Smokinal

I usually read "behind the music" style books; autobiographies of rock artists. I've read about Sammy Hagar, Pat Benetar, Steven Tyler, The Heroin Diaries by Nikki Sixx, Bruce Springsteen, Slash and many more. But I also enjoyed Mike Iaconelli's book and a book called Bass Madness by Ken Schultz. If you haven't read Bass Madness, and you enjoy tournament fishing, you would like it. It's a real eye opening look at the production of major tournaments.

Criss cross...just sayin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TxFJp7brcs

^^^These Bud. It's a short period of time and you will definitely be proud of yourself for giving it your all. Plenty of time to fish later. Don't wish you had tried harder on the mat. Believe me, don't leave that mat wishing you had tried harder.

Truthfully, it isn't the best line to use as it floats so you lose some depth, which can be important when deep crankin. I just cant stand fluoro, which sinks, and I love the no memory of braid. I use a fluoro leader and catch tons of fish on my braid so....

I use braid on my cranks. Dead serious.

Don't know as I'd waste too much time doing that because I feel I could catch em better in other ways but still pretty cool.

^^^Yup. I just placed an order from TW for those and all the stuff to make my own Jikas. I would have bought the pre-made ones but couldn't find the combo I wanted. Just as easy to make them up myself I guess and have the hook/weight combo I prefer.

I'm in the same situation you are in OP. I like a thin, warm, not too cumbersome glove. I use a liner like these: http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/60814?feat=liner-SR0&page=men-s-polartec-liner-gloves&attrValue_0=Black&productId=1025464 If it's really cold, I'll slip in a hand warmer but I usually don't need it. I have heard, but have not tried yet, a latex rubber glove under a liner glove like this works well too. I'll probably try that in the spring.

They are great looking jigs. I got mine about a month ago but never got to try them. Seem like great quality jigs.

I'm not being a smartalec when I say this but this is why I use SuperSlick and a fluoro leader. I read about everyone using fluoro and loving it so I thought I was being left out. I tried and tried with all the best fluoros money can buy. Needless to say I have a lot of leader material now. Braid is where it's at....don't buck it....feel the flow....harness the good, block out the bad....you pay your quarter and the carousel goes up and down, round and round....circular....all good things.

jika rigs

I saw those Texas Pliers and was leaning toward those anyway. Guess that seals the deal. Thanks guys. And I like your thinking too Hootie. I would think a pair that had the nub come down onto the bottom jaw would work easier than if it came down in front of it.

What brand do you all like? It's time I had a pair but I see many different styles out there.

I have been looking at new jigheads and noticed the ones ww2farmer uses, the VMC Rugby heads. My question is, when would you want a swinging hook and when would you want a fixed? Any disadvantage to just using a swinging hook all the time?

Merry Christmas my bassin family!

That's what I'm talking bout!

Made me smile reading this tonight. So glad to hear he's doing better.

Congrats man! That's great!

www.usabassin.com I've fished a few of these and think they are a nice starting point. They are professional and well run but smaller than most opens so not too many competitors. Still tough competition, which is what you want anyway.

^^^That's a nice 4444th post!

Hair jigs, blades and suspending jerkbaits would be my starters.

This is gonna be you OP...

I'm so sorry to hear about this accident Farmer. My thoughts and prayers are with you, him, and his family.

You left out the most important thing for cold water fishing...a good life jacket. You can dress up all you want but if you go over with all those clothes and boots, ain't no way you're going to stay afloat. We want to hear about your fishing stories when you arrive home brother.