RyanFishing

I would use a drop shot. That's what I mainly use sight fishing and I have had more success with it than any other sight fishing bait. There's just something about a worm sitting still in their face that they can't resist.

I would definitely look at the St. Croix Mojo Bass Glass series crankbait rods. Glass is a lot different but it's different in a great way for using crankbaits. The mojo glass is also an extremely sensitive rod and surprised me with how sensitive it was when I first started using it.

It depends on what waters you fish. Just match what the bass are eating as closely as you can and you should be good. Most of the colors are good and it'd be hard to go wrong.

I carry extra reels when fishing tournaments. I had a tournament where I destroyed two reels (not my fault just heavily used reels that died) in practice and had no back ups. Had to go to the local tackle shop and buy another when I had one at home. Now I just carry extra reels with me for every tournament. Also carry extra line in case I ever need to re-spool.

I definitely want to try more swimbaits. I've gotten a bunch over the past year or so and want to actually start fishing them more to be able to get confidence in them. I also want to try the new Legend Elite from St. Croix I've been looking at it and will probably be buying one soon so I'm definitely looking forward to that also.

If there's one bait that I am confident I could catch atl east a fish anytime throughout the year it's a dropshot. I have caught fish in every season on that bait.

I use oval split rings on all my crankbaits and tie direct. I used the snap a few times but didn't really like it. I also like retying my line often so I prefer to retie everytime I switch crankbaits.

I would say avids are the best rod for what you pay in that price range. Plus the normal Avids have a lifetime warranty which is also a bonus.

My favorite jerkbait is the Strike King KVD Jerkbait but for deeper fish I would recommend the Lucky Craft Staysee

Like said any of those options would be great reels. I have the Supreme, Supreme XT (which is an amazing reel if you can get it), the new President Limited Edition, and the normal President. They're all fantastic reels and you won't be disappointed with whatever one you choose to get.

One of my favorite is the Strike King KVD Jerkbait. My three go to colors are Pro Blue, Clear Ayu, and Chrome Blue. I also like the Lucky Craft Staysees for deeper applications. For those my two colors are Ghost Minnow and Chartreuse Shad.

I agree with most people saying braid with leader. I use 10# braid for my drop shot and super finesse stuff and then 20# with my heavier soft plastics and jerkbaits. I also change up leaders with anywhere from 6# fluoro to 15# fluoro depending on what I'm fishing.

Lipless!!! And jigs and drop shot. But lipless have been my go-to lure for the past month or so as it's gotten cold (I'm in Colorado so we're a little ahead of the warmer states).

Drop shot is by far my favorite rig and I fish it like Dave Jakes said. You can nearly use it in any way and catch fish and it definitely works when the bite is slow and they aren't biting much else.

Redeye Shad in sexy shad or baby carp and a drop shot have been the ticket for me lately with that temp water.

I use something like that. I fill a reel all the way with one type of line and I make as far of a cast that I can with the heaviest thing I will be using on that rod. Then I put a strip of electrical tape where the cast ended on the spool. Then when I need to replace the line I just go a few feet under the tape and retire to there and put the tape back on to know where I need to respool the next time. It works great and I'm only switching the line I need for making casts.

I love using jerkbaits with a spinning rod (and spinning reel). My by far favorite rid to use is 6'8" M XF. It's comfortable and easy to use and I feel I just have more control. I also use 15# braid with a real short 10-15# fluoro leader. With the braid I'm able to get more crisp movements of the bait on long casts. I'm also able to detect bites better and get a good hookset. My opinion would be to just go to a spinning setup.

1. Strike King Dream Shot in Green Pumpkin 2. Strike King 1.5 Squarebill in Tennessee Shad 3. Red Eye Shad Tungsten 2 Tap in Chart Sexy Shad 4. Weightless senko 5" green pumpkin 5. Strike King finesse spinnerbait in sexy shad

My best lure lately has been the new Strike King Redeye Shad Tungsten 2 Tap. It has been doing absolutely great for me recently!

Thanks everyone! And what type of paint do you use?

If you bought it from Dicks Sporting Goods then I think it's a Strike King Banshee series.

Thanks BigC and Jaw1!! I'll definitely check out the iwata airbrushes! Thanks for the advice!

I would highly suggest the St. Croix Avid or even the new Avid X. One of the the best if not the best rod for the money. They are great rods and have a plenty of backbone for the bigger fish. Also has a life time warranty for the Avid series which is a plus!

Awesome article! Will definitely take that information and try to apply it now! I have trouble because I go fishing alone a decent bit and have no one to take a picture for me.

I've tried carving fishing lures before and painting them with spray paint and it's fun but the final products aren't great. I actually want to get into it for real. I'm doing a school project and by the end of the year I have to have a final product which will be a fishing lure. I'm wondering what I need to start out. I'm assuming a air brush, but what kind? That's reasonably priced? And what epoxy do you use to seal the bait? Any tips and advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!