FryDog62

I actually think Ron didn’t like rock bass, but actually caught a lot of them incidentally. Out of his frustration grew the idea to keep one as a bonus. Red-Eyes forever!!

Yes, it’s 3 largest bass…. But you get a “Bonus” of weighing one rocky too. It was Ron Lindner’s favorite fish and in his honor, they added it as an extra weight opportunity. The tournament is on Gull with at least 5 billion rock bass, but you’d be surprised how many people forget to catch one and realize after weigh in and it’s too late. That extra pound can move you several places!

My award for finishing a distant 31st in last year’s charity tournament - is to be one of the poster boys for this year’s event. My 2 seconds of fame for being an extraordinarily average angler. Team “Earth, Wind and Fryer” are teed up to break the top 30 this year or bust!

Yes, what's the name of it? Or, yet to be released?

I was using 15 lb flouro mostly this past winter, but admittedly was probably not using the best rod for the technique (limited rod space when traveling). Am switching to a Zolo Dream and 12 lb fluoro for the smaller 1/4-3/8 oz chatterbaits. I do have a Chatterbound rod for 1/2-3/4 oz chatterbaits and 1/2 oz spinnerbaits (awesome rod btw) but that is with 17 lb fluoro and too heavy for the Mini Max. So it gets its own dedicated rod this year because I think the smaller bladed jig can be that good at times... just needs a beefier snap that's up to the task!

Yes my first 2 weren't good... but the next 4 went on much better once I figured out best angles to thread the clip on. My OCD required me to go back and re-do the first two. Pretty much mangled a thumb nail in the process, I'll have to hitch hike with the other hand for awhile lol.

Agreed, just noticed reviews on TW are critical of the snaps too. I think I speak for most that we would pay the extra nickel for a decent snap. Would still be able to buy 2 Mini Max for the price of one Jackhammer. And there are many days the bite size lure will outfish its big brother.

I think I saw it on this site too, but at least one other site have heard of more than a few breaking. I was in Florida this winter and had one literally break (not bend out) in grass. That was enough for me knowing that I’m coming back to the land of snot-rockets and scud-missiles!

They look good, but of course just bought a bunch of the Decoys...

I am changing out the much maligned stock snaps on 6 Chatterbait Mini Max lures that I have. I have some new 1.5 Decoy Egg Snaps and have changed a couple out with 4 to go. They are a BUGGER to put on! I have managed, using a hemostat to pull the open end through, but am concerned about damaging them in the process. There has to be a better way. Anyone have good/best practices that have worked for them?

I tied the FG knot for 2 seasons. But the last step of tying off with hitch knots, etc - I found the diameter in that specific area about the same if not larger than the Alberto knot. IMO, the FG is kind of a hot mess at the end and I know it's strong, but the lumped up hitch knots would catch on the guides occasionally - about as often as good old Alberto which is easier to tie and I've never had slip out.

Thanks Gim, I can attest that Lyme Disease is a complete nightmare. The CDC test for it is antiquated and works less than half the time. Untreated Lyme goes systemic and at that point there is no real way to treat it. My son is going on 5 years and will likely never be the same. My wife got it 3 years ago and it it attacked her whole immune system which basically shut down, loss of the use of her Thyroid, developed Graves Disease, then the Thyroid removal and then Thyroid Eye Disease (google Marty Feldman eyes). Bottom line is if you develop any symptoms (fatigue, joint aches, rash, heart palpitation, etc) go to a doctor and have them give you Doxycycline whether you test positive for Lyme or not. You have about 2-3 weeks to treat it with Doxy before it goes systemic and then you're screwed.

Top half of the water column - Caffeine Shad on Owner Twistlock Light hook. Bottom half/near the bottom - Neko or shaky head.

Pre-spawn, shallow flats the Hybrid Junior works very well. Might dive a little less than its big brother, and resists emerging vegetation this time of year fairly well.

The only other item I would recommend for C-rigging is to add a "Bump Itz" at the very top of the rig. It's like a big soft rubber bobber stop to keep you from reeling in too far and damaging the top guide of your rod. I routinely see people C-rigging, that due to the extra long leader that's hard to cast, reel way up to the tip and do damage. I've done it too, these help a lot ~ https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Jethro_Baits_Bump-Itz_Shock_Beads_12_pk/descpage-JBBIZ.html

I have narrowed to these 3 rods (Mini Max primary use, light Texas-rigs second): Dobyns Sierra 703c ALX Zolo Dream Falcon Expert I have a credit at an online retailer, seeing what availability they have might determine final choice.

How would it be as a secondary use for lighter Texas rigs - 3/16-3/8 oz? I'm thinking a bit too moderate action...

Yes, Decoy Egg Snap 1.5 ?

Looking for suggestions on a baitcasting rod for tossing 1/4 and 3/8 oz Mini Max Chatterbaits. Not too concerned about budget at this point, just trying to get the right action. Ideally would like to also use the rod for T-rigs, but not critical. Top of mind, the slightly softer tipped Dobyns Sierra line up comes to mind in maybe 703, 733, or possibly 734. Not set on Dobyns but the action of that rod is somewhat unique. I have an Alpha Angler Chatterbound for bigger (1/2-3/4oz) Chatterbaits and Spinnerbaits. What else are people liking for the Mini Max?

I bought chocks off Amazon, they work too and fun other uses for them around the garage. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0006PJNVQ?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

I've had the Dobyns 740, Phenix Feather 7'1" Light and TFO Tactical and Expride BFS. For bass fishing, I found the Dobyns too light to pull through around any type of cover, and seemed under-powered to throw 1/5 oz Ned. The Expride and TFO were too powerful to be able to throw 3/32-1/8 oz Ned or 1/16th oz hair jig. In the middle of this bunch was the Phenix Feather - seems to work all round the best for me. There are others I would like to try (ALX Aura, Raison 67mmm) but I like the Phenix and also prefer a rod at least 7 feet long to get extra distance with lighter lures.

Due to several wrist surgeries I had to pretty much switch to all baitcasting - with the exception of a drop-shot rod. It's just easier to impart finesse/tip action of drop-shotting using more of your finger tips (spinning) versus wrist/arm (baitcasting). If it weren't for that, I would be all 20 setups with a baitcaster thanks to BFS.

Nice fish - pay homage to the yak gods too !!

I usually get 2 years - and then reverse the braid and get another 2 years…