evilcatfish

I've got $15 swimbaits and others that cost 15 times that. They all have their time and place. Otherwise, just buy what you can afford and get after it, most all work

Thanks, I knew the spools were interchangeable and didn't even think to make the connection haha

Hey all, Posted this in another group but haven't gotten any responses. I'm getting ready to order one of the new Tatula 100 reels and will also be ordering ZPI spool bearings to match. Can anyone tell me if they are 3/10/4 and 3/8/4 like other Tatulas? I usually go off the Boca or Hedgehog site but it appears they haven't been updated with the new Tat yet. Guessing they are the same but want to be sure before ordering. Thanks!

I've used the live target craw and it definitely catches fish, but not any better than other similar size/color cranks

I find 3/8oz arky head and 1/2oz football heads cover most of my jig fishing needs. I really don't think you can go wrong on color as long as you have confidence in it

New Siebert jigs!

This is what it's all about, be nice to people and they'll probably be nice to you!

I use braid on my frog and punch/flip/ap heavy combos, then fluoro on my jig n worm rod. The others are all spooled with mono, whether it be a finesse or heavy swimbait combo. P-line Pf has been my long time favorite but I've recently been turned on the sunline super natural as well. I love the way mono fishes and the fact that I can respool a lot without breaking the bank.

I haven't fished Sinking Creek but the Current River provides good smallmouth fishing. You may want to check out the Ozark Anglers forums for some better info http://forums.ozarkanglers.com/forums/

I've become a big fan of the tackle hd craws. Very realistic and pretty durable. For something more economical, the yum craw bug is a solid choice

Are you using the backpack for bank fishing, and will therefore be wearing it a lot? If so, I'd actually consider bringing less gear as opposed to buying a pack that holds more. Around 5 years ago I decided I needed a bigger pack and got one of those fancy wild river ones so I could carry more stuff with me. I loved it at first but after a while I came to realize I was just limiting my mobility with a heavy, packed to the brim backpack, and wasn't using most of the stuff in it anyway. Nowadays, I stick with a smaller hip/sling type bag with a couple Plano boxes/plastics bags of what I'll need for the day, but of course with some backups in the car. Sorry, this probably wasn't what you wanted to hear...

I'm not big on spinning reels, but I picked up a Legalis this summer and it has performed well beyond my expectations at its price point. Also, while I've never fished one, I've heard nothing but positive remarks about the BG

Its from a company called "Basszone" and I ordered it from Thailand on ebay. Fit and finish is just as good as the much more expensive Daiwa/RCS carbon handles, though you'll need a couple extra shims to get the wiggle out of the knobs if you don't use the ones that come on it

If you like Hayabusa hooks, it appears that TW has their entire stock on sale. I've come to really like their stuff, well made https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-HAYABTT.html?from=basres

Can't go wrong with Nichols, Pepper, or Revenge. All 3 come in nice gill patterns and feature quality components. If you go Nichols, I'd consider buying direct as they will gladly build any of their baits in whatever color configuration you like, nice folks too

New frog/pitching reel: SV103XS, w/ ZPI spool bearings, 100mm carbon fiber handle, and Megabass Hyper knobs (2 bearings per) Not sure what else I may do to it other than getting a super tune this winter.

Can't say I've used it, but as A fan of their fluoro and mono, I'd love to hear your feedback once you've fished it some.

I've yet to truly simplify my plastic selection, but roboworms, tubes, old monsters, hazedongs, and sweet beavers cover 99% of my soft bait needs. And despite having several colors of each, I could throw out all but 2-3 of each and be set. *this doesn't include swimbaits though

Awesome rods, but I bet your bank account is mad at you right now! Haha

Same here. I love these hooks and with the setup I use, leaving the tip buried in the plastic has never presented a hookup issue.

I tried resisting the tackle warehouse sale temptation, but ended up spending at least enough to get free shipping

Regular, Jr, or the new Mega, I don't think you can go wrong. Crawler baits drive the fish nuts. Ive been using this one from deps recently, was intimidating at first, but that's how big baits are https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Deps_NZ_Crawler_Topwater_Walking_Bait/descpage-DPNZC.html

Personally, I've gotten away from leaders and pretty much run straight mono, floro, or braid. I'm really OCD when it comes to knots, and having both connecting and line to lure knots is too much for me to handle. I definitely recognize the advantage leaders can offer, but when I use them I spend more time fiddling with line than fishing haha

With Labor Day sales upon us the bait monkey on my back is growing heavier

Rod and reel covers are a must. Also, make sure everything is well secured in the bed. I once had a tool box that I thought was secure come loose when I swerved to avoid a turtle and it absolutely destroyed a spinning combo. Now adays i drive an SUV though, I hear way to many stories of folks having stuff stolen from pickups. I know a guy who had a cooler taken not long ago while he was grabbing beef jerky at a gas station, in broad daylight.