evilcatfish

How about the Daiwa DX Type LT frog rod? I've heard positive things and the price is right

Rat fishing has been really productive for me over the years, can catch both numbers and size. Not sure why the Bassmaster site didn't specify, but the rat Kerr fished was a Woodrow Rat

I don't do a ton of punching, but when I do, I like a compact bait without any flappy appendages. Gambler Cricket, Reins Ring Craw and a Smallie Beaver all do good for me. It still feels a little weird rigging a small bait on a heavy duty hook with a big weight, but it works

Man, fish arrow isn’t even trying to come up with a stealthy or clever name, just putting it out there NFG style. I want some of these now

Pretty much a vertical drop. Which Jackall bait does this? I know the Yamamoto ika does

I have used all 3 sizes and they definitely get bit. The bait is designed to be fished weightless with a ewg hook, bumped or stroked along the bottom. With the thick profile and heavy salt content, it casts really easy, like a fat/squat senko. There are some videos about it on Youtube. I saw somewhere that its a hot bait on lake Biwa where they will fish it deep but still weightless, initially waiting several minutes for it to settle to the bottom

In my experience with weed less hudds a heavier and or less moderate rod, and low stretch line helps. Also, I typically laugh at super hard/dramatic hook sets, but with a weed less hudd you gotta put the hammer down. Above said, I no longer buy any Huddleston products.

I've heard fishing is pretty hot that at the moment, but I'm not heading up until June 6. Seems there could be spawn, post spawn, and a few pre spawn fish at the time. Will be prepared to adapt as needed. When you were up was the boat traffic heavy as in a lot of people fishing or otherwise?

There is another maker out of California who does a similar jig, but the name escapes me at the moment. Hopefully another member can chime in. The skinny bear is a little more heavy duty than the Iovino jigs were, but good quality Edit: Check out Mr. B lures.

I've had a Fuego 2500 LT for a while now and have had zero issues aside from having to add a washer to fix the line lay issue. Looking forward to bringing it to with me to Sturgeon Bay in a few weeks

Unfortunately it is made in Thailand. I got all excited for this reel but at that price I’ll just get another steez

I'll be heading up to Door County next month, really looking forward to it

Siebert Outdoors and Jig Shack

I use grubs on a t rig quite a bit, mostly 5” size. Great option when the fish are being finicky

I try to keep it flush but will skin hook if I’m in grass or other cover

Very nice. I recently picked up the new Steez A HLC but was very close to pulling the trigger on a Morethan

Have you considered the loomis imx 723? Loomis and st croix used to make a nice variety of shorter rods, but the selection is limited now. Could keep an eye out for used/vintage rods. If you look at JDM rods there are a lot of shorter options out there, though even in Japan it seems preference is to slightly longer rods than in the past

Found a good deal and finally pulled the trigger on a "real" Evergreen but about had a heart attack when DHL dropped it off Friday. The tube looked liked it snapped in two places, was repaired and sent along its way. Much to my surprise the rod was intact. Looks like the sender patched a few pieces of cardboard tube together for shipping. I honestly can't believe the rod made it, this cardboard wasn't much thicker than the tube inside a roll of wrapping paper. Otherwise, this rod feels amazing in hand and can't wait to get it on the water

Personally a big fan of marabou jigs in the winter. Nothing fancy, just the one's from Kalin's or the cheap crappie ones

I have no experience with the Veritas, but do have a few Nanoace rods and feel they are the best rods at their price point, at least in my experience that is. When choosing, just keep in mind the rods fish a little lighter than similar power ratings from other companies. For instance, I have the 6'9" medium drop shot rod and it fishes like a medium light.

How about a Dobyns Sierra 684c, or maybe a St Croix Mojo 68MHF?

I like the tubes from Right Bite https://baitandlures.com/product/salted-tubes-2-1-2

I was a big fan of the Iovino Starburst and Football jigs and sad to see them go. Will definitely be checking out the companies mentioned above, thanks all. Oh and a note on the Skinny Bear jigs, they are more heavy duty/substantial than the Iovino Starburst. They are still great jigs though

You mean hook keeper? Most megabass and other Japanese rods don’t come with one. That’s why Fuji and other companies sell the little ones you attach with an o ring

Pretty sure its a Nichols. Best spinners out there in my opinion