Smokinal

Wow; I find it the complete opposite. That would be like dragging a jig though grass and rock with a medium spinning rod.

I have been reading a lot of posts where you guys are throwing a wacky 4" Senko for a tough bite. Any favorite "standby" colors?

That one definitely made it past the "bait" stage!

No question: line reel rod

I don't mean to hijack your thread here but I have managed auto centers for the last 22 years and every winter, without fail, I get out the super glue and glue cracks together. So this last fall, my wife's dermatologist came in for some service and saw me using the Gorilla Glue on my finger tips. She laughed and asked what the heck I was doing. She directed me to get this stuff: http://www.hardcorehandcare.com/ and I'll never need any other hand product again. I had tried Working Hands, which is good, but this stuff is 10 times that product. I'm not a rep for them, just a very satisfied customer who will spread the word about a product that really works. Your in good hands with either one.

Well keep us updated as to what was replaced and how the whole thing goes for you.

I won't usually start out using a scent but if the bite is slow or they aren't really eating a bait well (just pecking at it, spitting it out before hookset, not holding a bait long) then I will use a scent. And I typically use Megastrike which technically isn't a scent but an amino acid paste which I feel helps fish hold onto a bait longer so you can get a good hookset on him.

That's why I like a scent with a paste-like carrier or an oil based scent. I feel those will cling better and stay on longer. And yes on adding Megastrike to pre-scented brands of plastic.

10 lb Super Slick with 10 lb fluoro leader

Nice to hear! Can't wait for a good crankbait day myself.

Sure, bass "eat" for a number of reasons. They eat to feed themselves; they eat out of instinct (reaction bites); and they will "eat" just to see what something is. You have to remember, bass don't have hands and can't talk so if a bass sees something, natural or not, they may pick it up to feel the object. Sometimes it's blown back out if the bass senses something unnatural, that's when we went to set the hook but nothing was there. That's also why scents can help getting a hook in the fish if a bass hits your bait and is deciding what to do with it, a scent can make him hold it just that split second longer to get a hookset on him. So just because a bait doesn't look like anything in a particular lake, bass will still hit it.

I'll typically throw a swim in weeds or clear water; bladed in dirty, stained or green water. Like AJay said the thump in a bladed jig is easier for them to hone in on when visibilty is limited.

N N No...don't waste your time with a blade. No fish to be caught on those. jk, I love a blade in cold water; very versatile. And I remove those split hooks, put on split rings and KVD Mustad Ultra Grip short shanks in a 4. And to be honest, last summer I jacked the tick out of em on a blade in 70 degree water. It was the only bait they would hit.

^^What he said. Those are 2 very different baits and, personally, I wouldn't throw those baits on the same rod. For my traps I like my glass rod but for deep divers I like a firmer rod so I'm not working so hard. I couldn't imagine throwng a big billed bait on my glass rod. That's just me though.

For starters, Hootie, I'd feel for ya brother except I went down to my home lake and there is 2 FEET OF ICE ON IT!!! Second, I think A-Jay may be psychosomatic

Good for you man. I know it made for a long day with another trip back but definitely look at the silver lining here. Free cover, free new si, lots of free updated wiring, panel etc... I'd drive 3 hrs for that. They sound like a good team and they'll have it right for you. Congratulations. Beautiful boat man.

You're killin me! Whadya get? Whadya get? I always get a little pleasure hearing someone getting a new boat. I think it's because I want a newer boat but it just isn't in the cards for me right now.

Glad to hear it!

G G G G Giant Bass! sorry

Honestly, I feel it depends most on what type (how big) water you usually fish. Those are very different boats tbh. Obviously the Nitro is going to be better in bigger water. Personally, I don't fish big water so I would choose the VLO (plus I love BlueBasser's). The other thing to look at is maintenance on the dual axle with brakes. My current boat is a 16' Nitro; obviously no brakes and that thing is just a great little boat; hardly requires any maintenance at all. But I'm dying to see what you got!!! 1st to congratulate you!

20 or 30 lb Super Slick with a couple different fluoro leaders; Probably 12lb and 16-17lb.

I'd love to get him on one like that beast!^^

Never doubted ya for a minute! Don't listen to em Raider

Very well indeed! I feel more confident already. I think we will go a few weeks after ice out and I'll post some pics. Thank you.