rod they miss chatter bait hook ups time and time again . It never seemed to be mentioned with spinner bait set ups but for some reason having a MH / Moderate action rod is THE in thing to have now for a chatter bait rod ! I can take a 7' MH / F rod but have multiple reels with braid main line on one and mono - co-poly on the other and have an entirely different set up . If delay is a a requirement I believe a 7' MH / Fast rod with Stren original #14 lb. mono , Berkley Trilene #14 lb. , Big game #15 lb. will work well ... For less delay I can use #30 lb.. Power Pro braid and take advantage of less stretch as required .

The new Booyah Jason Christie Covert series along with finesse spinner baits from Z-Man have rekindled my interest and confidence in spinner bait fishing for bass !

+1 ... Good advice that works well !

Lots of versatility with a fluke - more than people think ...

*I have the Dobyns Sierra 734c and 735c. - a number of folks say the Sierra line has a "fast moderate tip" versus the "fast" tip of the Fury line (I have not compared) . Also interesting to note that there are those who prefer a more moderate action in a Buzz Bait rod than that of their Spinner Bait rod set up .

I still like a Morel Ned jig Heads (Siebert Outdoors) with the Owner #2 hook in 1/16th oz. size . *I also found a guy on E-Bay who makes a killer 1/24th oz. plain lead color Ned head using a by me specified Eagle Claw #4 size 'Lil Nasty hook . When I get them I paint them up using Testors enamel model paint (thanks Cali Tom) . I buy them in bags of 50 or 100 and a small drop of Super Glue gell seals the deal with a Z-Man TRD attached ... If you are getting hung up with a Ned jig then most likely you are using too large of a hook , too heavy a jig head - or both .

$8.49 per 5 pack plus shipping ? I like the concept but I'll just stay with my Siebert Outdoors Morel 1/16th oz. jig head in the appropriate hook options .

Smackdown is $30 per spool - I use about six different braid sizes from #5 lb. to #65 lb. , so that would become a bit expensive to buy (even if I only use a 60 yrd. top shot of line per reel) ... I still like : Power Pro , Tuff Line , 832 and J Braid (depending on the application).