FryDog62

Tough recovery process, but I like to hear she plans on fishing next Spring. Is she right handed? If so, she at least has her dominant arm to help her get along until the left heals..

Sorry to hear Gim, and that had to be a long tough drive from Baudette to the metro area. Thoughts and prayers to your mom for speedy healing!

I'm a Tatsu and Sniper user for the most part. I'd say that Tatsu is about 10% better in terms of manageability than Sniper for twice the price. Yes, Tatsu should only cost 10% more - but for certain applications - I'll spend the extra 100% in cost for 10% better manageability.

This is the differentiator. Some guys just seem to have a nose for where the fish and how to land on them… consistently better than the rest.

I use fluorocarbon primarily for its sink rate and abrasion resistance. I prefer it for light, slow sinking lures like wacky worms and Ned’s. Not braid to a fluorocarbon leader though, straight fluoro. Because about half the bites come on the initial fall, you need a straight line of all fluorocarbon to get a good hook set. If you are braid to leader - the braid floats while the fluorocarbon tries to sink. You end up with a “hockey stick” shaped line that makes it very difficult to A) detect a bite, and B ) properly set the hook. I also like fluorocarbon when casting swim jigs, football jigs, spinnerbaits and Chatterbaits because of abrasion resistance. It slides easier in and around weed cover and doesn’t get chewed up as much scraping across rocks as braid does.

Have been tracking Digitaka and Asian Portal for stock in the Megabass P5 Destroyer Oneten Stick F4 65X but it has been some time since they have had any. JDM Tackle Heaven has them in stock, but it's an extra $60 for shipping from them. Anyone have any other reputable site suggestions that are selling this rod for approximately $350 USD - and have it in stock? TIA

I use #5’s in Minnesota and Canada for smallmouth in Canadian Shield lakes with little to no weed cover. Gold or Silver depending on if the water is clear or stained. I use a #3 down South for largemouth and Spots when using FFS. Silver or Blue Platium if a Herring lake.

but the biggest drawback is... lack of speed..

So my wife actually ended up with the new kayak… I still get the old one. Happy wife, happy life 👍

It’s powered by the battery to my new pacemaker after I told my wife! 🌩️

Pulling legs here… But told my wife I found a use for our tax refund and I bought a second kayak. She shot me “the look” when I showed her the picture. Told her being the great guy that I am, that she can have my old one. We’re speaking again, but she has asked twice now - “You’re kidding right?”

Bought my new dream kayak, 250 Yammy on the back

I found this one on land at Bull Shoals… same message I think

A new, sub-surface “no fishing” sign..?

Yes, Matt is a top-notch guide and a good guy too. Having emceed the Thorne Bros tournament the day before didn’t hurt his knowledge base either. He interacted with the top competitors quite a bit including Easton Fothergill.

He’s setting the hook with 15 lb. Big Game on a biggun up there somewhere right now!

There are weed guard "whiskers" on the top and bottom of the Jackall which should make it better in cover, the jack has an open/exposed hook. I haven't fished the Jackall, but others have said if you fish it with common sense, it is one of the more weedless offerings out there. It is smaller in size and more finesse style, so if you want a larger, bigger thumping bladed jig go with jack.

I think both videos above do a good job pointing out the obvious and subtle differences. In short, the Jackall is much more snag-proof and finessy, especially around wood. Jack has exposed hook and is larger in profile for deeper water.

Provided you use the right hook - the best river current lure I've used by far is a 5 inch Caffeine Shad. Most hooks are just meh... But on the right hook - it travels with the current, tail moves, swims on its own, a few light twitches and continues, etc. Owner Twistlock LIGHT hook in 4/0.

1/8 seems really light, not sure I’d go lower than 1/4 or 3/8.

Tell me the sizes/weights you use and which techniques work best. Second, if you have a link where you buy them (PM if you prefer). Thx!

I mentioned this on another thread… But when I get tired of shaking a jig and minner, many times I switch over to a Mepps #3 on a ML BFS rod and do the Livescope thing. Works great!

A good video… a couple takeaways: •The weedless “whiskers” on top and bottom might make this fairly snag-feee in wood. But I think the “Fine” (1/8, 1/4 oz) might rest on top of branches better and prevent from getting deeply buried. Just have to work it slower than a heavier brush jig. •I would consider buying a few of these to experiment, but at $20-30 a piece, I’d definitely gulp every time I toss it into a thick lay down. • I’d like to see how the heavier 1/2 oz size works and thumps in mid and deeper water. That was originally what I was looking for with something between the Mini Evo and standard bladed jig size. •He has me convinced to try the 1/4 oz size as a replacement or at least complement to a traditional blade bait when the water gets super cold.

Just found this YouTube from MikeyBallz although he doesn’t specifically cover that Jackall lure until half way through the 8 minute video.

I don't believe so, there is a dual weed guard on top though...