jderry

I was just going out to kill some time and managed to catch three (kinda) last night. I was using a Strike King 3/8 black/blue swim jig with a Rage Lobster and a Strike King Bleed 1/4 jig similar color with a ribbon tail worm. On the second fish, I noticed that my worm came off the jig, noticed a black looking tail sticking out of it's throat and thought maybe it ripped the tail off and wanted rest of the jig. I gave it a small pull with some forceps and what looks to a shiner came out. These fish fought pretty d**n good for being the size they are, both broke water hitting the jigs and multiple times on the retrieves.

I have been using the Mustad Fastach clips with and without their ball bearing swivels. Seem to work decently

I am not complaining as they are fun to catch, but less fun to "un-catch" than a large mouth! The first one is smaller, was caught on a Strike King 3/8oz Jig The second was bigger (8" long pliers for reference) was caught on a Strike King Sexy Swimmer

The reel is good for the money for sure, the rod is okay. If you're new to a baitcaster it's a good setup to learn on. The reel was easy to dial in. And in the case that the person new to bait casting likes it, they can just get a decent rod and use the BM2 on it.

My favorite rods I have used were all 7', so maybe I will go in the middle of the 7'3" and 6'8" and get a 7' again

I don't really have the need for 5 setups right now, as I don't have a boat, but I am looking for a "jack of all trades" setup. I have a Lews LH 6.8:1 reel lined up, I am looking into a duckett rod. I am thinking the 7'3" MH ghost would be a decent choice. Any suggestions?

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Zerust-Capsules/711207.uts?productVariantId=1601527&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=35-252530957-2&WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=30036576&rid=20 This is the one I got. They're only $3 here so quite a good deal compared to retail. I may go get a few extras.

Each tray? I might try it. It kinda replaces a lure I could store in each, but might be worth the protection. I do have 10 trays though...

My local wally world has these on sale for $3 so I figured wth might as well grab two. I got one for each box, but my only question is does this help if you're using a box that holds tackle trays? Can I just put it in the bottom tray? Will it protect the above trays this way?

Not sure on the weight of the two larger ones I have caught, but they were definitely fun! I am looking to try for some smallies soon. Maybe go out to the Huron River

Other than bass. Also got a few good catfish and bullhead, not any good pics though

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I just started fishing this year so I have been trying to experiment to see what styles and lures I like and work where I live. I have been trying to catch different species as well. No trophy fish, but some decent ones for my first year!

I wound up ordering a Fire 30 for just under 40 tmd. I'll review it. Seems like a decent light weight reel for the money. I paid 15 for the optix and it has been one of my favorites. I use it over my penn fierce just for the weight difference.

I got my Plano Soft sider X today. Very nice bag, glad I got it over the regular soft sider

How do you guys like it? Does it bend the arms enough to damage them?

I have a Optix 30 that I use on a 7' M Ugly Stik GX2. I have caught many fish with it, ranging from a 10 lb carp to a 5.5 lb largemouth. Recently I have noticed there is some slop in the handle, back and forth play without turning the rotor. It looks like the little plastic gear in the handle has some excessive play in it. Are there any metal replacements for these handles? If I replace it I think I want to try a higher end Quantum, but still under $50. Anyone have any luck with the Fire or Qvex?

I went with a 3600 softsider. I got it on sale at TW and got a bunch of other stuff I have wanted too! Free shipping is always nice

What do you guys use? I'm not looking to spend a ton, just something to use when I don't feel like carrying my entire box shore fishing.

How does one use these with a trailer still? It seems like the keeper would be much less effective?

So I have a few strike king swim jigs. They're all pretty nice. But some of my tour grade kvd ones have two rattle chambers in a collar near the trailer keeper. I have noticed I'll get more fish on these with the same color and even same trailer. Does anyone sell these collars I could put on existing jigs without buying all kvd tour grade? Any help is appreciated!

I agree. I caught this perch and this bass on the same lure I have nailed more 3+ lbers on small worms than I have on larger jigs or swim baits.

I have had a lot of luck with K&E stopper lures but want to catch something bigger, does anyone make something similar but larger?

Thanks for the help! I figured I would be okay with losing a small bit of total drag to have a nice smooth setup. The upgrade is so easy I would recommend it to anyone with a spinning reel that has clutches available. On a side note, the old felt washers seemed to be oiled, is it okay to grease those or do they make oil for them? I may take my junk Shakespeare reel apart and do some maintenance this weekend

I just got my Penn Fierce 3000 to go onto my 7 foot Ugly Stik GX2. I have the HT-100 clutches to upgrade it. Should I grease them with some Cal's universal or install dry. Penn says it is preference. A lot of people suggest it will make it a lot smoother while sacrificing a pound or two of drag.