masterbass

True, could be carp. We managed to catch 2 little smallies between us and I got a catfish on a spinnerbait. We did cover some water so I thought we'd do better. Figured they would be in pre-spawn mode. Last spring and the year before we killed them in the same areas. Going to give it a go this weekend and see if it gets better.

My buddy's fish finder is pretty old, but it was marking fish. The river was pretty dirty from rains though.

I realize that they go hand in hand, but if you had to rank technique vs bait which is more important in your opinion. I had one of those days when I threw everything but the kitchen sink and couldn't buy a bite. After several hours I start to lose confidence and patience. And then I question if it's just my technique.

7'4" mojo bass glass is mine

Dobyns dx743 with t-3 ballistic 8.1 ratio.

For sure dx743 and dx744. The 3rd idk

I have the 8.1 ratio and love it. What upgrades do I need to make this reel throw lighter lures?

I think the real question is what would you rather have: a $300 rod or reel? I don't think it's realistic to believe anyone would put a $30 reel on an nrx or a metanium on an ugly stick. So I'd rather have the $300 rod.

Who builds their own rods at home? Is it difficult? Can you get more rod for your money doing this?

I have the casting 7' mh and I really like it. I would use yours for the same stuff: jigs, t rigs, senkos, spinnerbaits. Very versatile rod and sensitive. I really like the actions on the carbonlite. Out of curiosity, do you use casting gear? Because for me I'd prefer a mh rod in casting. Usually my spinning rods are ml or med.

I don't recommend the skeet rod. Dead in my hands.

Agreed, beats working. I guess sometimes live bait just can't be beat. I still prefer the challenge of figuring out the pattern and making a fish bite with artificials. I used to "like" fishing when I used to use night crawlers and shiners, but after I was turned on to artificial baits I love it.

I had a frustrating day yesterday at the river fishing from shore. I threw just about everything in my tackle box and could only manage 1 fish. Meanwhile people around me soaking night crawlers and live minnows were pulling in fish. I was actually a little embarrassed with my 50lb tackle bag and expensive rods/reels (I took 5 set ups) and meanwhile some drunk college kids fishing with their walmart combos were catching them with shiners. I'm not putting down walmart combos or cheaper gear, I just felt a little foolish with my megabass xx and dx 743 and I could only manage 1 little bass. Has this ever happened to you?

I also use long leaders (7'+). It goes through the guides with no problem.

I like the 30 size

That explains it...I'm 5' 10". Great rod though. I just got it over Christmas and it's my go to senko, light t-rig rod.

Nice, I have the same rod and love it. I haven't thought about using it for spooks because I thought it might be too long for walking. Do you snap the tip down or sideways?

I just want to vent a little. Yesterday I lost a red eye shad and a rc stx jerkbait. It gets me a sick to my stomach throwing money away. That is all.

Thanks.

thanks guys

I prefer the vmc spinshot dropshot hooks over traditional dropshot set ups. I just use improved clinch knots on both ends.

When do you guys throw one? Is it usually a fall thing? I finally got a rod that can handle it and itching to try it.

Is there a difference between the zara spook and super spook? I bought a super spook last week and looked at the package and it doesn't mention zara anywhere. Maybe a stupid question.

Get a pflueger trion spinning reel for $30. Great reel for bass and catfishing.

Improved clinch seems to work for me too. With braid the palomar or double palomar are easy and dependable knots.